Enhancing the Santa Claus Parade Experience

Text by Sonya Davidson (Photo Courtesy of: The Santa Claus Parade / BNOTIONS and SE3D Interactive)

The kids are getting super excited for Santa's arrival. This weekend marks the 109th annual Santa Claus Parade in Toronto. It's actually the longest running Santa parade in the world! Remember those upside-down clowns?

A few of the elves have managed to squeeze me in for a quick interview with Santa! Plus, I have a few app recommendations that may come in handy during parade day! 

So, Santa....iPhone or Android? 

No preference, although I have an Android, but I do leave almost everything "techy" to the elves and Mrs. Claus -- But occasionally I do play with a few apps!

What's apps do you have on your mobile device? 

I love using the SantaSnaps app– it is the fun addition for the Holidays and I love adding fun features to Mrs. Claus' face!  Another favourite app is the SantaParade app which allows all of the little boys and girls to track my route and when you shake your phone – jingle bells ring! 

Who does Santa follow on Twitter? 

I'm so busy, that I don't have time for Twitter these days! Plus I leave that up to the elves and Mrs. Claus. 

In 140 characters, or less, what message would you like to get out to boys and girls around world? 

Think happy thoughts....be helpful to others... wear a smile...mind your manners.

Any favourite video games? 

I don't have a favourite — but I hope that the little boys and girls get out and enjoy the outside games as much as they can!

What can't you leave home without? 

My bells and long underwear! 

Wow! Me too! But I'm sure you're getting lots of cookies again...so, I'm going to make something different. Any cravings? 

The odd Perogie with sour cream.

Um...have I been naughty or nice this year?

Nice, everyone is on Santa's nice list! 

Did the elves mention what I wanted for Christmas?

Of course they did, the elves keep track of all gift requests!

Is it an XBOX ONE?

You will have to wait until Christmas morning to see what I will bring.

 There are great apps that can help families enhance their parade experience so check these out and load them onto your devices before you head out!

The official Toronto SANTA PARADE app helps parents and kids track where Santa is on the parade route. Through the GPS system parents can confidently answer "where's Santa now?" and estimate if there's enough time to run to the washroom or grab a hot chocolate. The app also features fun "jingle bells"sounds that are activated with a shake of the phone. 

SANTASNAPS allows you to play with fun, 3D characters and objects like sticking a red nose on your images or photobomb your friends with dancing elves! 

iPhoto for iOS ($4.99) Photobooks & Panorama Prints (iOS -- new) This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with a personalized gift that captures the year's best memories - including your Santa experience -with iPhoto for iOS. iPhoto for iOS lets you create a personalized photo book or order your favorite photo as a print (in poster size or even panorama) right from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.  Enhance your pictures with Multi-Touch tools that let you adjust colour and exposure, and apply beautiful photo effects. Create custom slideshows that you can pause, rewind and fast-forward using touch gestures - to relive the parade again at home with the kids. Order professional-quality prints in traditional sizes or as square prints, posters and stunning wide-format panoramas. You can even turn your favourite photos into gorgeous hardcover photo books using just a few taps and swipes on your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

Snap all your photos during the parade and when you get home create some fun photos collages by using FOTORUS.  Remember to share them on Instagram and Facebook with your friends and family!

FIND MY FRIENDS app is perfect if you're planning to meet up with friends and family members while navigating the parade route. Perfect for tracking everyone during the parade. Have you seen the thousands out there? 

Oh, and of course, make sure your battery is charged up and ready go!