TORONTO — CTV will air a two-hour nighttime Santa Claus parade special this year, featuring remote performances from an array of artists, including Dolly Parton.
The broadcaster says the "Original Santa Clause Parade" was pre-taped over three days on a closed route at Canada's Wonderland, and without spectators, in order to adhere to local COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
CTV normally airs the parade live-to-tape.
Guest performers for the nationally televised special on Dec. 5 also include Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge, as well as Meghan Trainor.
Reggae star Shaggy will perform with Markham, Ont.-born actress-turned-singer Aviva Mongillo, known by her stage name Carys.
Edmonton's Ruth B. and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra will also be among the performers on the Christmas-themed broadcast, while Melissa Grelo of "The Social" and Kelsey McEwen of "Your Morning" will host.
The guest stars pre-taped their appearances from their respective base cities, including Nashville, Los Angeles and Toronto.
This year's parade takes place at night for the first time and will feature 25 floats, eight marching bands, and other "holiday magic including the beloved celebrity clowns," CTV said.
Front-line workers will also be recognized with their own float tribute.
The broadcast will also feature season’s greetings from celebrities around the world, including superstars Tyra Banks, Sting, Sam Smith, Pentatonix, Ty Dolla $ign and homegrown country singer Brett Kissel.
The "Original Santa Clause Parade" airs at 7 p.m. ET. on Dec. 5, with an encore presentation at 1 p.m. on Dec. 12.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2020.
The Canadian Press
