BRAMPTON — As parades go, the 2014 Brampton Board of Trade’s (BBOT) Santa Claus Parade, had it all – lights, music, colour and Christmas spirit.

Many Bramptonians that grew up watching the grand spectacle with their family and friends relived the moments with their children and grandchildren at this year’s event.

Families armed with strollers, chairs, hot beverages and snacks settled down the stretch of Main Street, Saturday, Nov. 15 to take in the colourful caravan of floats and to catch the first glimpse of the Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.

The arrival of Santa Claus in his sleigh caused a flurry of excitement among the throngs of people bundled up in layers. The nighttime temperature hovered below 0C.

Some 180,000 people showed up for one of Canada’s best night parades.

Hundreds of thousands lights added magic and cheer. Sixteen bands and 40 floats winded their way along down the downtown core.

The parade began with the customary march of the marshals and other dignitaries, some of who sat in horse-drawn carriages, while others waved from classic cars.

Floats after floats wowed the crowds with their ingenuity and creativity.

The mood of the crowd shifted instantaneously when strains of Let It Go from Disney’s Frozen pierced the air. Children squealed in delight while adults watched indulgently. Several groups hit the right chord with their Frozen-themed floats atop of which perched princesses – Elsa and Anna.

Elves, princesses, snowmen and queens interacted with the wide-eyed children. Many local Brampton businesses and organizations sponsored special gigantic balloons that bobbed in the air.