Christmas eve on the lake returns to Toronto

Locals of Toronto found Christmas quiet in 2013 when a 35 year tradition ended. The Wangi Queen boat had taken Santa around the lake every Christmas eve but when the boat was sold, “Santa on the lake” couldn’t continue. This year, Ray White Toronto have sponsored the event to bring it back to life.

“As a lifelong resident of Toronto I grew up with Santa on the lake and it was really sad to see it come to an end,” Said Ray White Toronto principal, Paul Wrigley.

“It was always a local tradition to go down to the parks around the lake on Christmas eve and wait for Santa.

“The boat would slowly make its way around the lake, stopping in at jetties to throw off lolly bags for the kids. Santa would jump off the boat at some of the lakeside parks as a treat for the little ones, it was a time when the community really came together and it was sorely missed last year,” he said.

In a bid to make a comeback, the man who dressed as Santa Claus for all those years approached Ray White for sponsorship.

“I received a letter asking for support and I thought this was definitely something worth investing in. Our office already had a partnership in place with the Toronto Rotary club and a Rotarian kindly offered the use of his boat.

“We’ve organised for the PA system and another business has donated 3000 lolly bags for the kids,” Paul explains.

As the news of Santa on the lake’s resurgence spreads, the community of Toronto is getting ready for a big comeback.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to is so excited that the tradition has returned. So many people mentioned how quiet Christmas was last year without it and we’re proud to be able to bring Santa back,” Paul said.

Giving the assurance that this isn’t a one-off event, Paul says Ray White Toronto will continue to support the event in years to come.

“It’s too big a part of the community to let go, we’ll make sure Santa on the lake returns every year.

“We look forward to seeing everyone down at the lake again!”