Hundreds of families lined the streets of Hamilton yesterday to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

The city turned into a winter wonderland as the MarketPlace 2016 Santa Claus Parade filled the air with Christmas cheer.

Floats, some spewing plumes of artificial snow, dancers, bikers, Gombeys, and majorettes in full regalia entertained the crowds as Christmas music blared.

“This is the start to the Christmas season,” said Brendell Hayward, who was watching the parade with her daughters Kinra, 4, and SaVana, 14, on Front Street.

“I’ve been coming since I was little — we come every year. It’s just getting ready for the holiday season and this is a nice family outing.”

The parade has also become a tradition for Vicki Benevides and her family, who found their spot on Par-la-Ville Road.

“There’s so few things to do in Bermuda,” said Ms Benevides, who brought Ethan, 9, Payton, 5, and Isabella, 5, along.

“When there’s something somewhat kid-orientated, you want to take advantage of that.”

Chris Smith has also come every year since his son, Sanchez, was born. “I like to see him enjoying himself,” he said. “I take him, let him see it and get excited.”

The Gombeys are a firm favourite for six-year-old Sanchez, who also enjoys “getting the candies”.

Kaylani Simmons was also eagerly awaiting the start of the parade with her family on Front Street. “I really like the dancing,” said the 11-year-old, who dances with DanceSations herself.

Chloe Botelho, who found a spot at the bottom of Burnaby Street with her extended family, was also looking forward to seeing the dancers.

“I like that everyone comes together and watches the parade and sees all the dancers and Santa Claus,” she said. But she added that seeing Santa is her favourite part.

While the event has become a tradition for some families, others had never experienced it.

“This is my first time so I’m excited,” Erin Jackson said. “Even though I’ve lived here 26 years, I’ve never made it to the Santa Claus Parade.”

While the Lotus Bermuda Aerial Team showcased their suspended dance skills, Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club members captivated paradegoers with daring demonstrations.

The Somerset Brigade Band filled the air with Christmas music, while scores of In Motion School of Dance and DanceSations students were among the dancing troupes who performed.

Traditional sponsor MarketPlace pulled out all the stops with its floats, which heavily featured Disney characters. On board their specially themed float, Bermuda’s version of Olaf, Anna and Elsa from the much-loved film Frozen delighted children, as did the Star Wars characters who waved from their float. And of course Santa — the man himself — proved to be a definite highlight on board his float complete with sleigh and reindeer. Awestruck children waved excitedly as MarketPlace staff handed out candies to the crowd.