Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been to countless events, Santa Claus parades are the perfect way to bring a family and community together just in time for the holidays. Enjoy whimsical floats, local entertainment and special guests, including Santa!
Most parades take place rain, snow or shine, so bundle up in warm clothes, hats, gloves and scarves and consider bringing chairs and blankets.
Check out one or more Santa Claus parades in Ontario.
Greater Toronto Area
The Original Toronto Santa Claus Parade
The Original Toronto Santa Claus Parade is one of the oldest in the world. It is returning to the streets of Toronto this year to delight and entertain thousands of spectators.
Witness dazzling parade floats, bands, marchers, and, of course, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will make a guest appearance to close out the celebration. Experience the Toronto Santa Claus parade in-person or view it on TV stations such as CTV and CP24.
Public transit is highly recommended for the parade, though limited paid street parking may be available around the area.
Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.
Location and route: The parade starts at Christie Pits Park and travels east along Bloor Street. It then travels south on St. George Street, east along Hoskin Avenue, south along University Avenue, east along Wellington Street, south on Yonge towards Union Station, east along Front Street and ends at Jarvis Street near the St. Lawrence Market in downtown Toronto.
Mississauga Santa Claus Parade
Mississauga’s new Santa Claus parade will be held in the city’s downtown area, in conjunction with the annual Light Up the Square celebration. With the theme “Shine Bright, Sauga,” expect bright, colourful lights and a diverse array of cultures and holiday traditions on display during the parade.
Enjoy the official lighting of the 10 metre-tall Christmas tree, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and holiday experiences across Celebration Square.
Public parking is available around downtown Mississauga.
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Location and route: The parade starts at Living Arts Drive at Rathburn Road West and heads south to City Centre Drive until Kariya Gate, near Square One Shopping Centre.
Brampton Santa Claus Parade
Dozens of parade floats glide through the city streets during the Brampton Santa Claus Parade. Santa’s helpers travel along the parade route to pick up kids’ letters to Santa ahead of Christmas.
Some parking is available around the parade route.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Location and route: From Central Park Drive and Bramalea Road, the parade travels north along Bramalea Road, east along North Park Drive and ends at Jordan Boulevard in Brampton.
York, Durham and Headwaters
Whitchurch-Stouffville Santa Claus Parade
Brightly lit floats make their way down Main Street during the Whitchurch-Stouffville Santa Claus Parade. From reindeer and polar bears to fire trucks and steam trains, and of course, Santa Claus himself, there are lots of fun sights to see at this event. Santa’s elves will be collecting letters for Santa, so don’t forget to bring your letters.
Some on-street paid parking is available near the parade route in Whitchurch-Stouffville, limited to three hours.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Location and route: Starts at Ninth Line and Main Street, travels along Main Street and ends at Park Drive in Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Oshawa Santa Claus Parade of Lights
The Oshawa Santa Claus Parade is organized and run by the community and features incredible floats. During the grand finale, Santa Claus makes a special appearance.
Keep the festive spirit by joining a holiday-themed workshop or shopping for loved ones at the local holiday market.
The parade runs rain or shine. Extra equipment, such as lawn chairs or blankets, will help make your experience more comfortable.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Location and route: Starts at Gibbons Street and King Street West, travels east along King Street West and ends at Division Street in Oshawa.
The Newcastle Santa Parade
Over 70 performances appear in the Newcastle Santa Parade, including marching bands, clowns and beautiful light-up floats. The 2025 theme is “Canadian Christmas,” so expect plenty of fun parade costumes and creatively designed floats that will delight both kids and adults.
Before the parade begins, the tree-lighting ceremony takes place at 5:00 p.m. in front of the Newcastle Town Hall, followed by a fireworks display at 5:30 p.m., which marks the start of the parade.
Some paid on-street parking is available near the parade route.
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Location and route: Starts east from North Street and travels along King Avenue to Arthur/Brookhouse Street in the east of Newcastle.
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
KW Santa Claus Parade
Run by the Lions Club of Kitchener, the KW Santa Claus Parade features almost a hundred floats.
Canada Post will be on hand to collect kids’ letters to Santa, while the Food Bank of Waterloo will be collecting food items and local firefighters will be collecting toys for the Knights of Columbus’ Toy Drive.
This is a popular event, so arrive early to get a spot near the start of the parade route. It lasts for 1.5 hours and Rogers TV will be broadcasting the celebration from City Hall.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Location and route: The parade travels along Weber Street from Frederick in Kitchener to Erb Street in Waterloo.
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Hamilton Santa Claus Parade
The Hamilton Santa Claus Parade is a volunteer-run event that has been bringing the community together for the festive season for over 45 years.
Three permanent float—the Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the famous Frosty the Snowman—are included in the parade every year.
A food drive will also be set up for non-perishable food item donations.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Location and route: The parade begins at Upper Sherman Avenue and Acadia Road, then travels north on Upper Sherman to Limeridge Road East, west on Limeridge Road to Lime Ridge Mall Road and north on Lime Ridge Mall Road to the south side of the parking lot.
Burlington Santa Claus Parade
The Burlington Santa Claus Parade is sponsored and run by local businesses and features floats, marching bands and costumed characters, including Santa Claus. Letter carriers will walk along the parade route to collect your letters for Santa. Support the local food bank by bringing a non-perishable food donation.
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Location and route: Starts at the Central Hub (Teen Tour Way), travels southwest on New Street, northwest on Brant Street and ends on Brant Street at Blairholme Avenue in Burlington.
Oakville Santa Claus Parade
This festive Oakville Christmas event has been running for over 75 years. Schools, walking groups, community groups and commercial businesses organize parade floats. This year’s theme is “Snow Much Fun!” and celebrates the joy of winter activities like skating, sledding and snowball fights that make the season magical.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Location and route: From Lakeshore Road East and Robinson Street, the parade travels west along Lakeshore Road, north along Kerr Street, then west along Stewart Street in Oakville.
Milton Santa Claus Parade
Thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion and local firefighters, the Milton Santa Claus Parade has been held every winter season since 1933.
This year’s parade includes “A Very Cartoon-y Christmas” theme and features floats made by the local community. Volunteers hand out candy to kids along the parade route, excitedly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus.
Five-hour paid parking is available on roads near the parade route.
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
Location and route: Starts at Main Street West and Whitmer Street, travels east along Main Street West and ends at the Milton GO Station in Milton.
Niagara Region
Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade
Presented by the Ontario Power Generation, the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade boasts an impressive lineup of special guests and entertainment.
At 5:15 p.m., the parade ends at Centennial Square with a tree-lighting ceremony. After the tree lighting, take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy live entertainment, hot chocolate and holiday cookies.
Queen Street will be closed to vehicles, but parking can be found on side streets and city-owned parking lots.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Location and route: Starts at Victoria Avenue and Armoury Street, then travels along Valley Way and ends at City Hall in Niagara Falls.
Grimsby Santa Claus Parade
Grimsby’s annual Santa Claus Parade is one of the longest-running events in the town and features over 90 entries ranging from community floats, walking groups and marching bands.
The theme for the 68th event is “Canadian Christmas Spirit.”
Some on-street paid parking is available near the parade route.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 5:15 p.m.
Location and route: Starts at Blessed Spirit Secondary School, travels east along Livingston Avenue and Main Street and ends at the Ontario Street intersection in downtown Grimsby.
Southeastern Ontario
Belleville Santa Claus Parade
Get in the holiday spirit at the Belleville Santa Claus Parade. Enjoy over 50 parade floats, lighting displays and free hot chocolate, and meet live reindeer at East Hill Park.
Letters for Santa will be collected by the Rotary Club of Belleville, while toy donations go to the Belleville Professional Firefighters Christmas Toy Drive.
Paid public parking is available in the downtown area.
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
Location and route: Starts at Bridge and Sidney Street, travels east along Bridge Street and ends at Bridge and Herchimer in Belleville.
Port Hope Santa Claus Parade
2025 marks the 89th Santa Claus Parade in Port Hope with live music, parade floats and displays from the local community.
Before or after the parade, visit Memorial Park, decked out for the winter season with thousands of Christmas lights after the Port Hope Candlelight Festival on November 28.
The Fare Share Food Bank will collect non-perishable food items and parade donations can be made to the Rotary Club.
The Town Hall parking lot will be closed, but free parking lots are located throughout the downtown. Free local transit will also be running.
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
Location and route: Starts at Bramley Street and Ridout Street, travels along Walton Street and ends at the Town Hall (Queen Street and Augusta Street) in Port Hope.
Trenton Santa Claus Parade
Beautifully decorated and illuminated community-made parade floats are showcased at the Trenton Santa Claus Parade.
After the parade, visit Fraser Park Quinte West and Frankford Tourist Park to view festive lighting displays.
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
Location and route: Starts at Community Gardens, travels along Campbell Street, turns left on Dundas Street East and across the Veteran Skyway Bridge, travels along Dundas Street West and ends at Queen Street in Trenton.
Southwestern Ontario
London Original Santa Claus Parade
Fuelled by local volunteers, the London Santa Claus Parade has been running since 1956. This year’s parade theme is “Santa Rockin’ Wonderland” and will include parade floats, musical entertainment and, of course, Santa Claus.
The London Food Bank will collect non-perishable food items. The parade will be live-streamed on the city’s media YouTube channel.
Municipally-owned paid parking lots are available near the parade route.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Location and route: The parade begins at Dundas Street and Ontario Street, then travels west along Dundas and ends at Ridout Street North and Dundas Street in London.
Woodstock Santa Claus Parade
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the Woodstock Santa Claus Parade. Take in the holiday-themed floats, marching bands and inflatables, and keep your eyes out for Mr. and Mrs. Claus. This year’s theme is “A Very Disney Christmas.”
Volunteers will be collecting food donations along the route.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Location and route: The parade departs from the Woodstock Fairgrounds at Nellis Street and travels down McKenzie Street, heading west along Dundas Street. It turns right onto Light Street and ends at Victoria Park.
Grey, Bruce and Simcoe
Markdale Santa Claus Parade
The South Grey Chamber of Commerce and the Municipality of Grey Highlands will host the annual Markdale Santa Claus Parade. Embrace the season with festive floats, colourful displays and the grand arrival of Santa Claus.
Date: Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Location and route: Follow the parade from Markdale Arena, along Main Street, across Highway 10 to end at the Grey Country Rail Trail parking lot in Markdale.
Wasaga Beach Santa Claus Parade
The Santa Claus Parade in Wasaga Beach traditionally includes holiday tunes, treats and the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony in Oakview Woods Gazebo.
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Location and route: The event starts at Dunkerron Avenue and ends at the RecPlex Community Centre at 1724 Mosley Street.
Barrie Santa Claus Parade
Kick off the holiday season with the 76th Barrie Santa Claus Parade. The theme “Toyland” will see the city transformed into a magical realm where kids’ favourite toys come to life. Watch floats, marching bands and festive decorations fill Barrie’s lakefront streets. Santa’s helpers from Canada Post will be collecting letters to Santa throughout the parade route.
After the parade ends at Meridian Place, enjoy the tree-lighting ceremony, free downtown concert and fireworks display.
You can watch the parade from the cozy Santa Fireside Gathering at Centennial Park, featuring a warm fire pit and food trucks offering a variety of treats. Limited bleacher seating will be available.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Location and route: Begins on Lakeshore Drive and Tiffin Street, travels north to Toronto Street, then east along Dunlop Street and ends at Poyntz Street.
Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound
Gravenhurst Santa Claus Parade
Gravenhurst’s historic downtown provides the perfect winter backdrop for the 72nd annual Gravenhurst Santa Claus Parade and Christmas festivities. The theme for this year is “Holiday Songs” and will display floats, costumes and performances for thousands of spectators.
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Location and route: The parade starts at Veterans Way, travels north on Muskoka Road South to Muskoka Road North and ends at Peter Street in Gravenhurst.
Ottawa Region
Help Santa Toy Parade
Santa and his friends are returning for the 56th year in 2025 to bring joy and cheer during the Help Santa Toy Parade.
Donations support the important work of CTV and MOVE 100’s Toy Mountain. New and unwrapped toys will be accepted along the parade route or at any fire station in Ottawa.
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Location and route: A new route in 2025 starts on Queen Elizabeth Driveway near the Cartier Drill Hall, proceeding south on Queen Elizabeth Driveway and ending at Lansdowne Park.
Northeastern Ontario
Timmins Santa Claus Parade
Not only is the Timmins Santa Claus Parade the largest event in the community, but it’s also the largest Santa Claus parade in the region, attracting over 10,000 spectators annually.
This year’s theme is “Lights, Music Magic!” More than 60 parade entries are expected, with over 1,000 people volunteering and participating. The parade route passes several shops in Timmins—stop by for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at a café to warm yourself up.
You’ll need a city parking permit to park in a municipal lot near the parade route.
View theTimmins Santa Claus Parade on Facebook for more information.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Location and route: The parade travels along Third Avenue heading west on Wilson Avenue in Timmins.
Northwest Ontario
Rotary Annual Santa Claus Parade
Over 20,000 spectators are swept up by the holiday spirit each year as they watch beautifully designed floats resonating with Christmas music travelling through the streets of Thunder Bay.
Public on-street parking is available near the parade route.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Location and route: Starts at the Superstore on Harbour Expressway, then travels north along Memorial Avenue and ends at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
From charming small-town celebrations to lively downtown Santa Claus parades, these holiday events bring Ontario communities together and capture the magic of the season.
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
Haliburton Village Santa Claus Parade
The Haliburton Village Santa Claus Parade brings the community together for an evening of bright lights, cheerful music and holiday joy. Under the 2025 theme of “A Canadian Christmas,” you’ll enjoy a lively procession of marchers, bands and horses.
Before the parade, visit the Town Tree for carolling at 5:30 p.m. and the tree-lighting ceremony at 6:00 p.m.
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Location and route: Starts at the corner of Pine Street and Highland Street, then travels west along Highland Street to York Street.
Kawarthas and Northumberland
50th Annual Kinsmen Club of Peterborough Santa Claus Parade
Ring in the holiday season with the 50th annual Kinsmen Club of Peterborough Santa Claus Parade. “Fifties on the 50th” is the 2025 theme.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 5:15 p.m.
Location and route: The parade departs at Peterborough City Hall at the intersection of McDonnel Street and George Street North, continuing south along George Street towards Morrow Park.
Lindsay Santa Claus Parade
See holiday floats, bands and vehicles travel through the heart of downtown Lindsay at the Lindsay Santa Claus Parade. The 2025 theme is “Christmas is Coming—Show Us Your Holiday Spirit.”
Bring non-perishable food items, which will be collected by LP Movers and Kawartha Lakes Food Source.
Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Location and route: The parade starts at the Recreation Complex on Adelaide Street South and travels north along Adelaide Street to Kent Street, then continues east down Kent Street to Lindsay Street.
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Rotary Santa Claus Parade
Enjoy the annual Rotary Santa Claus Parade in Sault Ste. Marie. This festive holiday tradition attracts thousands of spectators each year. There is no set theme, so prepare to see an eclectic mix of creative and colourful holiday parade floats on Queen Street.
Before the Santa Claus parade, the first-ever Santa Run will take place along the same route. This family-friendly event supports mentoring programs at Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie.
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Location and route: The parade starts at Queen Street East and travels from Church Street to Gore Street in Sault Ste. Marie.
From charming small-town celebrations to lively downtown Santa Claus parades, these holiday events bring Ontario communities together and capture the magic of the season.
credit www.destinationontario.com
