Best Santa Claus Parades in Toronto & the GTA 2019
The most wonderful time of the year is about to arrive! Jolly Old Saint Nick and his reindeer are coming to a parade near you, so bundle up for festive fun and get ready to create magical memories.
Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 16 at 10:30 am
Floats, costumed characters, marching bands, and dance troupes make this a vibrant parade for the whole family. It begins at Scugog Street and makes its way down King Street West to Simpson Avenue.
bowmanvillesantaclausparade.com
The 115th Annual Original Santa Claus Parade, Toronto
Sunday, November 17 at 12:30 pm
With more than 25 animated floats and over 200 celebrity clowns, this is the most anticipated Santa Claus parade of the year! But be sure to bundle up for the weather and bring a few toys or books for your kids to play with while you wait as it takes about 2.5 hours to watch the entire parade. Can’t make it out? You can watch the parade from the comfort of your living room on CTV later in the day at 4:30 pm.
Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 16 at 6:00 pm
Not an early riser? Then the Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade is for you. This parade starts at 6:00 pm and runs until 7:30 (early enough to have fun and still get your little ones home to bed at a reasonable time). This year’s theme is Toyland!
richmondhill.ca/en/things-to-do/santa-claus-parade
Oakville Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 16 at 9:00 am
Held in the heart of downtown Oakville this year’s theme is “Things We Do At Christmas Time.” There’s plenty of room to come out and watch the floats, walking groups, and marching bands, and taking the Santa Shuttle makes it easy to get there. Your kids can even enter a colouring contest to become the Honourary Grand Marshall of the parade or ride on Santa’s float!
Santa’s Magical Parade of Lights Ajax
Saturday, November 23 at 6:00 pm
Santa lights up the night in Ajax! This evening parade features festive floats and marching bands, followed by a tree lighting ceremony and after-party at the Town Hall and Main Library with live entertainment and kids’ activities.
Santafest Parade in Maple
Sunday, November 24 at 1:30 pm
This began as a small parade in 2000 and has now grown to the Santafest it is today! The parade stretches from Wonderland to Vaughan City Hall, and has hundreds of participants on scores of floats, in front of thousands of spectators so go early to get a spot. In 2015, Santafest added a multicultural twist when it introduced Spirit of the Season with floats showcasing traditional sounds and sights.
41st Weston Village Santa Claus Parade
Sunday, November 24 at 2:00 pm
This parade features some of Ontario’s top marching bands, decorated floats, clowns, stilt walkers, children’s characters from books and movies, and of course, Santa Claus! Weston Area Emergency Support Food Bank will pick up donations of non-perishable food items along the route.
westonvillagebia.com/santaparade
A Main Street Christmas in Schomberg
Saturday, December 7 beginning at 4:00 pm
Get ready for fun! The Main Street Christmas parade isn’t one parade, it’s TWO. The first traditional parade begins at 4:00 pm at the Schomberg Arena on Western Avenue, continues onto Main Street and heads south towards Church Street.
The Parade of Lights begins at 8:00 pm featuring local farmers who have spent days decorating tractors, harvesters, and yes, even muckers in festive lights. This is a unique parade that is sure to delight.
amainstreetchristmas.com/parades
Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 7 at 10:00 am
Knights in shining armour, fuzzy polar bears, puppies, and the Grinch were some of the highlights in last year’s parade and this one is gearing up to be even more festive. Easy to get to, easy to park and lots of fun. Rumour has it there will be hot chocolate and candy canes given out by local shop owners.
Hey Sharon! There’s also a Free Winterfest happening in Vaughan on December 14th (2-8pm). 8111 Weston road. There will be a Ferris wheel (even though it might be too cold to ride, lol), petting zoo, crafts, indoor inflatables, carollers, hot drinks, food trucks and ice skating! It would mean a lot if this got shared–we’re hoping the whole community comes and enjoys!