If you’re looking to catch the holiday spirit in the GTA this year, there’s no better place to start than at one of the many Santa Claus parades happening across the region.
Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade is the oldest of them all, ringing in 121 years along city streets this Nov. 23. Kicking off at the iconic Christie Pitts at 12:30 p.m., the route will pass by landmarks like the Royal Ontario Museum and the CF Eaton Centre before finally ending at the St. Lawrence Market.
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But the fun doesn’t stop there, as the Greater Toronto Area lights up with a wave of community parades over the next few weeks, beginning as early as today. Here’s your guide to the must-see Santa Claus parades happening across the region ahead of the holidays!
DURHAM REGION
Several municipalities throughout Durham Region are ringing in the holiday season with Santa Claus parades! From dazzling floats to festive tunes, here’s a list of some communities getting its residents into the Christmas spirit over the next few weeks.
Bowmanville
- When: Nov. 15 at 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Starting at Scugog St. and King St. East
The third Saturday in November means it’s time for Bownmanville’s Santa Claus Parade! Along with your holiday cheer, don’t forget to bring your letters for Santa and non-perishable food donations for the Salvation Army.
Oshawa
- When: Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.
- Where: Division St.
Get ready to line the streets for plenty of music, dancing and cheer, as this dazzling Parade of Lights travels westbound from Bond to Gibbons streets.
Pickering
- When: Nov. 22 at 10 a.m.
- Where: Starting at Dixie Rd. and Glenanna Rd.
Mark your calendars for this joyous celebration, as extravagant floats will joyfully march all the way to Pickering’s City Centre.
Ajax
- When: Nov. 22 at 6 p.m.
- Where: Bayly St. and Harwood Ave. South
Ajax residents and visitors can look forward to not only the parade itself, but afterwards, the annual tree lighting and post-parade festivities at Ajax Town Hall and Ajax Public Library. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation for the toy and food drive.
Whitby
- When: Dec. 6 at 10 a.m.
- Where: Brock St. North
The Whitby Santa Claus Parade has been held on the first Saturday of December for more than 50 years, and isn’t stopping anytime soon! Showcasing more than 50 organizations, guests are invited to pull up with blankets and lawn chairs to sit on, non-perishable food donations, snacks and warm drinks, and of course, a letter for Santa!
For more information on all of Durham’s parades, click here.
PEEL REGION
Brampton Santa Claus Parade
- When: Nov. 15 at 5 p.m.
- Where: Bramalea Rd. and Central Park Dr. to North Park Dr. and Jordan Blvd.
The City of Brampton is kicking off the festive season this Saturday, with its annual parade of exciting floats, cheery Christmas music, dance performances, and of course, none other than Santa himself!
For more information, click here.
Mississauga
- When: Nov. 22 at 4 p.m.
- Where: Celebration Square
Mississauga is set to shine bright next Saturday, with Celebration Square adorned with twinkling lights, live entertainment, and holiday vibes. The evening kicks off with tons of exciting activities at Light Up the Square before attendees join Santa Claus en route for the parade throughout the downtown area.
For more information, click here.
Bolton Kin Santa Claus Parade
- When: Dec. 6 at 11 a.m.
- Where: Queensgate Blvd to Centennial Dr.
Santa’s sleigh arrives in the Caledon community of Bolton in early December this year, with the parade route riding along Hwy 50.
For more information, click here.
HALTON REGION
Halton Hills
- When: Nov. 15; 1 p.m. in Acton, 5 p.m. in Georgetown
- Where: Downtown Acton, and Sinclair Ave. in Georgetown
Santa returns to Halton Hills this weekend to help kick off the holiday season in both Acton and Georgetown!
For more information, click here.
Oakville
- When: Nov. 15 at 9 a.m.
- Where: Downtown Oakville
Winter’s coming early for Oakville residents, as the town celebrates the theme “Snow Much Fun” at this year’s Santa Claus Parade on Saturday. Oakville GO is offering a free Santa Shuttle from its station straight to the parade, running every five to 10 minutes from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
For more information, click here.
Burlington
- When: Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
- Where: The corner of Drury Lane and New St.
Santa Claus is coming to town – or city, that is. Burlington hosts the man in red in its downtown core this December, along with a parade of floats, community groups, costumed characters, marching bands and more!
For more information, click here.
YORK REGION
Newmarket
- When: Nov. 15 at 11 a.m.
- Where: Eagle and Main streets
Newmarket’s annual parade kicks off on Saturday, and invites families and friends to bear witness to the most-festive floats, followed by the guest of honour – jolly Old St. Nick. Attendees are also encouraged to bring letters to Santa, which will be picked up by Canada Post, as well as a non-perishable food item to be collected for the Newmarket Food Pantry.
For more information, click here.
Markham
- When: Nov. 29 at 11 a.m.
- Where: Starting at Hwy 7 and Main St.
Markham’s Santa Claus Parade turns 51 this season, and is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones!
For more information, click here.
Vaughan
- When: Nov. 30. at 2 p.m.
- Where: Starting at the intersection of Springside Rd. & Melville Ave.
The Santafest Parade hits the city of Vaughan in a couple of weeks, featuring all things holiday, like floats, bands and entertainers.
For more information, click here.
