It’s almost time to strap on those snowsuits for the kids and find a spot along the parade route and wave hello to Jolly Old Saint Nick. Toronto and communities across the Greater Toronto Area are getting ready for their annual Santa Claus parades filled with colourful floats, marching bands, festive music and a whole whack of Christmas cheer.
Toronto has three major neighbourhood and citywide parades to look forward to, including the famous Original Santa Claus Parade, now celebrating its 122nd year.
But, first up is the Beaches Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 15 at 1 p.m.
The east end has always gotten an early start on the holiday season fun with this annual parade, a community tradition presented by Centre 55. The parade begins at Victoria Park Avenue and Kingston Road, travels west along Kingston Road before turning north at Walter Street, and finishing at Centre 55 at the corner of Main Street and Swanwick Avenue. Expect marching bands, community groups, festive floats, probably a few realtors, and, of course, Santa himself. The parade also supports Centre 55’s Share A Christmas program, which helps local families in need during the holidays.
Then, the big one. The Original Toronto Santa Claus Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 22 at 12:30 p.m.
One of the city’s biggest and best-known holiday traditions returns with elaborate floats, marching bands, giant balloons, costumed characters and the arrival of Santa Claus to officially usher in the Christmas season. The parade starts at Christie Pits, at Christie Street and Bloor Street West, and winds its way through downtown, finishing at Front Street and Jarvis Street. The parade will also be broadcast on Citytv at 2 p.m.
The last Toronto parade happens on Dec. 5 as the Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade has its day.
West-end families can enjoy this longstanding neighbourhood tradition when the Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade takes over Lake Shore Boulevard West. The parade travels between Dwight Avenue and Thirty Seventh Street. The volunteer-run event is a popular annual gathering for the Lakeshore community.
Beyond the city, dozens of communities from Oakville and Mississauga to Markham, Pickering and Burlington will welcome Santa throughout November and December.
Here is a guide to the 2026 Santa Claus parade season outside Toronto, with daytime and nighttime parades scheduled in communities across Peel, York, Durham and Halton regions.
Saturday, November 14
- Oakville – 9 a.m.: The annual parade travels through downtown Oakville and Kerr Village, starting near Lakeshore Road East and Robinson Street.
Sunday, November 15
- Milton – 1:30 p.m.: Milton’s parade follows Main Street West, with this year’s theme celebrating favourite Christmas stories.
- East Gwillimbury – 3 p.m.: The parade begins near the EG Sports Complex and Civic Centre, bringing holiday festivities to the community.
Saturday, November 21
- Newmarket – 11 a.m.: Floats and marching groups travel along Eagle Street and Main Street in this York Region holiday tradition.
- Uxbridge – 11 a.m.: The downtown parade brings Santa and festive entertainment to Brock Street.
- Acton – 1 p.m.: The parade travels through downtown Acton, starting near the GO station and finishing at Prospect Park.
- Keswick – 1:30 p.m.: The Georgina community parade brings Santa to Woodbine Avenue and Dovedale Drive.
- Mississauga – 6 p.m.: The parade takes over downtown Mississauga around Celebration Square, with additional holiday activities beginning earlier in the afternoon.
- Brampton – 5 p.m.: The nighttime parade features illuminated floats and festive entertainment, starting at Central Park Drive and Bramalea Road.
- Georgetown – 5 p.m.: One of Halton Hills’ longstanding holiday traditions, this nighttime parade features illuminated floats travelling through downtown Georgetown.
- Aurora – 6 p.m.: The Santa Under the Stars Parade lights up Yonge Street with glowing floats, music and holiday entertainment.
Saturday, November 28
- Pickering – 10 a.m.: The annual parade takes a temporarily relocated route along Whites Road, starting near Dunbarton High School.
- Markham – 11 a.m.: The parade travels along Main Street Markham between Highway 7 and 16th Avenue, bringing festive floats and entertainment to the historic downtown.
- Ajax – 6 p.m.: Santa’s Spectacle of Lights brings an evening of illuminated floats and holiday festivities to the community.
Sunday, November 29
- Vaughan – 1:30 p.m.: The annual Santafest Parade brings Christmas characters, floats and community groups to the streets around Maple and Vaughan City Hall.
Saturday, December 5
- Whitby – 10 a.m.: The Brooklin Santa Claus Parade travels along Brock Street North, bringing a festive morning to the historic community.
- Whitchurch-Stouffville – 6 p.m.: An evening parade brings illuminated floats and holiday entertainment to Main Street.
Sunday, December 6
- Burlington – 2 p.m.: The Burlington Santa Claus Parade features floats, marching bands and costumed characters, travelling along New Street and Brant Street.