The Magic of Santa Parades in Toronto & Beyond
- Let's Live A Life
- Nov 10
- 6 min read
There’s something about the first time you spot Santa waving from his sleigh that makes you feel like a kid again — no matter how old you are. Every November, as the crisp air rolls in and the streets fill with twinkling lights, families across Toronto and the GTA bundle up in cozy scarves, grab a thermos of hot chocolate, and head out for one of the most joyful traditions of the season: the Santa Claus parades.
These parades aren’t just about floats and marching bands — they’re little pockets of wonder where communities come together, and where kids (and parents!) can believe in a bit of Christmas magic. Whether you’re cheering in downtown Toronto at the big city parade or waving to Santa in a smaller town like Georgetown or Oakville, each one has its own special charm.
I still remember when my kids were small — they’d hold their letters to Santa tight, hoping he might spot them from his sleigh. One year, we even managed to hand it off to one of his elves along the route! Their faces lit up brighter than the Christmas tree that night. It’s those small moments that make the whole season feel magical.
So, if you’re planning a festive outing this year, grab your mittens and pick a parade (or three!). Below, I’ve gathered the best Santa parades across Toronto and the GTA — with real dates, links, and insider tips — to help you make the most of this wonderful time of year.
1. The Original Santa Claus Parade (Toronto)
Date & Time: Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, starting at 12:30 pm.
Why it’s special for families:
The big-city, classic parade: huge floats, bands, marchers — the “wow” factor is strong for kids.
Because it’s in Toronto, accessible by transit — good for families not wanting to worry about parking.
The annual tradition inspires a sense of holiday kickoff: great for creating family memories.
2. Brampton Santa Claus Parade
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 15, 2025, at 5:00 pm.
Why it’s special for families:
Evening time means the lights start glowing — adds a little magic for kids.
Community-scale yet large enough to feel festive, but perhaps less overwhelming than the downtown Toronto one.
A great option if you’re based in the Peel region or want something more local.
3. Oakville Santa Claus Parade
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 15, 2025, starting at 9:00 am.
Why it’s special for families:
Morning start means younger children are likely well-rested and parents can avoid evening fatigue.
Slightly smaller town atmosphere—more relaxed, easier vantage spots, good for families with little ones.
Free shuttle from Oakville GO station helps reduce parking stress. Oakville
4. Milton Santa Claus Parade
Date & Time: Sunday, Nov 16, 2025, at 1:30 pm.
Website: miltonsantaclausparade.ca
Why it’s special for families:
The “A Very Cartoon-y Christmas!” theme is great for younger kids who love animated characters and bright visuals.
Mid-afternoon timing gives flexibility for families who want to do something earlier and then head to the parade.
5. Markham Santa Claus Parade
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 29, 2025, 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Website: https://www.markham.ca/about-city-markham/events/attend-city-event/markham-santa-claus-parade
Why it’s special for families:
Slightly later in the season, which can be nice if you’re waiting for more Christmas-feels.
Suburban setting in York Region means good access for families outside Toronto proper.
Mid-morning slot works well for families with school-aged kids.
6. Georgetown Santa Claus Parade
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 15, 2025, around 5:00 pm.
Why it’s special for families:
Historic town (since 1932) gives a quaint feel — less hustle, more community vibe.
Evening start gives that cozy “lights coming on” feel that kids love.
7. Mississauga Santa Claus Parade
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 (Evening)
Why it’s special for families:
Evening lights + big city (but in Mississauga) = festive atmosphere with a little less downtown chaos.
Part of a larger “Light Up the Square” event—so there’s extra entertainment beyond just the parade.
8. Ajax Santa Claus Parade & Tree Lighting
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 22, 2025, at 6:00 pm.
Website: https://www.ajax.ca/en/play-and-discover/festivals-and-events-new.aspx#Santas-Spectacle-of-Lights---Town-of-Ajax-Santa-Claus-Parade---November-22-2025
Why it’s special for families:
Parade + tree-lighting combo means high energy and multiple “wow” moments for kids.
Evening time means you get the lights and festive feel under dusk/dark skies — great for photo-ops.
9. Whitby Santa Claus Parade
Date & Time: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025, 10:00 am–12:00 noon.
Website: https://whitbysantaclausparade.ca/
Why it’s special for families:
A December parade gives a slightly different timing—great if you want one closer to Christmas.
Morning slot means younger kids aren’t up too late; good for families wanting a calmer outing.
10. Sutton Santa Claus Parade of Lights
Date & Time: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025, at 5:00 pm.
Why it’s special for families:
Evening + “Parade of Lights” – sparkly floats, lights turned on — kids will love the visual spectacle.
Smaller town setting means easier parking and a more relaxed vibe for families.
11. Peterborough Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade — Peterborough
Date & Time: Saturday, Dec 6 2025, starting at 5:15 pm.
Website: kinsmenclubpeterborough.ca
Approx. drive-time from Toronto: ~1h 45m (east)
Why it’s special for families:
Evening time gives the lights extra impact, which kids love.
A bit further out means a slightly smaller crowd than downtown events — good for a more relaxed outing.
With the “50th Annual” tag this year, there’s extra sense of milestone celebration.
12. Collingwood Christmas Season Launch & Santa Claus Parade — Collingwood
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 15 2025, starting at 5:00 pm.
Website: collingwooddowntown.com
Approx. drive-time from Toronto: ~1h 30m (north west)
Why it’s special for families:
The timing (early evening) means you can enjoy twilight and the parade lights.
Smaller town feel means easier for younger kids to navigate and stay excited.
Great if you want to pair it with a mini-getaway by Georgian Bay.
13. BWG Santa Claus Parade — Bradford West Gwillimbury
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 15 2025, from 6:00-7:30 pm.
Website: townofbwg.com
Approx. drive-time from Toronto: ~45 min – 1h (north)
Why it’s special for families:
Evening parade under the lights, strong small town vibe.
Family-friendly route: starts at the high school and finishes near the community centre — easy access to facilities.
Good choice if you want something fairly close to Toronto yet festive.
14. West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade — West Lincoln (Smithville)
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 29 2025, starting at 5:00 pm.
Approx. drive-time from Toronto: ~1h 10m (south west)
Why it’s special for families:
Evening route, with holiday market earlier in the day — nice for making a full family outing of it.
Theme for 2025: “Harmony” — fun to talk about with kids, makes the parade more meaningful.
Smaller community setting means less stress with crowds and logistics.
15. Pickering Santa Claus Parade — Pickering
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 22 2025, starting at 10:00 am.
Approx. drive-time from Toronto: ~30 min – 40 min (east)
Why it’s special for families:
Morning schedule means it’s great for younger kids and families who want to avoid evening cold.
Close to Toronto for convenience if you’d prefer a local-ish outing.
The theme: “No Place Like Home for the Holidays” — easy to engage kids in and makes the experience feel cozy.
🧭 How to pick the ones that are right for you:
Distance & travel: Pickings like Pickering or BWG are closer for less drive; Collingwood or Peterborough are fun for a bit more travel.
Time of day: Morning ones (Pickering) good for younger kids; evening ones (West Lincoln, BWG) have lights and extra magic.
Crowd size & vibe: Big city (Toronto) means large crowds; small town (West Lincoln, Collingwood) means fewer people, more breathing room.
Extras around the event: Markets, holiday lights, themes make it more than “just a parade”.
Check the official website a few days prior for any changes (time, route, weather impact).
🧦 Bonus Tips for Families:
Dress warm: Layer up—standing outdoors for a parade in Nov/Dec can get chilly.
Arrive early: Especially for the big ones (Toronto, Mississauga) to get good vantage spots.
Bring something comfy: A small folding chair or blanket helps if little ones want to sit.
Check websites: Routes, start times, weather conditions can shift—always good to confirm.
Transit vs parking: For city parades, transit often beats parking stress.
Snacks & bathroom plan: Especially helpful for younger kids—know where facilities are and bring something to nibble.
Whether you’re watching from a crowded curb in Toronto or a cozy corner of Collingwood, there’s something timeless about hearing those jingle bells in the distance and knowing Santa’s on his way. These parades remind us to pause, laugh, and share the joy — to sip something warm, wave at the floats, and make a few memories that will glow all winter long.
If you’ve never taken your little ones to a Santa parade, make this the year you do. Let them write their letters, pack a few snacks, and make an adventure of it. Bundle up, sing along with the bands, and maybe — just maybe — you’ll catch Santa’s eye as he waves and calls out “Merry Christmas, Toronto!”
And who knows? If you’re lucky, one of his helpers might just take that letter and promise to deliver it straight to the North Pole. 🎄✨
