Santa Claus parades mark the true beginning of the holiday season; a time when children’s eyes widen with wonder and even adults can’t help but feel the magic of Christmas in the air.
From dazzling floats and marching bands to Christmas music and Santa’s grand arrival, these parades light up cities across Canada with pure holiday magic. Families gather curbside with hot chocolate in hand, kids wave to their favourite characters, and the air fills with laughter and cheer.
Wherever you are in Canada, there’s no better way to kick off the season than by watching Santa sleigh through town.
And here’s a merry little tip: with the Indigo Neo app, you can book your parking spot ahead of time and spend more time enjoying the parade instead of circling for a space.
Ready to find out where Santa’s sleigh is headed next? Keep reading.
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Toronto
Santa Claus Parade
November 23, 12:30 P.M.
Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade is a beloved holiday tradition that turns downtown into a festive wonderland. Each year, thousands gather to see dazzling floats, lively marching bands, and Santa’s grand arrival.
The parade winds through the heart of the city, filling every block with music, laughter, and Christmas cheer. Families bundle up, sip hot chocolate, and wave as their favourite characters pass by — the perfect way to start the holiday season.
Arrive early to find a good viewing spot and plan your route to avoid road closures. Want to make a day of it? Explore nearby holiday markets, grab lunch in the Entertainment District, or visit the Toronto Winter Village after the parade to keep the festive fun going.
Parade Route and Road Closures
This year’s parade begins at the iconic Christie Pits Park at Bloor & Christie, travels east along Bloor Street, then turns south on St. George Street. You can find the full list of road closures for the The Original Santa Claus Parade in Toronto here.
WHERE TO PARK:
280 Bloor Street West
20-minute walk to parade starting point
This spacious underground garage is open 24/7 and features 210 parking spaces. EV charging available on-site.
26 Wellington Street East
10-minute walk to parade ending point
This spacious underground garage is open 24/7 and features 128 parking spaces. EV charging available on-site.
35 Church Street
20-minute walk to parade starting point
This spacious underground garage is open 24/7 and features 300 parking spaces. Payment is available on-site only at this location.
Montréal
Défilé du Père Noël
November 22, 11:00 A.M.
Montréal’s Défilé du Père Noël is a joyful holiday tradition that fills the city with Christmas magic. Each year, families line Sainte-Catherine Street to watch colourful floats, lively performers, and Santa himself spread cheer through the downtown core.
The parade brings together marching bands, dancers, and beloved holiday characters, creating a warm and festive atmosphere that delights both kids and adults. With holiday music echoing through the streets and twinkling lights overhead, it’s the perfect way to welcome the season in true Montréal style.
Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, and dress warmly — the excitement is worth the chill! Make a day of it by exploring nearby shops, visiting the Christmas Village at Place du Marché Atwater, or stopping for a cozy meal at one of downtown’s many cafés after the parade.
Parade Route and Road Closures
The parade begins on boulevard René‑Lévesque in downtown Montréal. The main viewing stretch runs along René-Lévesque between rue Bishop and rue Saint‑Urbain. While an updated road closures list has not been released, check this website for updates.
WHERE TO PARK:
1199 Rue Peel: Dominion Square
3-minute walk to parade
This spacious underground garage is open 24/7 and features 465 parking spaces. Payment is available on-site only at this location.
1350 Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest
3-minute walk to parade
This spacious underground garage is open 24/7 and features 501 parking spaces.
900 Boulevard De Maisonneuve Ouest
9-minute walk to parade
This spacious underground garage is open 24/7 and features 350 parking spaces. EV charging available on-site. Payment is available on-site only at this location.
Ottawa
Help Santa Toy Parade
November 22, 11:00 A.M.
Ottawa’s Help Santa Toy Parade is a heartwarming holiday tradition that brings the community together for a great cause. Each year, families line the streets of downtown Ottawa to watch a cheerful procession of floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa himself spreading joy and goodwill.
What makes this parade extra special is its mission — volunteers collect new, unwrapped toys along the route to support local families in need during the holiday season. The event is filled with festive music, colourful costumes, and a contagious spirit of giving that captures the true meaning of the holidays.
Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot and bring a toy to donate if you can. After the parade, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, explore nearby holiday markets, or stroll through Sparks Street to keep the festive fun going.
Parade Route and Road Closures
While the exact route is still being finalized, the starting point will be around downtown Ottawa near City Hall. Road closures to be expected in surrounding area. Full list of road closures will be updated on this website.
WHERE TO PARK:
This spacious underground garage is open 24/7 and features 141 parking spaces.
This spacious underground garage is open 24/7 and features 34 parking spaces.
29 Cartier Street: St Theresa Parish
This spacious surface lot is open 24/7 and features 75 parking spaces. EV charging available on-site. Payment is available on-site only at this location.
Winnipeg
MB Hydro Santa Parade
November 15, 5:00 P.M.
Winnipeg’s Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade is one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, lighting up downtown with festive cheer and community spirit. Each year, thousands of families line Portage Avenue to watch a magical procession of floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus making his joyful arrival.
This parade is all about celebration and togetherness — a chance for Winnipeggers to come together, share smiles, and kick off the holiday season in style. The streets come alive with twinkling lights, cheerful music, and the excitement of seeing Santa wave from his sleigh.
Arrive early to find a great viewing spot, and dress warmly — it’s Winnipeg, after all! After the parade, keep the fun going by visiting nearby cafés, exploring The Forks Market, or taking a winter stroll along the river trail to soak in the festive atmosphere.
Parade Route and Road Closures
The parade kicks off in downtown Winnipeg, beginning around the iconic intersection of Portage & Main and proceeding along Portage Avenue as it lights up for the holidays. You can find the full list of road closures for Parade in Winnipeg here.
WHERE TO PARK:
241 Notre Dame Avenue
2-minute walk to parade
This spacious surface lot is open 24/7 and features 46 parking spaces.
249 Notre Dame Avenue
3-minute walk to parade
This spacious surface lot is open 24/7 and features 20 parking spaces.
286 Garry Street
2-minute walk to parade
This spacious surface lot is open 24/7 and features 22 parking spaces.
Moncton
Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade
November 22, 5:00 P.M.
Moncton’s Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade is one of Atlantic Canada’s most cherished holiday traditions, filling the downtown streets with lights, music, and festive spirit. Each year, thousands of families bundle up and gather along Main Street to watch the spectacular procession of floats, marching bands, and community groups — all leading up to Santa’s grand arrival.
The parade brings together people from across the region to celebrate the start of the holiday season in true Maritime style. Bright lights, cheerful performances, and the sound of carols create a warm and joyful atmosphere that captures the magic of Christmas.
Arrive early to find a great viewing spot and enjoy the pre-parade entertainment. Afterward, make a night of it by visiting one of Moncton’s nearby restaurants or cafés for a cozy treat, or stroll through the illuminated downtown area to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Parade Route and Road Closures
The parade kicks off at Cameron and Main Street in downtown Moncton and ends at Paul Street in Dieppe. Expect road closures along Main Street and Vaughan Harvey Boulevard throughout the afternoon and early evening, so plan ahead and arrive early.
WHERE TO PARK:
1234 Main Street
9-minute walk to parade
This spacious surface lot is open 24/7 and features 608 parking spaces.
770 Rue Main
10-minute walk to parade
This spacious surface lot is open 24/7 and features 620 parking spaces. EV charging available on-site. Payment is available on-site only at this location.
100 Westmorland Street
10-minute walk to parade
This spacious surface lot is open 24/7 and features 465 parking spaces.
Halifax
Parade of Lights
November 15, 6:00 P.M.
Halifax’s Parade of Lights is one of the city’s most magical holiday events, officially kicking off the Christmas season in the heart of downtown. Every year, thousands line the streets to watch as dazzling floats, marching bands, dancers, and community groups light up the night — all leading to the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus himself.
The parade is a cherished tradition that brings together families, friends, and visitors to share in the festive spirit. Sparkling lights reflect off the harbour, music fills the air, and the excitement of the holidays shines brightly on every smiling face.
Arrive early to grab a good spot along the route and soak in the pre-parade excitement. After the parade, explore Halifax’s lively downtown by stopping for a hot drink at a local café, enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant, or take a stroll to see the holiday lights twinkling through the city streets.
Parade Route and Road Closures
The parade begins at the Cogswell Street roundabout then travels along Ahern Avenue, ending at George Street. Cogswell Street between Robie Street and North Park Street will be closed for parade marshalling.
WHERE TO PARK:
5425 Sackville Street: Garrison Grounds
7-minute walk to parade
This spacious surface lot is open 24/7 and features 247 parking spaces.
1747 Summer Street: Museum Of Natural History
9-minute walk to parade
This spacious surface lot is open 24/7 and features 80 parking spaces.
1790 Summer Street: Halifax Infirmary
9-minute walk to parade
This spacious surface lot is open 24/7 and features 71 parking spaces. Payment is available on-site only at this location.
Conclusion
From dazzling floats to cheerful music, the Santa Claus Parade brings the magic of the holidays to life in cities across Canada. Whether you’re watching with family, friends, or little ones eagerly waiting for Santa’s arrival, a bit of planning makes all the difference.
Avoid the parking hassle, enjoy the festivities and book your spot with the Indigo Neo app. Our lots are conveniently located near parade routes, so you can spend less time searching for parking and more time soaking in the joy, lights, and laughter of the season.
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