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Top Santa Claus Parades to Ring in the Holidays in Durham Region
The holiday season is nearly here, and the best way to kick off the festive spirit is with a classic Santa Claus parade! The Durham Region and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are gearing up for a spectacular lineup of parades, perfect for community members of all ages. These beloved traditions unite our neighbourhoods with stunning floats, seasonal music, bright lights, and, of course, a magical appearance from Santa himself.
Let’s dive into the updated schedule. All dates, times, and locations below are adjusted for the 2026 parade season.
1. Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: King Street, Bowmanville, ON
Start your holiday season with Bowmanville’s cherished morning event. This parade is famous for its small-town charm and community involvement. It’s a bright and cheerful way to kick off the weekend!
2. Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Brock Street, Uxbridge, ON
Just after the Bowmanville parade starts, head over to Uxbridge for a great day of festive fun. Attendees can participate by voting for their favourite float entry to win the "People's Choice Award."
3. Oshawa Santa Claus Parade of Lights
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Bond Street West, Downtown Oshawa, ON
Experience the true magic of the season at this enchanting evening event. Downtown Oshawa is illuminated by sparkling floats and vibrant performances, making this nighttime tradition a dazzling spectacle. The parade route begins at Division Street and travels west along Bond Street.
4. Newcastle Santa Parade
Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Newcastle, ON
Join the Village of Newcastle for a magical evening parade. The night features dazzling lights, marching bands, and a festive procession. Keep an eye out for this year’s local theme as the floats line up along King Street!
5. Pickering Santa Claus Parade
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Starts at Dixie Road and Glenanna Road, Pickering, ON
Gather your family and friends for this popular morning spectacle! The parade features extravagant floats from Pickering businesses and community groups. This year’s theme is "Holiday Movie Magic."
6. Santa's Spectacle of Lights – Ajax Santa Claus Parade
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Bayly Street and Harwood Avenue South, Ajax, ON
Join the bright, festive glow at Ajax’s annual Spectacle of Lights. The route will be packed with illuminated floats, marching bands, and local entertainers. After the parade, stick around for the annual tree lighting ceremony and community celebrations at Town Hall.
7. Orono Santa Claus Parade
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Main Street, Orono, ON
Celebrate the return of the Orono parade! This event is a great stop before heading to afternoon festivities. Don’t miss the local markets and festive fun happening downtown following the procession.
8. The Original Santa Claus Parade – Toronto
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Starts at Christie Pits (750 Bloor Street West) and ends near St. Lawrence Market, Toronto, ON
Don’t miss Toronto’s world-famous parade! A tradition for over a century, this massive event brings spectacular floats, marching bands, and Celebrity Clowns to the heart of the city.
9. Cannington Lions Santa Claus Parade
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Cameron Street, Cannington, ON
Mark your calendar for this wonderful weekend morning parade! After seeing the festive floats make their way through town, kids can visit Santa at the Cannington Fire Hall.
10. Beaverton Lions Santa Claus Parade
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Starts at the Beaverton Fair Grounds, traveling along Main Street, Simcoe Street, Osborne Street, and Bay Street.
Make an evening of it! The parade is preceded by the annual Christmas Open House at downtown stores. Following the parade, kids can enjoy a visit with Santa at the Beaverton Fire Hall.
11. THEE Farmers' Parade of Lights
Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Old Scugog Rd & Concession 9, Clarington, ON (Parade travels through Tyrone, Haydon, Enniskillen, and Enfield)
This unique nighttime celebration travels through Clarington’s scenic countryside. Enjoy a fantastic display of lights as decorated tractors, trucks, and floats move through the rural communities. Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the local food drive.
12. Whitby Santa Claus Parade
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Brock Street North, Whitby, ON
A long-standing tradition for over 50 years, Whitby’s morning parade brings holiday cheer with beautifully decorated floats and music. It’s a wonderful community event and a perfect way to start your weekend.
13. Scugog Santa Claus Parade — Port Perry
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Port Perry Fair Grounds to Palmer Park, Port Perry, ON
End your day with the enchantment of the Scugog parade! This unforgettable evening event features dozens of floats, vibrant marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa along Queen Street.
14. Courtice Santa Claus Parade
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Location: Nash Road, Courtice, ON
Enjoy the festive atmosphere with creative floats and performances. Gather your loved ones for this afternoon celebration filled with community spirit and holiday joy.
15. Sunderland Santa Claus Parade
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Starts at the Sunderland Brock Memorial Arena (20 Park Street, Sunderland)
This evening parade is a great way to enjoy some late-season holiday fun! Guests are encouraged to bring a bag for collecting candy as Santa travels through the streets of Sunderland.
Parade Day Tips
Preparing for a Santa Claus parade is all about staying comfortable and making the most of this festive experience. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the event to the fullest:
Dress for the Weather: Durham Region can be chilly in the winter months, so bundle up in layers, hats, scarves, and gloves to stay warm.
Bring Seating: Pack blankets or portable lawn chairs to secure a cozy spot along the parade route.
Support Local Charities: Many parades welcome non-perishable food donations and toys. Consider bringing items to share the holiday spirit and support those in need.
Don't Forget Santa's Mail: If your kids have letters for Santa, bring them along! Canada Post mail carriers walk along many of these routes collecting letters.
Pack Snacks and Warm Drinks: To keep everyone comfortable, bring along hot chocolate, coffee, and easy-to-carry snacks.
Enjoy the Festivities
So, whether you're in Toronto or the Durham Region, these Santa Claus parades are sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Bundle up, gather your loved ones, and head out to enjoy the festive floats, holiday music, and the magic of Santa himself. Make this holiday season unforgettable!
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