Toronto Santa Claus Parade 2026

Toronto Santa Claus Parade

The Toronto Santa Claus Parade, known as “The Original Santa Claus Parade,” started in 1905. That year, Eaton’s department store brought Santa on a single horse-drawn wagon from Union Station to its Queen Street store. It grew into the largest parade in North America by the 1950s. Now run by a volunteer-driven non-profit, it is known as the longest-running children’s parade in the world, drawing more than half a million spectators to the streets of Toronto, Canada.

Held each year on a Sunday in mid-to-late November, the parade opens the holiday season in the city. It follows a route of about six kilometers through downtown Toronto, past Queen’s Park and University Avenue, to its finish near St. Lawrence Market, and millions more watch the broadcast on television and online.

Santa Claus Parade Highlights:

• Animated Floats: More than two dozen handcrafted floats, many built in the parade’s own workshop, show storybook characters, winter scenes and holiday favorites. The final float carries Santa Claus himself.
• Marching Bands and Costumed Performers: About 2,000 volunteers march in costume, alongside high school and community marching bands, dancers and giant costumed characters.
• Celebrity Clowns: A tradition since 1983, well-known Toronto business leaders and public figures dress as clowns and walk the route, entertaining the crowds and raising funds for the parade.
• Santa’s Grand Arrival: The whole parade builds toward Santa’s sleigh at the very end. For many Toronto families, seeing it pass marks the official start of Christmas.

Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:

• Free Entry: Watching the parade is completely free, with no tickets needed. Just find a spot along the route, which the organizers publish ahead of time.
• Best Viewing Spots: Families with young children should arrive early to claim a curbside place, bringing folding chairs or blankets. The northern stretch near Bloor Street is usually less crowded than the downtown sections near the finish.
• Getting There: Many roads along the route close for most of the day, so leave the car at home. The TTC subway (Line 1 and Line 2) runs close to much of the route, and Union Station connects GO Transit and UP Express trains from Toronto Pearson Airport.
• What to Wear: Toronto in November is cold, often near freezing, with wind and the chance of snow or rain. Dress in warm layers, with hats, gloves and waterproof boots, and bring a thermos of hot chocolate for the kids.
• Accommodation: Downtown hotels near the route, especially around Union Station, the Financial District and St. Lawrence, fill up with families on parade weekend, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
• Explore Toronto: Add some holiday sightseeing, like the view from the CN Tower, the historic St. Lawrence Market, or the festive lights in the Distillery District. Browse top Toronto tours and activities here.

The parade route map, start time and road closures are published on the parade’s official website in the weeks before the event. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.