Santa Claus is Coming to Town: 6 Unique Santa Claus Parades in Canada
The holiday season in Canada is magical: snow-covered vistas, festive decorations, Yuletide treats and holiday spirit filling the air. The promise of a special seasonal visitor is also one that delights kids from 1 to 92, who line the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa and Rudolph as they pass through town before Christmas to spread Christmas cheer during the country’s annual Santa Claus Parades. This tradition is much beloved from coast to coast, and cities and towns across the country put their own unique spins on these events, highlighting the wonder and magic of their towns during the holidays.
Nighttime Santa Parade – Kingston, ON
Much to holiday revelers’ delight, Kingston, Ontario will once again be hosting its nighttime Santa Claus Parade. On Saturday, November 20th, a series of floats will leave from Innovation Park and progress along 3 kilometres of Princess Street in downtown Kingston heading toward the beautiful Kingston harbour. The first Kingston Santa Claus parade was held along the same street in 1949 and thus began the city’s favourite holiday tradition.
Fantasy of Lights – Kingsville, ON
Along the coast of Lake Erie, the small town of Kingsville, Ontario glows in the warmth of the holiday spirit when its Fantasy of Lights festival paints the town with twinkling lights as far as the eye can see. To kick off the festival, the town’s 18th annual Santa Claus Parade will take place on Saturday, November 20th in the downtown core at the intersection of Main and Division Streets. The true community spirit of Kingsville will be felt throughout the event with the perfectly seasonal theme of “What Christmas Means to Me”.
Reverse Santa Claus Parade – Old-Aylmer, QC
Getting creative to keep the holiday spirit alive, Christmas in Old-Aylmer will be hosting a unique 2021 version of their annual parade featuring floats parked on Principale Street. Located near the Christmas market, the floats will be on display throughout the afternoon of Saturday, November 27th and, to add to the fun, the public will be able to vote on their favourite festive float.
Santa Claus Parade – Leduc, AB
Ushering in the holiday season with lots of festive cheer, the city of Leduc, Alberta will be hosting its annual Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 27th and celebrating in style. A pre-parade party complete with snacks and hot chocolate and merry carolers will commence the event and rumour has it that there may even be an appearance from the big guy himself at the party before the parade procession begins.
Downtown Kamloops Annual Santa Claus Parade – Kamloops, BC
On Sunday, November 28th, downtown Kamloops will be celebrating the return of the city’s annual Santa Claus Parade with dazzling lights and unique floats. This year’s theme – Luminous Loops – will have the downtown aglow with illuminated displays, holiday performers and live music as the parade moves along Victoria Street. The first annual Kamloops Santa Claus Parade was held in 1980 and over the years has transitioned from a daytime event to lighting up the sky and downtown at dusk, highlighting the magic of the season.
Santa Claus Parade – Sussex, NB
The town of Sussex, New Brunswick will be “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” on Saturday, December 4th at the 2021 annual Santa Claus Parade. Starting from Town Hall and heading west down Main Street, the parade will cover a short distance through the picturesque rural downtown of this small town in Kings County, New Brunswick. Perfectly centrally situated between Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton, the province’s three largest cities, Sussex is a pedestrian friendly town that’s home to quaint shops and restaurants – a perfect spot for a Christmas parade!
Across the country, Santa Claus will be coming to town and spreading holiday cheer before Christmas officially arrives. Towns and cities from British Columbia to Newfoundland will be hosting different celebrations and building on their longstanding holiday traditions, some with new, unique spins to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities safely and, in some cases, even virtually. Bundle up and embrace the holiday season at your favourite Christmas event.
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