Hotels near The Original Santa Claus Parade

The Original Santa Claus Parade, held in Toronto since 1905, is one of the oldest Santa Claus parades in the world and a highlight of the festive season. Floats, marching bands, clowns and costumed characters wind through downtown streets, with Santa arriving at the end.

The 2026 parade takes place on Sunday 22 November, according to listings. The route traditionally runs through downtown, and hundreds of thousands of people line the streets to watch.

The parade is free to watch and is also broadcast on television, and it marks the unofficial start of the festive season in the city. Many families combine it with a first visit to the Distillery Winter Village.

Pro Tip: Arrive at least an hour early to claim a spot along the route, and bring warm layers, blankets and hot drinks. Check the official route map before you go.