Get ready, Toronto! The Original Santa Claus Parade is officially returning this weekend for its 121st year, and it’s bigger and better than ever.
After a massive outpouring of community support saved the beloved tradition (also one of the oldest Santa Claus Parades in the world) from a funding shortfall, the 2025 parade is set to be a spectacular celebration of holiday spirit.
Whether you’re planning to brave the cold for a curbside spot or cozy up on the couch and watch it virtually at home, here is everything you need to know about this year’s magical event.
This year, the Original Santa Claus Parade will take place on Sunday, November 23, officially kicking off at 12:30 p.m. For those who want to get downtown early, head to Christie Pits for their brand new “Treats Zone”, which opens at 10 a.m.
The 2025 Parade Route has been updated for 2025, starting at Christie Pits and finishing at the St. Lawrence Market. The full route is approximately 6 km long.
From Christie Pits, the parade will travel east on Bloor Street, turn south on St. George Street, east on Hoskin Avenue, south on Queen’s Park Crescent / University Avenue, turn east on Wellington Street, south on Yonge Street, east on Front Street, before finally ending at St. Lawrence Market.
A number of new additions are promised at this year’s parade, alongside cherished traditions; this includes brand new floats including those by LEGO, Nintendo of Canada, Nutella, and Uncle Tetsu, star-studded hosts Dina Pugliese, Tim Bolen, Rick Campanelli, and Devo Brown, and the new Treats Zone, which includes free activities, letter-writing to Santa, complimentary Tim Hortons coffee and hot chocolate, and Uncle Tetsu cheesecake.
With over 750,000 spectators expected to attend and major road closures starting at 7 a.m., driving downtown is not recommended. Dress warm, bring your own blankets, chairs, and snacks, and arrive early for the best viewing experience.
For those who can’t make it, you can also watch a live broadcast of The Original Santa Claus Parade on Citytv at 12:30 p.m. ET, or stream it on Citytv+.