Santa Claus parades are coming to Eastern Ontario…and beyond!

Updated November 10, 2022.

Believe it or not, it’s time for Santa Claus parades near Ottawa! Kris Kringle will be making several appearances in cities, towns and villages in Eastern Ontario and West Quebec between now and Christmas, as his fans gear up to welcome him in style.

Here are some of the spots where you and the little ones in your family can catch sight of the jolly old elf in a Santa Claus parade or holiday parade of lights.

• Saturday, November 12: Oxford Mills (lantern parade)
• Friday, November 18: Prescott
• Saturday, November 19: Help Santa Toy Parade (Ottawa), Kemptville, Cornwall, Kingston
• Sunday, November 20: Barrhaven
• Friday, November 25: White Lake
• Saturday, November 26: Orleans, Riverside South, Aylmer, Arnprior, Carleton Place, Brockville, Pembroke
• Sunday, November 27: Russell
• Friday, December 2: Osgoode (starts at the corner of Nixon and Main at 7pm); Manotick; Vankleek Hill
• Saturday, December 3: Stittsville, Richmond, Pakenham, Clarence-Rockland, Winchester, Perth, Beachburg, Petawawa, Napanee, Gananoque
• Sunday, December 4: Almonte, Calabogie
• Saturday, December 10: Carp, Hawkesbury

Check the listings carefully, as some events are in the afternoon, while others take place after dark. Why not make a day of it by checking my list of Christmas craft fairs in our region? The odds are high that one will be taking place not far from the parade you choose to attend.

And when you head out to a parade, don’t forget to pack the essentials: extra mittens, flasks of hot chocolate, cell phones (for taking photos and for connecting if you get separated in the crowd) and lots of festive spirit!

Do you know of any Santa Claus parades, Christmas parades or parades of lights in Eastern Ontario or West Quebec that aren’t on this list? Please let me know in a comment and I’ll do my best to add them.

Want more tips on road trips from Ottawa—including info on hotel discounts, contests, festivals and other cool news? Subscribe to my free weekly e-newsletter! I will never spam you—promise. And if you’re looking for a clever Christmas present, how about a copy of my local guidebook, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide?

As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land.