Toronto Santa Claus Parade Memories

✨ UPDATED FOR 2025! Santa's Back in Town! ✨ Toronto Santa Claus Parade 2025: Date, Route & Festive Fun in the 6ix!

By Danna Bananas November 2025 | 3 min read

The holidays are officially rolling into town! It's the return of one of Toronto's most beloved traditions: The Original Santa Claus Parade! 🎅

This year's parade takes place on Sunday, November 23 at 12:30 p.m., marking the true start of the festive season.

Every November, the city comes alive as floats, bands, happy clowns, and excited folks line the streets to welcome Santa Claus to town. There's something special about watching the parade roll by (no matter how old you are). The music, the laughter, and that crisp Toronto air have a way of letting your inner kid run wild.

Whether you're downtown, watching from home, or reliving childhood memories, the magic of the season begins right here in Toronto.

🎄 A Little Parade History

The Toronto Santa Claus Parade first came to the big smoke in 1905. There was only one person in the parade... jolly old St. Nick himself.

Santa arrived at Union Station atop a horse-drawn Eaton's delivery wagon and walked with the Eaton family to their store. The Eaton's Department Store was their sponsor until 1982.

By 1913, Santa journeyed down Yonge Street behind eight live reindeer. In 1917, floats were introduced; in 1919 Santa arrived by plane. The parade first aired on the radio (CFRB) in the 1930s and appeared on television for the very first time in 1952.

🧣 Memories & Modern Magic

My memories of attending the Santa Claus Parade are from the 1980s... those were some awesome times! My family would take the TTC... subway down with lawn chairs and blankets. We would watch the floats go by and excitedly anticipate Santa's arrival with much excitement. My other memories were taking my nephews down in the 1990s and letting them sit on a snowbank (what a great aunt! 😉).

In this day and age, there are dozens of floats, happy clowns, and bands winding through the streets of Toronto spreading holiday joy and entertaining kids of all ages.

Don't forget that this is just the beginning of Holiday celebrations in Toronto. There are many more events and activities to do besides the obligatory Christmas shopping. Want more holiday inspiration? Check out the best Christmas events happening in Toronto this season!

With Halloween just fading away into the dark, I think this is my new favourite holiday. It's pure joy without the pressure, just fun, festivities, and community spirit! There's no attachment, no baggage, none of that 'oh boo hoo, I don't have family for the holidays' stuff. Life changes, and traditions evolve with it. This Christmas, I'm holding onto the warmth of her love while making space for new ways to celebrate, carrying that spirit forward into whatever comes next.

🎅 Toronto Tips for a Fun and Cozy Parade Day

• Layer up! Even Santa trades his suit for thermal gear when the wind hits Bloor Street.
• Take transit. The TTC and the GO will be running extra service, and parking will be… let's just say, a gift you won't find.
• Bring snacks. Parade-watching is serious business... hot chocolate, candy canes, and maybe a banana or two 🍌. K? 😉
• Keep spirits bright. Three words: Happy, Happy Joy!

HO HO HO! Because you never know when you'll need to summon the big guy in red, the Emergency Santa Kit has you covered!

🎁 Funny Christmas Gifts for the Season of Joy

Once you've waved at Santa, it's time to channel that holiday spirit into gift-giving... and that's where Danna Bananas comes in! From Funny Christmas Gifts that'll make your friends burst out laughing to Unique Gifts Canada wide that bring joy from coast to coast, we've got you covered.

• Funny Socks – Perfect for stuffing stockings (and showing off under cozy boots).
• Funny Mugs – Keep warm while waiting for the parade or sipping eggnog at home.
• Toys & Games – Turn any holiday party into a laugh-fest.

Shop the full collection of Funny Gifts Canada and make this Christmas the funniest yet!