Santa Claus is coming to Pickering…

Saturday, November 28, 2026
10:00 am start

The application period to participate in the 2026 Santa Claus Parade has been extended until November 6, 2026. Please see below for more details and the registration form, which includes the rules and regulations.

Please note: The official parade Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Grinch are the only Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Grinch allowed in the parade. No entry may depict Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, or the Grinch.

Temporary Route Relocation

There will be a temporary route relocation for the 2026 Santa Claus Parade to Whites Road.

FAQs

Where is the Santa Claus Parade?

The 2026 Santa Claus Parade will form at Dunbarton High School, and proceed north along Whites Road to the northernmost entrance of the St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School parking lot. The official Parade start is located on Whites Road at the south side of the railway bridge. There will be no spectators permitted on the bridge.

Why is the Santa Claus Parade route changing?

Due to City Centre development, Glenanna Road south of Highway 2 will not be available for disbanding, therefore, the temporary new route must be actioned. We look forward to returning to the Glenanna Road route when it is safe and feasible to do so.

What time will the road closures be in place?

Sheppard Avenue from Edmund Drive to Whites Road will be closed from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm, or when the Parade disbands.

Whites Road from Highway 2 to Finch Avenue, including arterial streets to the next intersection, will be closed from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, or when the Parade disbands.

Are there washrooms onsite?

There are no public washrooms available during the Santa Claus Parade. Nearby businesses may be open and available for washroom use at their discretion.

Where can I park?

There is limited free parking located at the following schools:

St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School (490 Strouds Lane)
Highbush PS (605 Strouds Lane)
Altona Forest PS (405 Woodsmere Crescent)
Gandatsetiagon PS (1868 Parkside Drive)

Limited street parking is available in the Amberlea neighbourhood. Please comply with
posted parking regulations.

Can I bring a pet?

Yes, this is a pet-friendly event. Pets must be on leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet.

The City of Pickering is proud to host various community events and initiatives that bring residents and visitors together. City events are intended to provide a safe, welcoming, and accessible space to gather and celebrate moments of cultural, historical, or local significance. We are committed to ensuring that all City-led or sanctioned community events and initiatives reflect the City’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and reflect the rights and responsibilities set out in the Ontario Human Rights Code.

All participants in community festivals and events must adhere to the Community Festival and Event Policy (CUL 070) and Respectful Conduct Policy (ADM 260).

The Santa Claus Parade is a longstanding community tradition that is run by The Corporation of City of Pickering in partnership with the Kinsmen and Kinette Club of Pickering. This annual event seeks to provide a celebration of the Holiday Season that is both entertaining and safe for all participants and spectators.

The deadline to register for the Santa Claus Parade and to submit your Community Group Parade Grant application has been extended to Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

Participants will only be considered registered once the following conditions are met:

Registration Form is fully completed and submitted by the deadline;
The Group has been confirmed by the City to be in compliance with the Rules & Regulations and have agreed to the terms and conditions set out therein;
The Group’s registration status has been approved in writing by the City; and
Insurance requirements have been submitted and approved (if applicable);
Payment has been made (Commercial/Corporate entries only).

Please Note: Submission of this form does not guarantee approval to participate in the Santa Claus Parade. Approval to participate must be provided to the applicant in writing by the City of Pickering.

Apply Now

Parade Partners

Photography Policy

Photos and video may be recorded at this event by designated City photographers & videographers. These materials may be used in future City of Pickering education, advertising, and other internal/external promotions, without compensation.

Any questions related to the collection of this information should be directed to the City Clerk, One the Esplanade, Pickering, ON L1V 6K7, 905.420.4611.

Pet Policy

For the safety of all attendees, we encourage any dogs that do not do well with people, crowds, loud noises, or other dogs to be left at home.

Please note, all dogs entering any City event must comply with the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law (6811/07) and the Dog Owners Liability Act.

Dogs that have characteristics similar to a Pit Bull (under the act) must wear a muzzle.

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