2019 Santa Claus Parades and Holiday Activities

Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit? Many Ottawa communities have already set a date for their Santa Claus parades and we want to make sure you don't miss out on this popular festive event! Please note: We will be updating this post as more information and details become available. If you have a holiday event you would like to add - leave a comment and let us know!

2019 Ottawa Santa Claus Parades

Help Santa Toy Parade
http://toyparade.ca/
Saturday, November 16th at 11 am

This is popular Ottawa Santa Claus parade takes place downtown and is favoured by many in the National Capital Region. Firefighters collect new toys and cash donations along the route. Can’t bring your toy donation? They will also accept new toys at any Ottawa Fire Station until mid-December. Depending on your spot along the route it can get busy, so keep this in mind if your family doesn’t like crowds.

Santa’s Parade of Lights
paradeoflights.org
Saturday, November 30th at 6 pm

Hosted by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association, this parade takes place on St-Joseph, Blvd. in Orleans. Toys and cash donations will be collected by firefighters along the route.

Stittsville Parade of Lights
stittsvilleva.com
Saturday, November 30th at 6 pm to 8 pm

This parade is a favourite community event. The Lions Club will be collecting non perishable food and cash for the Stittsville Food Bank, and The Stocking Project will be collecting new stocking stuffers and gifts for local families who may be struggling.

Kanata Santa Claus Parade
http://khlions.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Parade-Flier-2019-v3.pdf
Saturday, November 16th at 11 am

The parade begins at Terry Fox and Castlefrank and proceeds down Castlefrank to Abbeyhill to Hazeldean Mall. Food and money will be collected by Volunteer FireFighters along the route for the Kanata Food Cupboard.

Barrhaven Lions Santa Parade
santaclausbarrhaven.com
Sunday, November 17th at 5:30 p.m.

The annual Barrhaven Lions Club Santa Claus Parade runs down Strandherd Drive, west. Tim Hortons will be providing hot chocolate at various spots along the parade route.

Arnprior Santa Claus Parade
http://www.arnpriorlegion.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/SANTA-PARADE-FLYER-2019.pdf
November 30th at 6 pm

The Arnprior Legion Members and volunteers will be collecting change and non-perishable food items along the parade route. All proceeds to the Arnprior Food Bank.

Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade
http://richmondvillage.ca/event/santa-parade/
Saturday, December 7th starting at 5:30 pm

Lighting of the park starts at 4:30 – new banners unveiled and lights turned on. The Parade at 5:30 – starts at South Carleton and finishes at the arena.

Carp Santa Claus Parade
Date TBD
Parade route starts at The Diefenbunker, 3911 Carp Road, and follows Carp Road.

Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade
https://downtowncarletonplace.com/santa-claus-parade-2019-an-old-fashion-christmas/
Saturday, November 23rd at 5 pm

Pakenham Santa Claus Parade
https://lanarkcountytourism.com/events/pakenham-santa-claus-parade-and-celebration/
December 7, 2019 at 1 pm

Aylmer Santa Claus Parade
https://www.facebook.com/paradehohoho/
Saturday, November 30th at 6 pm

The 25th edition of the Gatineau Santa Claus parade is in Old Aylmer on Saturday, November 30th at 6 PM from the marina to the mall.

Other Holiday Activities in Ottawa

Besides parades, there are many Christmas and holiday activities in Ottawa, including:

Magic of Lights Ottawa
https://wesleycloverparks.com/events/magic-of-lights-ottawa/
November 21st, 2019 - January 4th, 2020
5:00PM - 10:00PM

Now in its forth year, this event has quickly become a holiday tradition for many Ottawa residents and visitors, is comprised of LED displays celebrating the joy of the holidays. A “drive through” experience from the comfort of your own car, at every turn and in every direction the route is overflowing with spectacular light displays and animations. Online: $20 +HST & fees; Gate Monday - Thursday: $25; Gate Friday - Sunday: $30

Alight the Night
http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/alight-at-night/
November 29th, 2019 to January 4th, 2020
Upper Canada Village

Step back in time while walking around the beautifully lit heritage buildings, trees and fences of Upper Canada Village. There are festive activities and a chance to meet Santa Claus all throughout the month of December leading up to Christmas.

Almonte’s Light Up the Night!
lightupthenightalmonte.com
Friday, December 6th at 7 p.m.

Bundle up, this is an open-air concert and fireworks display on Main Street in Almonte. Now in its 29th year this night is full of music and memorable outdoor festivities.

Glow Ottawa - Christmas
https://www.glowgardens.com/ottawa-christmas/
December 5th, 2019 to January 4th, 2020

Glow Around the World" as you follow Santa on his journey to deliver presents in 6 different countries! Explore lighted trails, stroll through festive city streets and marvel at illuminated historical landmarks as you discover themed rooms in China, India, Holland, Mexico, France, and England. Reserve your spot online. Price starts at $14.99 for children and seniors during the week, $19.99 for adults during the week; children 3 and under are always free.

Manotick - Olde Fashioned Christmas
http://manotickvillage.com/event/olde-fashioned-christmas/
Saturday, November 30th

Horse drawn wagon rides with Father and Mary Christmas to sunset carolling, this wonderful weekend is full of traditional events not to be missed. 

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum Vintage Village of Lights
ottawa.ca/en/liveculture/museums/cumberlandmuseum

30,000 Christmas lights, decorations everywhere, a gigantic reindeer and sleigh and – of course – a visit with Santa Claus in his workshop! Kids will have fun sledding, playing broomball or street hockey, making a snow globe, decorating gingerbread, and sending your Christmas wish list to Santa via telegram. Regular admission applies. 

Goulbourn Museum Olde Fashioned Christmas
Sunday, November 17th from 10 am to 3 pm
https://goulbournmuseum.ca/event/old-fashioned-christmas-outdoor-artisan-market-5/

Get a head start on your shopping at this holiday celebration and Christmas market that features activities for the whole family. Write letters to Santa and pose for a photo with the jolly old soul, enjoy free hot chocolate and apple cider and buy one-of-a-kind handmade gifts from local artisans. Free admission.

The CP Holiday Train
November 25 to December 18, 2019
http://www.cpr.ca/holiday-train/schedule-canada

You may not see Santa here, but this is a great holiday event all the same. The CP Holiday Train started in 1999 and raises money and food for the Food Bank. Over the three weeks of the program, musicians will play more than 150 concerts from a boxcar that’s been turned into a travelling stage.