Ottawa Christmas Parades 2022 - Ottawa Area Santa Claus Parades

santa and sleigh on top of firetruck decorated in garlands with words Santa Claus Parades in Ottawa

Christmas parade season is in full swing,  but if you missed the first few, don’t despair - there is plenty of the jolly season left to go and multiple parades to enjoy for weeks to come! Check out some of the Parade of Lights, Christmas Parade, Santa Claus Parade events throughout Ottawa and the surrounding area!

Aylmer Santa Claus Parade

https://www.facebook.com/paradehohoho/

Saturday, November 26, 6pm
Starts at Rue Principale, near Rue Front

This year marks the return of the traditional Aylmer Santa Claus Parade, pivoting from the previous year’s stationary parade. Running since 1994, especially with the addition of the Christmas Market in 2014 for the 20th anniversary of the parade, which still runs today!

Santa’s Parade of Lights

paradeoflights.org

Saturday, November 26th, 2022 @ 6:00 PM
St-Joseph Blvd. Orleans

Hosted by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association, you can catch this glowing display along St-Joseph, Blvd. in Orleans. Toys and cash donations will be collected by firefighters along the route. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Santa’s Parade of Lights and there will be on-site entertainment at the judging site (St-Joseph & Orleans Blvd) leading up to parade time.

Arnprior Santa Claus Parade

http://www.arnpriorlegion.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/SANTA-PARADE-FLYER-2019.pdf

Saturday, November 26, 6:00
Starts at No Frills Parking Lot

After two years of a drive-by Santa event, the Arnprior Santa Claus Parade is back in full swing! With an estimated 50 floats taking park and volunteers on foot to hand out treats to spectators, this family event is well worth the drive from Ottawa! Following the parade, Santa will visit the legion to say hello to all of the children and even hand out treat bags!

Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade

https://carletonplace.ca/whatsnewc4.php?t=2022%20Santa%20Claus%20Parade&command=viewArticle&ID=1632&currentFeed=1
Saturday, November 26th at 5 pm
Starts at Carleton Place High School


With this year’s theme of  “Movies of Christmas”, floats are sure to delight children of all ages and fill the streets with nostalgia! Because of construction on Central Bridge, the parade will take a different route than usual, so be sure to check the website for the updated route as well as a list of municipal parking sites for those who are not close enough to walk. 

Russell Santa Parade

https://www.facebook.com/events/1191133161746759

Sunday, November 27, 1:00
Starts at St Thomas Aquinas CHS

The Russell Fire Department and the Russell Lions Club team up for this annual spectacle and will collect food and cash donations for the Russell Township Food Bank. The parade has a new ending location this year, so expect Mr. & Mrs. Clause to enter Russell High School following the parade.

Stittsville Parade of Lights

https://www.stittsvilleva.com/parade/

Saturday, December 3rd at 6 pm to 8 pm
Stittsville Main St. 

A community favourite in Stittsville, this parade attracts thousands of spectators each year, so make sure you arrive early if you have little ones who might need a front row seat! Following the parade and the arrival of the man in red, head on over to the Village Square Park for the annual lighting, hot chocolate, cookies, and even a visit with Santa himself!  

Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade

http://richmondvillage.ca/event/santa-parade/

December 3, 2022, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Richmond Fairgrounds, 6121 Perth St, Richmond

This year, Richmond continues the new tradition of a drive through parade at the Richmond Fair Grounds. Floats will remain stationary as spectators drive through the fairgrounds, so bring your hot cocoa and Christmas music to enjoy as you roll through this alternative parade!

Pakenham Santa Claus Parade

https://lanarkcountytourism.com/events/pakenham-santa-claus-parade-and-celebration/

Saturday December 3, 1:00-2:00
Stewart Community Centre & Grounds
112 McFarlane Street, Pakenham

During this Christmas Movie themed parade, The Pakenham & District Civitan Club will be collecting donations for the Lanark County Food Bank enroute. Floats start their route at the Steweart Community Centre and loop twice through the downtown core. As an added bonus, the Civitan Club will also provide hot chocolate and hot dogs to parade-goers!

Almonte Christmas Night Parade

https://www.facebook.com/events/660563028884728

Sunday, December 4th, 5:30
Beginning at the John Levi Community Centre on Bridge Street

Make your way to Arnprior as they light up the night with glowing Christmas movie floats! The Almonte Scouts will be on hand, collecting donations of cash and non-perishable food for The Hunger Stop. Plan for tasty treats as well, as Almonte Lions Club will provide hotdogs and hot chocolate!

Carp Santa Claus Parade


https://www.facebook.com/groups/HuntleyCommunityAssociation

December 10 6:00pm
Parade route starts at The Diefenbunker, 3911 Carp Road, and follows Carp Road.

Moving to a nighttime parade instead of their traditional afternoon parade, Santa and friends will make their way down Carp Rd from the Diefenbunker, this time with lights! Thanks to the hard work of the Huntley Community Association, dozens of floats will participate and volunteers will be on hand to collect donations for the West Carleton Food Access Centre.

Lanark Village Santa Claus Parade

https://lanarkcountytourism.com/events/lanark-village-santa-claus-parade/

Sunday, December 10 1:00-2:00pm
Lanark & District Civitan Club

Following its traditional route, beginning at the Lanark & District Civitan Club, this year’s Lanark Village Santa Claus Parade will be made up of floats with a ‘The Night Before Christmas’ theme. Following the parade, you can make your way to the Maple Grove Public school gym for a meet and greet with Santa! 


Help Santa Toy Parade


http://toyparade.ca/
One of Ottawa's most popular Christmas parades, this spectacle has firefighters collecting donations of toys and cash along the parade route for families. In need. Although the parade has already passed for this year, you can still make donations via the Toy Parade website or at any Ottawa Fire Station until mid-December.

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.

2018 Santa Claus Parades & Holiday Activities in Ottawa

It may seem early, but it's time to start getting 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 are 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!

2018 Ottawa Santa Claus Parades

Help Santa Toy Parade
http://toyparade.ca/
Saturday, November 17th at 11 a.m.

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 24th

Also 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, December 1, 2018 at 6 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
https://www.facebook.com/events/683364755381229/
November 17, 2018 at 10 am

The Kanata parade (a.k.a the Hazeldean Mall Santa Claus Parade) is presented by the Kanata-Hazeldean Lions Club in cooperation with the Kanata Sports Club. The parade starts at Terry Fox and Castlefrank, moves along Castlefrank to Abbeyhill and then on to the Hazeldean Mall. Nonperishable food donations to the Kanata Food Cupboard are appreciated.

Barrhaven Lions Santa Parade
santaclausbarrhaven.com
Sunday, November 18th 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
https://www.facebook.com/events/917184025147270/
November 24, 2018 at 6 pm

Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade
http://richmondvillage.ca/event/santa-parade/
Saturday, December 8th starting at 5:30 pm

The Richmond Santa Claus Parade is a much anticipated event and we hope to see you there!  Start thinking about how you will use this great opportunity to showcase your business or organization. 

Carp Santa Claus Parade
December 8, 2018 12 pm to 2 pm
Parade route starts at The Diefenbunker, 3911 Carp Road, and follows Carp Road.

Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade
http://downtowncarletonplace.com/christmas-parade/
Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 5 p.m.

Other Holiday Activities in Ottawa

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

Holidays at The Parks 2018
http://wesleycloverparks.com/events/holidays-at-the-parks-2018/
Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 12:00PM – 4:00PM

A great family friendly event, Holidays at The Parks will feature activities for everyone including a vendor’s row, kids craft station, horse-drawn wagon rides, opportunity to meet Zack the donkey, and more! All activities will take place in the Wesley Clover Parks’ heated indoor arena. Meet and take a picture with Santa! Admission by donation.

Alight the Night
http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/alight-at-night/
November 30th to January 5th
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 or
http://lanarkcountytourism.com/events/light-up-the-night-almonte/
Friday, December 7th at 7 p.m.

Bundle up, this is an open-air concert and fireworks display on Main Street in Almonte. Now in its 28th year this night is full of music and memorable outdoor festivities.

Manotick - Olde Fashioned Christmas
http://manotickvillage.com/event/olde-fashioned-christmas/
Saturday, December 1st and Sunday, December 2nd

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. 

A Nepean Christmas
https://ottawa.ca/en/residents/arts-heritage-and-culture/museums-and-historic-sites/nepean-museum#upcoming-events-and-programs

Bring the whole family and get into the Christmas spirit by coming to the museum for a Nepean Christmas Celebration!  There will be Christmas crafts, treats, and of course Santa! There is a fee.

Barrhaven: Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 8th from 10 am to 12 pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1219112084895128

Presented by the Minto Recreation Complex, this festive event will include pictures with Santa, crafts, games and cookie decorating. Admission is free!

Goulbourn Museum Olde Fashioned Christmas
Sunday, November 18th from 10 am to 3 pm
http://goulbournmuseum.ca/event/old-fashioned-christmas-outdoor-artisan-market-4/

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
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.

2017 Santa Claus Parades in Ottawa

It may seem early, but it's time to start getting 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!

2017 Ottawa Santa Claus Parades

Help Santa Toy Parade
http://toyparade.ca/
Saturday, November 18th at 11 a.m.

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, December 2nd at 6 p.m.

Also 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/parade-of-lights
Saturday, December 2nd at 6 p.m.

This parade is a favourite community event. The parade proceeds south down Main Street to Village Square. Parade goers are welcome to stay for the lighting of Village Square Park and to warm up with some hot chocolate.

Kanata Hazeldean Mall Santa Claus Parade
http://khlions.com/?p=864
Sunday, November 19th at 1:30 p.m.

The Kanata parade (a.k.a the Hazeldean Mall Santa Claus Parade) is presented by the Kanata-Hazeldean Lions Club in cooperation with the Kanata Sports Club. The parade starts at Terry Fox and Castlefrank, moves along Castlefrank to Abbeyhill and then on to the Hazeldean Mall. Nonperishable food donations to the Kanata Food Cupboard are appreciated.

Barrhaven Lions Santa Parade
santaclausbarrhaven.com
Saturday, November 18th at 5:30 p.m.

The annual Barrhaven Lions Club Santa Claus Parade runs down Strandherd Drive. Forgot to pack snacks? There will be food vendors along the route.

Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade
http://richmondvillage.ca/event/santa-parade/
Saturday, December 2nd 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Carp Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 9th 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Parade route starts at The Diefenbunker, 3911 Carp Road, and follows Carp Road.

Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade
http://downtowncarletonplace.com/the-downtown-carleton-place-santa-claus-parade/ 
Saturday, November 25th at 5 p.m. Canada 150 themed

Other Christmas Activities in Ottawa

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

Alight the Night
http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/alight-at-night/
December 1st to January 6th
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 1st at 7 p.m.

Bundle up, this is an open-air concert and fireworks display on Main Street in Almonte. Now in its 27th year this night is full of music and memorable outdoor festivities.

Manotick - Olde Fashioned Christmas
http://manotickvillage.com/event/olde-fashioned-christmas/
Saturday, December 2nd and Sunday, December 3rd

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

Merrickville - Breakfast with Santa
christmasinmerrickville.ca
Saturday, December 2nd from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Sponsored by the Merrickville Royal Canadian Legion this is one of the most popular Christmas-in-Merrickville events. You and your family can enjoy a hearty, home-style breakfast with Santa at the Royal Canadian Legion. After breakfast, your children can share their wish list with Santa, or you can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride as a family. The wagon stop is right outside the Legion’s door. Donations for the horse drawn wagon rides are appreciated. Breakfast with Santa costs $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children ages 12 and under; children ages 6 and under are free.

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. 

A Nepean Christmas
https://ottawa.ca/en/residents/arts-heritage-and-culture/museums-and-historic-sites/nepean-museum#upcoming-events-and-programs

Saturday, December 16, 2017 from 10:00 am  to 4:00 pm

Bring the whole family and get into the Christmas spirit by coming to the museum for a Nepean Christmas Celebration!  There will be Christmas crafts, treats, and of course Santa! Cost: $6.30/adult, $10.45/pair, $16.75/family

Proulx Maple & Berry Farm Winterfest
http://proulxberryfarm.com/ 
Opens December 2nd

Drop by Proulx Maple & Berry Farm in Cumberland for a beautiful display of Christmas lights, a photo booth, wagon rides and more! Visit their website for more information. 

The CP Holiday Train
http://www.cpr.ca/holiday-train/schedule-canada

Merrickville - Monday, November 27th starting at 4:45 p.m.
Smiths Falls - Monday, November 27th starting at 6:20 p.m.
Perth - Monday, November 27th starting at 7:40 p.m.

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.

Santa Claus Parades in Ottawa

While some houses in your neighbourhood may still be sporting a jack ‘o lantern, Christmas is coming and that means Santa Claus parades will be popping up all around Ottawa!

2016 Santa Claus Parades in Ottawa

Help Santa Toy Parade
http://toyparade.ca/
Saturday, November 19th at 11 a.m.

The Ottawa Professional Fire Fighter’s Association has helped organize the Help Santa Toy Parade since 1969. This is the big one that takes place downtown and is favoured by many in the Ottawa area. 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 26th at 6 p.m.

Also 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/parade-of-lights
Saturday, November 26th at 6 p.m.

This parade is a favourite community event. The parade proceeds south down Main Street to Village Square. Parade goers are welcome to stay for the lighting of Village Square Park and to warm up with some hot chocolate.

Kanata Santa Claus Parade
http://www.hazeldeanmall.com/events/hazeldean-2016-hazeldean-mall-santa-claus-parade Saturday, November 12th at 10 a.m.

The Kanata parade (a.k.a the Hazeldean Mall Santa Claus Parade) is presented by the Kanata-Hazeldean Lions Club in cooperation with the Kanata Sports Club. The parade starts at Terry Fox and Castlefrank, moves along Castlefrank to Abbeyhill and then on to the Hazeldean Mall. Nonperishable food donations to the Kanata Food Cupboard are appreciated.

Barrhaven Lions Santa Parade
santaclausbarrhaven.com
Sunday, November 20th at 5:30 p.m. 

The annual Barrhaven Lions Club Light Up the Night Santa Claus Parade runs down Strandherd Drive. Forgot to pack snacks? There will be food vendors along the route.

Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade
http://richmondvillage.ca/event/santa-parade/
Saturday, December 3rd at 5:30 p.m.

Carp Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 10th at 12 noon
Parade route starts at The Diefenbunker, 3911 Carp Road, and follows Carp Road.

Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade
http://downtowncarletonplace.com/the-downtown-carleton-place-santa-claus-parade/ 
Saturday, November 26th at 5 p.m.

Other Christmas Activities in Ottawa

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

Alight the Night
http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/alight-at-night/
December 2nd to January 7th
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 2nd at 7 p.m.

Bundle up, this is an open-air concert and fireworks display on Main Street in Almonte. Now in its 26th year this night is full of music and memorable outdoor festivities.

Manotick - Olde Fashioned Christmas
http://manotickvillage.com/event/olde-fashioned-christmas/
Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th

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

Merrickville - Breakfast with Santa
christmasinmerrickville.ca
Saturday, December 3rd from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Sponsored by the Merrickville Royal Canadian Legion this is one of the most popular Christmas-in-Merrickville events. You and your family can enjoy a hearty, home-style breakfast with Santa at the Royal Canadian Legion. After breakfast, your children can share their wish list with Santa, or you can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride as a family. The wagon stop is right outside the Legion’s door. Donations for the horse drawn wagon rides are appreciated. Breakfast with Santa costs $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children ages 12 and under; children ages 6 and under are free.

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. 

A Nepean Christmas
ottawa.ca/en/liveculture/museums/nepeanmuseum
Saturday, December 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grab the family and head to the Nepean Museum with kids to have fun learning about old-fashioned Christmas traditions. Take home a gingerbread house and a Christmas card, and maybe even see Santa Claus! Cost: $6.15/individual, $10.20/pair, $16.35/family.

Proulx Maple & Berry Farm Winterfest
http://proulxberryfarm.com/ 
December 1st to the 18th

Drop by Proulx Maple & Berry Farm in Cumberland for a beautiful display of Christmas lights, a photo booth, wagon rides and more! Visit their website for more informaton. 

The CP Holiday Train
cpr.ca/en/community/holiday-train
November 27th: Perth (7:40 p.m.), Smiths Falls (6:20 p.m.) and Merrickville (4:45 p.m.)

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.