A comprehensive list of Tree Lighting ceremonies, and Santa Claus Parades in Toronto, Regions of Peel, Halton, Durham & York during the 2023 Christmas and holiday season.
Plan a Santa Claus Parade-themed day trip or a Christmas Lights family evening out and explore GTA. All the venues where light-up events are held are great places to see spectacular Christmas Lights.
For spectacular X-mas lights – Places to see X-mas Lights in GTA.
Christmas Carols & Concerts in GTA
Christmas Theatre & Holiday Events in GTA
Things to do this weekend in Toronto
Weekend Activities with Kids in Toronto
New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Family Events in GTA
New Year’s Eve Parties in Toronto
For events in Hamilton, see Christmas Events in Hamilton.
Parades might be cancelled due to inclement weather – Please verify before travelling.
Christmas Light-up Events & Santa Claus Parades in Durham 2023
Christmas Tree Lighting | Oshawa
This free event in the heart of downtown Oshawa, offers fun for everyone, including live entertainment, partner activities, holiday market vendors, a large variety of food vendors, a visit from Santa and a tree lighting ceremony. More details.
Memorial Park, Oshawa
Winter Wonder Lights | Newcastle
A spectacular nighttime parade. More details.
Friday, November 17, 2023 | 5:30 pm – 7:15 pm
Newcastle Community Hall, 20 King Ave. West, Newcastle
Beaverton Santa Claus Parade
Every year, dozens of floats participate in the parade to the delight of children and adults alike. The Santa Claus Parade also kick-starts the holiday season in Beaverton! Visit Santa after the Parade at the Fire Hall. More Details
Friday, November 17, 2023 | 07:00 PM
The parade will leave the Beaverton Fair Grounds travelling along Main Street to Simcoe Street to Osborne Street to Bay Street and continue to the Fair Grounds.
Santa’s Parade of Lights | Oshawa
A spectacular night time parade. More details.
Saturday, November 18, 2023 | 6:00 PM
Parade Route: Downtown Oshawa
Route: Along King St from Gibbson st to Simcoe St and through Bond St W till Gibbson St.
Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade
60th Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade. More details.
Saturday, November 18, 2023 | 11 AM
Parade Route: Starts at the Arean, heads east on Brock St. through town to Nellykdd Lane & finishes at Uxbridge Secondary School.
Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade
The annual Santa Claus Parade in the community of Bowmanville celebrates the spirit of the holiday season.
Don’t forget your letters for Santa and non-perishable food donations being collected by the Salvation Army.
Saturday, November 18, 2023 | 10:30 AM
Parade Route: The parade starts at Scugog St & King St. W and it runs all the way to Simpson Ave.
Newcastle Santa Claus Parade
Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 5:30 PM
Fireworks: 5:30 PM followed by Parade
Parade Route: The parade will proceed easterly from North Street along King Avenue to Arthur / Brookhouse street in the east.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Candle Light Walk | Port Perry
Join us for a free, magical storybook evening of celebration as we fill downtown Port Perry with the spirit of the holiday season! Enjoy a holiday farmer’s market, candlelit walk & tree lighting, carolling, live music & more surprises!
Friday, November 24, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Queen Street/ Palmer Park, Port Perry
Orono Santa Claus Parade
Village of Orono – The Parade begins at the cemetery at Mill Lane and then continues South on Mill St and disbands at Orono Fair Grounds.
Christmas in the Village | Brooklin – Whitby
Cancelled in 2023 due to renovations at Downtown Brooklin’s Grass Park. More details.
Cancelled in 2023
Grass Park, 41 Baldwin Street, Downtown Brooklin
Whitby Lights the Night and Holiday Festival | Whitby
This Season, spectacular illuminations will transform Whitby Civic Park and Celebration Square. The community will be all aglow with snowflakes lining Downtown Whitby, seasonal décor in Downtown Brooklin and a new 30 ft. tree in Civic Park. Over 100,000 magical lights and ground displays throughout Whitby and Brooklin will welcome both residents and visitors. More details.
Friday, November 24, 2023 | 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Whitby Civic Park, 575 Rossland Rd E
Pickering Santa Claus Parade | Pickering
Join the City of Pickering and the Kinsmen & Kinette Club in celebrating the highly anticipated return of the Santa Claus Parade. This year, the Parade’s theme is Holiday Storytime, where groups are invited to represent pop culture or cultural stories about the holidays in their float design. More details.
Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 10 AM
Glenanna Road from Dixie Road to Pickering Parkway
Winter Nights, City Lights – Annual Tree Lighting & Fireworks | Pickering
This event will include the lighting of Esplanade Park, fireworks, activities, live entertainment, food vendors, roaming characters and a visit from Old St. Nick himself. More details.
November 24 & 25, 2023 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
The Esplanade Park, The Esplanade, Pickering
Ajax Santa Claus Parade & Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Parade route: Begins at the intersection of Bayly Street and Mackenzie Avenue, concluding at Ajax Town Hall.
Cannington Lions Santa Claus Parade
Annual Santa Claus Parade. Theme: “Christmas Around the World”
Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 11 AM
Parade route: Parade will begin from Rick MacLeish Community Centre
MacLeod Park, 72 Peace St, Cannington
Christmas Moonlight Magic & Tree Lighting | Bowmanville
Join us for our annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony on Temperance Street, featuring children’s entertainment, carol sing, and a visit from Santa himself. Come early to grab a spot on our large grandstands in front of the stage. The ceremony starts at 6:30pm, but there’s plenty to do while you wait.
Enjoy complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides along the main street. Do some shopping for unique handmade items at our Christmas Market.
Friday, December 1st, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Downtown Bowmanville
Santa Claus Parade | Whitby
Join Optimist Club of Brooklin along Brock St. in Whitby, ON for this unique event that inspires delight and wonder for the young and the young at heart. Details
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 10:00 AM – Noon
Parade Route: Route along Brock St. from Manning Rd to Trent St.
Santa Claus Parade | Port Perry
Evening parade of lights.
This year’s parade them is…Christmas at the Movies!
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Downtown Port Perry
The parade starts at the Port Perry fairgrounds.
Courtice Santa Claus Parade | Clarington
TBA
2023 – TBA?
2023 TBA, Old Parade Route: Nash Road between Townline and George Reynolds.
Fantasy of Lights | Uxbridge
Enjoy the light displays. Free. More details.
December 2 – January 6, 2024
Elgin Park, Uxbridge
Sunderland Santa Claus Parade | Sunderland
Santa Claus is coming to Sunderland!
2023 TBA
Parade Route: start at the Sunderland Memorial Arena and travel through the streets of Sunderland.
Christmas Lightup Events & Santa Claus Parades in Halton 2023
Milton Santa Claus Parade
The Milton Santa Claus Parade theme this year is “Christmas in the Movies”. More details.
Sunday, November 26th, 2023 | 1:30 PM
Milton
Route: From Main Street West and Whitmer. It will proceed East on Main Street and end at the Milton GO Station.
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Oakville
Kick off the Christmas season and create magical memories in Downtown Oakville’s Towne Square at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! Enjoy incredible entertainment, carolling, Santa, treats, and of course the lighting of the beautiful tree. More details.
Friday, November 17, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Towne Square, Downtown Oakville
Santa Claus Parade | Oakville
This year’s parade theme is Holiday Movie and Icons. More Details
Saturday, November 18, 2023 | 9:00 AM | 09:00 AM – Rain or Shine
Parade Route: The route begins in Downtown Oakville at Lakeshore Road East and Reynolds Avenue.
Santa Shuttle to the parade from Oakville GO station.
Acton Santa Claus Parade
Join for the annual Acton Santa Claus Parade organized by Acton Fire Fighters Association.
TBA
Downtown Acton – Queen Street and Acton Boulevard along Mill Street East and ending at Prospect Park
Georgetown Santa Claus Parade
Organized by The Georgetown Lions Club. The Georgetown Lions Club Parade started in 1932 and has been a continuous event since that time. More details.
Saturday, November 18, 2023 | 5 PM to 08:00 PM
Parade Route: The parade starts at Sinclair Ave. and Guelph St. in Georgetown and goes west along Guelph turning left on Mill St. to Charles St. finishing at the Georgetown Fairgrounds Park.
Bronte Village Annual Tree Lighting | Oakville
Experience the mirth and merriment of an old-fashioned Bronte Christmas during the Bronte Business Improvement Area’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Take time to shop some great early sales and warm up indoors at one of Bronte’s excellent eateries with mulled cider, festive treats or whatever your heart desires. More details.
TBA
Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Oakville
BPAC Festival of Trees | Burlington
Pre-lit artificial Christmas trees, generously donated by Canadian Tire – Burlington Stores and sponsored by local businesses, will light up BPAC’s Lobby for 4 weeks – until their silent auction ‘winners’ take them home for the holidays. More details.
TBA
Burlington Performing Arts Centre – The Family Lobby, 440 Locust Street, Burlington
The Lakeside Festival of Lights | Burlington
November 24, 2023 to January 8, 2024
Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
Light up the Hills | Halton Hills
Light up the Hills is a Winter Festival that showcases Halton Hills during the holiday season. More details.
December 1, 2023 | 07:00 PM – through January 14, 2024
Dominion Gardens, Acton Sports Park, and Glen Williams
Santa Claus Parade | Burlington
Hosted by the City of Burlington, the annual Christmas Parade features entries including bands, colourful floats, clowns, mascots and jolly St. Nick himself. More details.
Sunday, December 3, 2023. | 2 PM
Starts at Prospect St/Guelph Line, travels down Guelph Line to New St to Brant St to Elgin Street.
Christmas Lightup Events & Santa Claus Parades in Peel 2023
You may like:
Christmas and Holiday Events in Mississauga
Christmas and Holiday Events in Brampton
Christmas Tree Lighting | Brampton
Friday, November 17, 2023 | 06:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Downtown Brampton
Brampton Santa Claus Parade
You’ll see fun and exciting floats, hear Christmas music, watch dance performances, laugh with enchanting characters, and of course hear a special message from Santa himself! More details.
Saturday, November 18 | 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM
Bramalea Road and North Park Drive, Brampton
Mississauga Light Up the Square Celebration
With winter’s chill setting in, warm your heart with holiday magic as we light the Square for the first time this season. Join us for the Official Lighting of the Christmas Trees with Mayor and Members of Council. Mississauga Celebration Square will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Skate the night away and show your holiday cheer. More details.
Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
Lighting of the Lighthouse | Mississauga
Celebrate the holiday season with us! Grab your cozy winter wear and join in the local celebration of the season. Lighting of the Lighthouse is a family-friendly event in the beautiful and vibrant Port Credit village. Come out for a fun party that the whole family can join. More details.
TBA
Port Credit Lighthouse, 105 Lakeshore Road West
Port Credit
Christmas in the Village | Mississauga
We’re lighting up the Square with activities for everyone. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, take pictures with Santa, sip hot cocoa, and so much more. Find unique gifts for everyone on your list at the vendor market. There will be live music, photo op’s and everything you need to feel merry and bright.! More details.
November 17 & 18, 2023
Streetsville Village Square, Streetsville – Mississauga
Holidays at illumi | Mississauga
As darkness falls, more than 20 million brilliant LED lights will transform the night sky, bringing to life 14 magical universes including a NEW! Holiday Universe. As you explore illumi’s 600,000-square-foot site, enjoy cozy treats, a red carpet, holiday tunes, and a magical walk under the stars, perfect to kick off the holiday season! More details.
Until January 2023
Illumi, 7174 Derrycrest Drive, Mississauga
Bolton Santa Claus Parade | Caledon
By Bolton Kinsmen. The theme is “Favourite Christmas Stories“! More details.
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | TBA
TBA
Mississauga Festival of Trees | Mississauga
Celebrating the joy of the winter season, event organizers will transform this remarkable light-filled space into a festive display of seasonal lights, artist-created tree and wood pile installations, artisan and food markets, performances and entertainment, and more. More details.
December 8 to 17, 2023
CreativeHub 1352 at Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga
Santa Claus Parade | Mississauga
The Mississauga Santa Claus Parade featuring over 15 custom designed floats and over 1,500 participants and an expected crowd of over 30,000. More details.
Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 12:00pm – 2:30 pm
Glen Erin Drive – Motorway Blvd – Woodchester Rd – Dunwin Drive
Christmas Light-up Events & Santa Claus Parades in Toronto 2023
Distillery Winter Village Ceremonial Tree Lighting
This year’s 50 foot tall White Spruce Christmas tree has been designed by Dior, the 2022 title sponsor of The Distillery Winter Village. It will be decorated with 400 custom midnight blue ornaments, 1,700 shiny and matte gold balls, and 70,000 twinkling lights. More details.
Thursday, November 16 | 6 PM
The Distillery District, 55 Mill St, Toronto
Toronto Santa Claus Parade
The Santa Claus Parade is a 119-year-old tradition made possible by the help of thousands of volunteers and sponsors. More details.
Sunday, November 26, 023 | 12:30 PM
Toronto Downtown – Christie Pits and Bloor to St Lawrence Market, Toronto
Holiday Magic
The Bloor-Yorkville BIA (BY BIA) and Five-time JUNO Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Matt Dusk celebrate the holiday season with Holiday Magic, a free outdoor concert and lighting ceremony taking place on Cumberland Street and the Village of Yorkville Park, hosted by Award-winning Singer & TV Host, Keshia Chante. Returning for the 2023 season, Holiday Magic is a community celebration that will feature an exciting live performance from Matt Dusk and the annual “Flick the Switch” Lighting Ceremony with the event in support of the Canadian Foundation for Aids Research (CANFAR). More details.
Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 5 PM – 7 PM
Lights will remain throughout the season
Village of Yorkville Park, Cumberland Street & Bellair Street, Toronto
Cavalcade of Lights
Inspired by the luminous festivals and cultural revelries from around the globe, enjoy a host of holiday traditions centred on light, lanterns and fire woven into mesmerizing new lighting installations. Opening night celebration on November 25 includes live performances and the grand illumination of Toronto’s official Christmas tree. More details.
November 25, 2023 | 3 to 11 PM
Lights will remain throughout the season
Nathan Phillips Square,100 Queen St W, Toronto
Scarborough Civic Centre Tree Lighting
TBA Details
TBA
Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Drive
Toronto
Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 02, 2023 | 10 AM
2724 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
Cavalcade of Lights in Berczy Park
Come celebrate the holiday season with us with an official lighting ceremony at Berczy Park. This year a beautiful newly designed holiday lighting display will be installed next to the fountain in Berczy Park. Enjoy our Victorian Carol Singers and free hot chocolate and hot apple cider, while supplies last! More details.
Saturday, December 02, 2023 | 5:30 PM
Berczy Park , 35 Wellington St East, Toronto
Fairbank Light Up The Holidays
We give out free snacks, drinks, and family fun! Food is while supplies last. Of course, we can’t forget the beautiful display and lighting of the Fairbank Village tree at 5:45pm. We have some great free family entertainment! Live music will be playing at our central area at Shortt St. and Eglinton Ave. West (just west of Dufferin St.) and Carolers will be strolling our area. More details.
TBA
2342 Dufferin St., Toronto
North Etobicoke Santa Claus Parade
Join Santa and friends to celebrate and take part in the holiday magic of North Etobicoke! Bring family and friends and enjoy our holiday parade with festive floats, entertainment, food and more! More details.
TBA
Along Albion Centre near Islington Ave. & Kipling Ave.
Christmas Light-up Events & Santa Claus Parades in York 2023
Festival of Lights | Vaughan
Friday, November 10, 2023 | 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Vaughan City Hall
Level 300, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Tree Lighting and Skate | East Gwillimbury
Join us at the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex for our Annual Tree Lighting ceremony and to stroll the Christmas Market!! More details.
Sports Complex,1914B Mount Albert Road, East Gwillimbury
Santa Claus Parade | East Gwillimbury
This year’s theme is Christmas Traditions; experience the variety of traditions that friends and family use to celebrate Christmas every year, whether new or old! . More details.
Parade Route: From EG Civic Centre to Eg Sport Complex, East Gwillimbury
Santa Claus Parade | Newmarket
Join us in welcoming Santa Claus to Newmarket! More details.
The parade starts at the corner of Eagle Street and Lorne Avenue, proceeds East on Eagle Street to Main Street, continues North on Main Street to finiah at Ontario Street.
Keswick Santa Claus Parade | Georgina
They will be collecting food and monetary donations for the Georgina Food Panty and the Optimist Club of Keswick will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for their annual toy drive fundraiser
Parade Route: Starts at Woodbine Ave. at Dovedale Dr., heads north and ends on Woodbine Ave. at Wexford Dr
Light up the Village | Stouffville
November 23, 2023 | 5 – 9 p.m.
Civic Square, Main Street, Stouffville
Santa Under the Stars | Aurora
Dress up in your winter woollies with a cup of hot chocolate and join us for this year’s evening parade as Santa comes to town. More details.
Parade Route: South on Yonge Street from Orchard Heights Boulevard to Murray Drive.
SantaFest in Maple | Vaughan
Santa Claus is visiting Vaughan! More details.
2019: The 3 km parade begins at Canada’s Wonderland on Major Mackenzie and Jane St and travels eastbound along Major Mackenzie and ends at Vaughan City Hall just east of Keele Street
Festival of Lights | Markham
Friday, November 24, 2023 | 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Mainstreet, Markham
Santa Claus Parade | Markham
49th Annual Santa Claus Parade. More details.
Parade Route: Main Street Markham (between Highway 7 East and 16th Avenue)
Frozen Fridays | Newmarket
Frozen Fridays presented by Mercedes-Benz Newmarket are the coolest place in town on Friday nights. Join us for live DJ music, outdoor skating, train rides on the Tim Hortons Express Train (weather permitting), free hot chocolate prepared by Hungry Brew Hops (while supplies last), fire & LED busker performances, LED Mega Tree shows, photo opportunities and more. More details.
Friday, December 1, 8,15 and 22, 2023 | 6 to 8:30 PM
Newmarket Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Drive, Newmarket
Olde Tyme Christmas Candlelight Parade | Unionville
Bands and dance troupes are all decked out for Christmas.Artisan Market and enjoy marshmallow roasting, carollers, and jugglers. Moonlight shopping and more! Details
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 5:00 PM
Main Street, Unionville
Santa Claus Parade | Whitchurch-Stouffville
Join us for the Stouffville Santa Claus Parade. More details.
Travelling East On Main Street Between 9th Line And Park Drive.
Santa Claus Parade & Farmers Parade of Lights | Schomberg
Farmers Parade of Lights – Saturday, December 2 | 08:00 PM @ Route: At the Schomberg Library and heads north along Main Street to Western Avenue.
Main Street, Village of Schomberg
Schomberg: Corner of Highway 9 and 27, north of Toronto, and west of Newmarket.
Sutton Santa Claus Parade | Georgina
Kinsmen Sutton Santa Claus Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 05:00 PM.
Parade Route: Starts in Jackson’s Point, travels down Dalton Rd. to High St. along High St. and ends at the fairgrounds.
Did we miss any Santa Claus Parades or Tree Lighting ceremonies? Please submit online.