St. John's 
Experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa and a dazzling parade bring historic Downtown St. John’s to life!
Credit: Downtown St. John’s
At the stroke of noon on November 30th, historic Downtown St. John’s will come alive with the jolly presence of Santa Claus and a vibrant procession of characters, clowns, floats, marching bands, cheerleaders, and performing groups.
Parade Route:
The procession begins at the Fort William Building on Factory Lane and follows a route along Plymouth Road to Duckworth Street. It then proceeds through Downtown, moving west along Duckworth Street to Prescott Street, down Prescott to Water Street, and west along Water Street, concluding at Springdale Street (Water Street/Springdale Street intersection).
To join in the merriment, secure your spot along the parade route early, as over 60,000 spectators are expected to gather for this heartwarming event.
An accessible viewing area is available on a first-come, first-served basis at 354 Water Street.
Don’t forget to bring your letters for Santa, and consider contributing a non-perishable food item or a donation to the Community Food Sharing Association to spread joy and goodwill in the community.
Road Closures & Parking Restrictions:
In preparation for the Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade on November 24th, the city has announced significant parking and transport arrangements.
Parking restrictions and street closures will start at 8:00 am. Vehicles parked in specified areas will be towed starting at 8 a.m. to accommodate these restrictions.
No Parking – Tow Away:
Sunday, November 30, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Factory Lane – both sides
- Plymouth Road – both sides
- Duckworth Street – both sides Plymouth Road to Prescott Street
- Prescott Street – both sides Duckworth Street to Water Street
- Water Street – both sides Prescott Street to Springdale Street
Road Closures:
Road Closures may come into effect earlier if necessary.
- Duckworth Street (Temperance Street to Prescott Street) – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Duckworth Street (Church Hill to Prescott Street) – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Water Street (Prescott Street to Waldegrave Street/Harbour Drive) – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Water Street (Waldegrave Street/Harbour Drive to Hamilton Avenue) – 10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Empire Avenue (Forest Road to Quidi Vidi Road) – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Factory Lane – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Forest Road (King’s Bridge Road to Empire Avenue) – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Cavendish Square/Ordnance Street – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Prescott Street (Gower Street to Water Street) – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Queen Street – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- George Street – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Waldegrave Street – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Springdale Street (Water Street to New Gower Street) – 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Parking:
Accessible parking is available at designated parking spaces on George Street, which can be accessed through Queen Street. Additional accessible parking is available along New Gower Street.
Alternate parking options include several off-street lots and garages like Metro Park, City Hall Parking Garage, and various hotels. For those affected by towing, the City of St. John’s Access Centre at 311 can assist in locating towed vehicles.
Free Metrobus Santa Shuttle:
Free wheelchair-accessible Park and Ride service will be provided for the Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade and will begin at 10 a.m. from two locations.
Buses at the Confederation Building will shuttle passengers to Bannerman Road, with the final departure at 12 p.m. At the NL Housing Building on Captain Whelan Drive, buses will run to the Mary Brown’s Centre until 12:30 p.m.
Return shuttles from both drop-off points will operate immediately after the parade.
GoBus services will also be available on George Street, with drop-off and pick-up next to Jungle Jim’s. Reservations are required and can be made through the My GoBus mobile app, the online booking portal, by calling 709-368-8887, or by texting 709-765-5847.
In case of inclement weather, mark Sunday, December 7, at noon as an alternate date for this festive celebration.
Trip Planning: 2025 Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with Santa and a spectacular parade in historic Downtown St. John’s. From colourful characters to marching bands, this annual event is a festive tradition you won’t want to miss.
When: Sunday, November 30 | 12:00 PM
(inclement weather date Sunday, December 7)
Where: From the Fort William Building on Factory Lane, travel along Plymouth Road to Duckworth Street. The Parade then travels through historic Downtown by moving west along Duckworth Street to Prescott Street, down Prescott to Water Street, and west along Water Street, ending at Springdale Street.
- An accessible viewing area is located at 354 Water Street near Dollarama and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parade Hotline at 709-SANTA-HI (709-726-8244).
I understand the Parade is to be this Sunday Dec 3rd however what I’m interested in knowing is when it will be aired and what channel please.