Countdown to the magic of the season with the arrival of the big guy in red!
Credit: Visit Winnipeg
The Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. along Portage Avenue. There is a lot of fun to enjoy, including block parties and a raffle draw.
The Winnipeg Sea Bears, winners of the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Championship, will lead this year’s Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade as Grand Marshal, celebrating their historic victory alongside fans in downtown Winnipeg.
The Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade will also hold its second annual H0/H0 50/50 raffle and a chance to win a cash prize. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online until November 17, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. CST, or in person during the parade on November 14.
Block Parties
Festive block parties will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, along the Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade route, featuring family-friendly activities, entertainment, and community fundraising initiatives.
- Manitoba Hydro (Edmonton to Carlton, 3:30 pm to 5 pm): Visitors can enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies, live music, outdoor games, and a lineman demonstration for children. The Manitoba Hydro Gallery will also be open to the public, while the Christmas Cheer Board will be on-site collecting donations.
- Recycle Everywhere (Hargrave to Donald, 4 pm to 5 pm): Families can participate in recycling challenges, enjoy free face painting, meet recycling experts, and take part in giveaways.
- University of Winnipeg and Spence Neighbourhood Association (Vaughan to Kennedy, 4 pm to 5 pm): Visitors can support a holiday donation drive by contributing new or gently used coats, winter gear, new socks or underwear, or monetary donations in exchange for a holiday cookie.
Parade Route and Road Closures
The parade will begin at 5:00 p.m. along Portage Avenue, running from Main Street before turning south onto Memorial Boulevard and concluding at York Avenue.
Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade – Parade Route
To accommodate the event, numerous road closures will be in place, impacting traffic in the downtown area.
Santa Claus Parade Closures – beginning Saturday, November 14 at 11 a.m.:
- Main Street – Southbound lanes between Portage Avenue and York Avenue
Additional closures starting at 2 p.m.:
- Portage Avenue – between Main Street and Memorial
- Memorial Avenue – Northbound between Portage Avenue and Broadway
- Memorial Avenue – Southbound between St Mary and Broadway
- Route 62 – Southbound lanes
Street Open:
The following streets will remain open all day:
- Main Street – Northbound lanes
- Broadway – all lanes
- St Mary Avenue – between Vaughn Street and Fort Street
Winnipeg Transit routes will be adjusted to facilitate the parade, and transit services will provide access to designated seating areas.
Parade-goers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for donation to local charities and new, unwrapped toys for the Christmas Cheer Board. Canada Post representatives will be on hand to collect letters to Santa, with no postage needed.
Organizers recommend dressing warmly for the evening event. Spectators are encouraged to wear layered clothing and bring extra mittens, scarves, and hats to stay comfortable throughout the festivities.
Portable toilets, including accessible options, will be available along the route. Medical assistance will be on-site, with Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services and St. John’s Ambulance personnel stationed along the parade route.
The Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade will be a comfortable and inclusive experience for all attendees.