East Gwillimbury Santa Claus Parade, Holiday Market, and Tree Lighting
Festive floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus journey along the parade route from the civic centre to the sports complex. Visitors can browse artisan vendors at the indoor holiday market, join in a free skate, and take photos with Santa. The community celebration also features live music, food, and an annual tree lighting ceremony.
What to Expect
Community parade, holiday market, free skating, and tree lighting ceremony.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Town of East Gwillimbury
Food & Drink
Food is available at the event.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and community members
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free admission.
- Hours: Event: 3 to 6 p.m.; parade: 3 p.m.; Holiday Market: 3 to 6 p.m.; free skate: 3 to 6 p.m.; photos with Santa: 4:15 to 5 p.m.; Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Have the kids bring their letters to Santa, because Canada Post members and the Parade Marshalls collect them along the route to mail to the North Pole.
- Pack non-perishable food items or a new, unwrapped toy for the Food and Toy Drive, which volunteers collect along the parade route.
- Plan your drive around the parade, because roads along the route close half an hour before it starts and reopen only once it's over.
- Go straight to Canada Hall for photos with Santa after the parade, because photos run for only a short window before the tree lighting.
- Bring skates for the whole family, because the free skate at the EG Sports Complex runs all afternoon alongside the Holiday Market.
Special Events & Promotions
- Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony with Mayor and Council at the EG Sports Complex to close the day.
- Free skate at the EG Sports Complex throughout the event.
- Photos with Santa in Canada Hall for a short window before the tree lighting.
- Food and Toy Drive collecting non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys along the parade route.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do besides the parade?
The Holiday Market at the EG Sports Complex has artisan vendors, live music and food. There's also a free skate, photos with Santa, and the annual tree lighting with Mayor and Council. The whole day suits all ages.
Where do we get photos with Santa?
Photos with Santa are in Canada Hall at the EG Sports Complex.
Can kids bring letters for Santa?
Yes. Canada Post members and the Parade Marshalls walk the parade collecting letters, which are mailed to the North Pole.
What can we donate?
Bring non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys for the Food and Toy Drive, collected along the parade route. Food goes to the Holland Landing Food Pantry.
How can I take part?
Applications are open for parade entries and for Holiday Market vendors. Vendor applications are due November 2, 2026. Volunteers can sign up through the Engaged EG Volunteering page.
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