Guelph Santa Claus Parade
Spectators gather in Downtown Guelph to watch the annual holiday parade amidst festive lights and decorations. Before the parade begins, runners dressed in Santa suits entertain the waiting crowds along the route from the River Run Centre to Carden Street.
What to Expect
Downtown holiday celebration featuring a 3km Santa suit fun run.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Guelph
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Downtown Guelph Business Association (DGBA)
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday parade fans
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 5.30pm.
Tips & Advice
- Register soon if you want to join the Santa Run, since spots are limited and a Santa suit comes with your registration.
- Get downtown before the parade starts to catch the Santa Runners, who join the route on Woolwich St and finish at Carden Street.
- Look for the parade route when it's posted in November so you can choose your downtown viewing spot ahead of parade day.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors in December, since you'll be standing along a downtown street for both the Santa Run and the parade.
- Community groups and businesses that want to march should read the rules, regulations and entry fee details carefully before applying, as applications are open now.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa Run before the parade: a 3km run in Santa suits, with separate registration, limited spots and proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph
- Part of the Spirit of the Season festival over the first two full weekends in December, with the Mayor's Tree Lighting, a Christmas Marketplace and a storefront decorating contest
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Santa Run?
It's a 3km run that starts at the River Run Centre on parade day before the parade. It crosses Eramosa Road, joins the parade route on Woolwich St and finishes downtown at Carden Street. Runners wear Santa suits, which come with registration, and entertain the crowd. Proceeds go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph.
How can my group or business be in the parade?
Applications are open for community groups, businesses, organizations and parade fans. Read the introduction, rules and regulations, and entry fee details before you apply.
What else is happening downtown?
The parade is part of the Spirit of the Season festival over the first two full weekends in December. The festival also has the Mayor's Tree Lighting, a Christmas Marketplace and a storefront decorating contest.
More Christmas Events Near Guelph
More Christmas Events near Guelph
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.