Help Santa Toy Parade
Spectators line the streets to cheer on Santa Claus as he delivers holiday joy. The event features floats traveling along Queen Elizabeth Driveway to Lansdowne Park. Attendees can support the Help Santa Campaign to provide toys for local families at Christmas.
What to Expect
Annual Ottawa holiday parade supporting Toy Mountain for local children in need.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Centretown (start), Glebe (end)
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Ottawa Firefighters
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and community-minded holiday spectators
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 11:00am.
Tips & Advice
- The route starts at Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Somerset Street West, then heads south along the Driveway to Lansdowne Park and TD Place.
- Bring a donation for the Help Santa Campaign, which goes to Toy Mountain and gives toys to local families who might otherwise go without.
- Students who need volunteer hours can sign up to help, get their hours signed and should plan on about a six-hour commitment.
- Expect road closures along the route, where volunteers are posted to help people get where they need to go.
- Dress warmly for standing outside along the route in late November while you wait for Santa to pass.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can come and watch?
Everyone is welcome to line the streets and cheer on Santa.
How does the parade help local families?
Donations to the Help Santa Campaign go straight to CTV and MOVE 100's Toy Mountain. Toy Mountain gives toys to Ottawa families who might otherwise have no gifts at Christmas, with 3 toys for each child.
Can I volunteer at the parade?
Yes, and everyone is welcome. Volunteers are posted at every road closure to help people find their way. Plan on about six hours. The parade signs off volunteer hours for anyone who needs them.
Can my business or group enter a float?
Yes. Float applications go through the parade's Apply Now: Floats form. Registration for 2026 opened September 14.
More Christmas Events Near Ottawa
More Christmas Events near Ottawa
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.