Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade
Spectators gather along downtown streets to watch a vibrant procession of illuminated festive floats and holiday displays. Families can enjoy the seasonal magic, catch treats passed along the curbside, and welcome Santa to the city.
What to Expect
Canada's largest lit seasonal parade, held in downtown Winnipeg.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Winnipeg
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Winnipeg Parade Committee Inc.
Food & Drink
Candy and goodies may be shared along the route.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and bustling
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free.
- Hours: 5:00PM.
- Parking: Limited free parking is available near the parade route, so arrive early to find a spot. We recommend carpooling, taxis, ride-shares, or public transit to avoid parking congestion on the day of the event.
- Accessibility: Outdoor accessible seating is available in front of barricades at each intersection without pre-registration, and select areas are serviced by Handi-transit.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed; aid animals are excepted.
Tips & Advice
- Dress in warm layers and pack extra mittens, scarves and hats, because parade day can be anything from a warm fall day to two feet of snow.
- Leave lots of time to get downtown, because traffic gets tight once the road closures start in the afternoon and some transit routes change.
- Every spot on the route gets the same view of the floats, so grab whatever spot you can instead of hunting for a better one.
- If you're in the front row, sit on the curb so people behind can see; your feet can be on the street, but you can't stand there.
- Keep kids on the sidewalk instead of running into the street for candy, since the large trucks and tractors may not see them or stop quickly.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there accessible seating along the route?
Yes. At every intersection on the route, the space in front of the barricades is saved for accessible seating or anyone who needs help, and signs mark it. You don't need to pre-register. Handi-transit serves some of the accessible seating areas.
Where are the washrooms?
Portable toilets are on these blocks: Spence to Balmoral, Balmoral to Colony, Vaughn to Kennedy, Edmonton to Carlton, Hargrave to Donald, Smith to Garry, Fort to Main and Portage to Pioneer. The accessible ones are at Balmoral to Colony, Hargrave to Donald and Fort to Main.
Can I bring a stroller?
Please leave large strollers at home. Thousands of people are looking for a spot, so a lighter setup makes the crowds easier to get through and saves space.
Can I watch it on TV?
Yes. CTV streams the parade live, and a shorter version airs at a later date.
What if someone needs first aid?
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services and St. John's Ambulance are on site. Find the police officer, security guard or volunteer on any block, and they'll send first aid to you.
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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.