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Santafest Parade

The City of Vaughan is excited to bring back a beloved holiday tradition this year - the Santafest Parade!

 

This festive event will feature holiday-themed floats, marching bands, entertainers, and of course – a visit from Santa Claus himself!

 

Santafest is more than a parade – it’s a chance to connect with the community, spread holiday cheer, and proudly showcase your brand to thousands of local residents. Whether you choose to join the procession with a creative float or support the event as a sponsor, your involvement will help make this celebration truly magical.

 

Save the date: Sunday, November 30 at 2 p.m.

 

Registration for Santafest is now closed.

 

Questions? Email santafest@vaughan.ca 

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – The City of Vaughan is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help support our Santafest Parade on November 30! If you're interested in being part of the excitement, we invite you to apply by completing the Volunteer Application Form.

More Information

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The following road closures will be in effect from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30:

  • Major Mackenzie Drive West between Jane Street and Hill Street
  • McNaughton Road between Major Mackenzie Drive and Cranston Park Avenue
  • Avro Road betweenHudson Drive and Major Mackenzie Drive
  • Melville Avenue between Kelso Crescent and Parktree Drive

 

As the parade progresses, a rolling (progressive) opening will occur at Springside Road to allow access. Whereas, Melville Avenue, and Major Mackenzie Drive (the main parade route) will re-open as the parade concludes at City Hall to minimize disruption and ensure pedestrian safety.

 

  • Springside Road, between Jane St and Melville Avenue will be closed from 6 am to 3:00 p.m. approx.

  • Please note that the Santa Claus Parade will no longer travel to Vaughan Hospital.
  • Roads may be opened earlier once deemed safe by emergency services.
  • Access to the Fortino’s plaza (south side) and Longo’s Plaza (north side) along Major Mackenzie Drive will remain open to local traffic where safe to do so.
  • Signage will be in place to guide traffic through detour routes. Drivers travelling east and west along Major Mackenzie Drive can use McNaughton Road, Keele Street, Teston Road and Jane Street as alternate routes.
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Starting location: 

  • Intersection of Springside Road & Melville Avenue

 

Route:

  • North on Melville Avenue
  • East on Major Mackenzie Drive
  • Conclude at Vaughan City Hall

 

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The application is now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied.

 

Questions? Email us at santafest@vaughan.ca.

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Free parking will be available at the designated lot areas near the parade route. These locations offer convenient access for attendees to park and enjoy the parade from nearby viewing spots. Please refer to the parking lot list below:

 

  • Blessed Trinity Catholic Elementary School Parking lot
  • Joseph A. Gibson Public School Parking lot
  • Maple Community Centre Parking lot
  • Maple GO Parking Lot
  • Michael Cranny Elementary School Parking lot
  • St. David Catholic Elementary School Parking lot
  • St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School Parking lot
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The Santafest Parade Sponsorship Program offers many sponsorship opportunities. Depending on the sponsorship level chosen, your company can receive logo recognition in our marketing materials.

 

Each year our sponsors are recognized at a Sponsor Appreciation Event hosted by the Mayor and Members of Council.

 

For additional Santafest Parade information, please view the 2025 Santafest Sponsorship Package.

 

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Alex Murdoch at alex.murdoch@vaughan.ca.

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Pizza Nova - 2535 Major Mackenzie Drive, Unit #5, Maple, L6A 1C6

Date: Nov 30, 2025

Time: 11am-12am

Promo: Free dip & can of pop with every slice purchase

 

Pizza Pizza - 2953 Major Mackenzie Drive West, Vaughan, L6A 3N9

Date: Nov 30, 2025

Time: 2pm-5pm  

Promo: First 20 customers (WALK IN ONLY) will be getting:

  1. Surprise gift on placing an order of $40 (before tax)
  2. Surprise gift on placing an order of $75 (before tax)

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Santafest Parade will take place on Sunday, Nov. 30, starting at 2 p.m. and running until approximately 4 p.m.

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The Santafest Parade begins at the intersection of Springside Road and Melville Avenue, then travels north on Melville Avenue and then east along Major Mackenzie Drive and ends at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.).

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You can watch the parade on:

  • Melville Avenue, from Springside Road to Major Mackenzie Drive
  • Major Mackenzie Drive, from Melville Avenue to Keele Street
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The following road closures will be in effect from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30:

  • Major Mackenzie Drive West between Jane Street and Hill Street
  • McNaughton Road between Major Mackenzie Drive and Cranston Park Avenue
  • Avro Road betweenHudson Drive and Major Mackenzie Drive
  • Melville Avenue between Kelso Crescent and Parktree Drive

 

As the parade progresses, a rolling (progressive) opening will occur at Springside Road to allow access. Whereas, Melville Avenue, and Major Mackenzie Drive (the main parade route) will re-open as the parade concludes at City Hall to minimize disruption and ensure pedestrian safety.

 

  • Springside Road, between Jane St and Melville Avenue will be closed from 6 am to 3:00 p.m. approx.

     

  • Please note that the Santa Claus Parade will no longer travel to Vaughan Hospital.

     

  • Roads may be opened earlier once deemed safe by emergency services.

 

  • Access to the Fortino’s plaza (south side) and Longo’s Plaza (north side) along Major Mackenzie Drive will remain open to local traffic where safe to do so.

 

  • Signage will be in place to guide traffic through detour routes. Drivers travelling east and west along Major Mackenzie Drive can use McNaughton Road, Keele Street, Teston Road and Jane Street as alternate routes.
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Free parking will be available at designated lots near the parade route. These locations offer convenient access for attendees to park and enjoy the parade.

  • Blessed Trinity Catholic Elementary School Parking lot, 230 Hawker Ridge Rd.
  • Joseph A. Gibson Public School Parking lot, 50 Naylon St.
  • Maple Community Centre Parking lot, 10190 Keele St.
  • Maple GO Parking lot, 30 Station Street
  • Michael Cranny Elementary School Parking lot, 155 Melville Ave.
  • St. David Catholic Elementary School Parking lot, 240 Killian Rd.
  • St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School Parking lot, 1 St. Joan of Arc Ave.
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There is no shuttle bus service. Please plan accordingly.

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The registration period is over. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the parade along the route.

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The application is now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied.

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The Santafest Parade will take place rain, snow or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather. Here are some tips to stay warm and comfortable:

  • Wear layers to help regulate your temperature.
  • Don’t forget a hat, gloves, scarf and leg warmers.
  • Consider bringing hand and foot warmer packs.
  • Feel free to dress festively to add to the holiday spirit!
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Alcohol is not permitted.

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Yes, you’re welcome to bring chairs! We kindly ask that you respect the space of others to ensure everyone has a good view of the parade. Ensure chairs are placed on the sidewalk and not on the roadway.

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To make the most of your Santafest Parade experience, consider bringing:

  • a portable charger to keep your devices powered.
  • a camera or smartphone to capture moments.
  • blankets for extra warmth if you're sitting.
  • small folding chairs.
  • hand and foot warmers.
  • festive accessories, like Santa hats or Christmas sweaters.
  • a bag or backpack to carry your items and giveaways distributed during the parade. Please keep it reasonably sized, as there will be crowds and limited space.
  • money or credit cards to support local businesses along the route.
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Yes, some marching groups handout giveaways during the parade.

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There are many stores and businesses along the parade that will remain open for you to purchase food items and support local businesses.

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Lost and found items may be dropped off or claimed at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.).

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Yes. While road closures will limit vehicle access to viewing areas, pedestrian pathways along the parade route will remain open and accessible.

Recreation Services – Cultural Events

City Hall, Level 300
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
Canada