Santafest Parade

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.

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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Volunteer with Us: Santafest 2025

The City of Vaughan is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our Santafest Parade on November 30!

These events wouldn’t be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers like you. If you're interested in being part of the excitement, we invite you to apply by completing the Volunteer Application Form.

Volunteer Notes:

• Volunteer positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis—so don’t wait!
• High school students: Volunteer hours will count toward your community service requirement.

Volunteer Duties Include:

• Assisting with event prep
• Greeting and guiding attendees
• Walking in the parade and supporting participants
  And more!

The deadline to apply is November 14 at 12:00 p.m. (noon)

Be part of a memorable experience while giving back to your community!

Questions? Email us at santafest@vaughan.ca.

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 High School Parking lot
• Michael Cranny Elementary School Parking lot
• St. David Catholic Elementary School Parking lot
• St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School Parking lot

The City of Vaughan is hosting two information sessions to share more details about the upcoming Santafest Parade for participants only.

In-Person Session

• Date: Tuesday, November 18
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: Vaughan City Hall – Vaughan Room
  2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
   

Virtual Session

• Date: Thursday, November 20
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: Virtual (Link to be provided)

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.

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

Date: Nov 30, 2025

Time: 2pm-5pm  

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)

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

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.).

You can watch the parade on:

• Melville Avenue, from Springside Road to Major Mackenzie Drive
• Major Mackenzie Drive, from Melville Avenue to Keele Street

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.

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.
• 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.

There is no shuttle bus service. Please plan accordingly.

Everyone is welcome to join the parade! Whether you're bringing a vibrant float, marching with a walking group, or showcasing your creativity in another way, your participation helps make the celebration unforgettable. 

• The cost to participate is only $100+HST.
• Registered not-for-profit organizations’ entry fee is $0.

Complete the Entry Registration Form by Friday, Nov. 14 at noon. For more details, visit vaughan.ca/santafest.

Yes, we’d love to have you join us! Whether you're a high school student looking to complete your volunteer hours or simply someone who wants to give back and be part of a fun community event, everyone is welcome!

If you're interested, please complete the Volunteer Application Form by Friday, Nov. 14 at noon. For more details, visit vaughan.ca/santafest.

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!

Alcohol is not permitted.

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.

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.

Yes, some marching groups handout giveaways during the parade.

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

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

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