Thorold has held a Santa Claus parade every year since 1991. This year it takes a new way into town.
The Thorold Santa Claus Parade starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 28th, 2026, with floats covered in twinkling lights, live bands, marchers and favourite characters. Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming down from the North Pole, and they're bringing some special friends.
The new route
The Thorold Santa Claus Parade starts at Collier Road and Sullivan Avenue, heads east along Sullivan Avenue, turns left onto Pine Street North and finishes at Pine Street North and Ann Street. The sidewalks along Sullivan Avenue and Pine Street North are open for watching, and the City of Thorold expects the Thorold Santa Claus Parade to wrap up by 7 p.m.
Santa, face paint and hot chocolate
- Meet Santa from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Prince of Wales Public School parking lot, 40 Pine Street South. Bring your phone for a selfie with Santa, and face painting for kids doesn't cost a thing.
- Warm up at three hot chocolate stations: Pine Street and Albert Street, Pine Street and Sullivan Avenue, and Queen Street at Holy Rosary Hall. The hot chocolate is free!
Bring something along
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers collects letters to Santa, and Community Care St. Catharines & Thorold collects food donations.
In the know
Roads along the route start closing at noon for float preparation, more close through the afternoon, and they reopen as the Thorold Santa Claus Parade finishes and the crowds clear. The full timetable and a map are on the City of Thorold's parade route and road closures page. The City of Thorold will share parking spots on its social media.
Want a float in the Thorold Santa Claus Parade? Applications are due to the City of Thorold by Saturday, November 7th, 2026.
Thanks to the Thorold Santa Claus Parade's 2026 sponsors: Rolling Meadows, Book Outlet, Empire Homes and Walker Industries.
Smithville has its own parade the same evening. Read our blog on the West Lincoln and Grimsby Santa Claus parades.
