Check out all the fun parades and unique events across Ontario’s cottage country honouring the guy in the big red suit this holiday season and watch him spread some cheer on downhill skis, on a fire truck, a train and riding in his trusted sleigh!

Below is just a partial list of where you’ll find some seasonal joy:

Almaguin Highlands

Burk’s Falls

Saturday, December 6 at 6.30pm. The theme is Hallmark Christmas and the parade runs from Ontario to Yonge St finishing at the Memorial Arena.

Sundridge

Sunday, December 7 at 3pm. The parade will start at the corner of Main and Mill Street and head towards the Lion’s Park. The Double Decker at 89 Main will be serving hot chocolate and hot apple cider.

Parry Sound District

Parry Sound

Saturday, November 29 at 4.30pm. Starting at Isabella Street and finishing near the Stockey Centre. This year’s theme is Enchanted Forest.

The 2025 CP Holiday Train

Sunday, November 30. The CP Holiday Train (now called the CPKC – Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train), will make its way through four stops in our region. This is the 27^th year the decorated train has passed through and this year Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse will be playing a free concert from the brightly-lit train’s stage. CPKC makes a donation to the local food bank at each stop and encourages attendees to also donate.

Mactier – from 3 to 3.20pm at the old CP Station
Parry Sound – from 4.30 to 5pm Festive Station Gallery, 1 Avenue Road
Shawanaga – from 5.30 to 6pm at the Band office beside Village Road
Rutter – from 7.10pm to 7.40 at the Rutter Train Station.

MacTier

Sunday December 7 at 6pm. Join the MacTier Lions Club in welcoming Santa and friends to town. There will be snacks with Santa and free public skate following the festivities.

Loring-Restoule

Port Loring

Sunday, November 30 at 3pm. The Argyle Santa Claus Parade leaves from the Four Corners in Loring to the Port Loring Legion. This year’s theme is Storybook Christmas. There is a tree-lighting ceremony directly after the parade and all are welcome inside the Legion Hall for complimentary hot chocolate, hot dogs, cookie decorating, and colouring. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be there.

Muskoka

Santa’s Village – Bracebridge

Father Christmas is back in town for a few days this November and December. During the winter edition of Muskoka Christmas, visitors will be able to enjoy some favorite activities – tree lighting ceremony, an incredible light show, gingerbread cookie decorating, a petting farm, marshmallow roasting and of course a visit with Santa himself! November 22-23, 29-30, December 6-7, 13-14, 20-23.

Bala

Friday, November 15 at 1pm. The parade starts in front of the Kee to Bala and will follow along Highway 169, and then head along Burgess, Victoria and Maple. Free skating follows at the Bala Arena.

Gravenhurst

Saturday, November 22 at 11am through Gravenhurst’s Historic Downtown. A tradition since 1953, this year’s theme is Holiday Songs. Finish up afterwards at Sawdust City Brewery for hot chocolate.

Huntsville

Friday, November 28 at 7pm. One of the first evening run parades that always produces a great light show. This year’s theme is A Storybook Christmas. The parade will travel through the downtown along Main Street/King William Street (starting at Centre Street) and ending at Huntsville Place Mall.

Bracebridge

Friday, December 5 at 6pm. The third year of having an evening parade. It runs along Manitoba Street and children are invited to visit with Santa after the parade in Memorial Park. Stores will be open late for Christmas shopping, there will be new holiday lights to enjoy and some hot chocolate too!

Port Severn/Honey Harbour

Saturday, December 6 at 1pm. The parade will start at Honey Harbour Road, Muskoka #5 starting at Violet Drive and ending at Community Centre Drive.

Port Carling

Saturday, November 29 at 6.30pm. Santa puts his sleigh aside and rides in a decorated fire truck. The parade route will be from Ferndale Road to Bailey Street so there is lots of room for families to spread out. Visit with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and hot dogs at the Community Centre immediately after the parade.

Baysville

Sunday December 7 at 1pm. “The little parade that goes around twice!” The parade takes place along Bay Street and Bridge Street and this year’s theme is The Nightmare Before Christmas. Afterwards kids can meet up with Santa for treat bags, hot dogs and hot chocolate.

Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride to Santa – Huntsville

December 20 from 4.30-7.30pm. The Portage Flyer locomotive and coaches get decorated with thousands of lights. Enjoy a cup of free hot chocolate and cookies (while supplies last) and sing along to the carols while you wait to board the train and ride alongside the Muskoka River to The Purser’s Cabin where Santa is waiting.

$5 per person, babes in arms are free. Purchase your tickets inside prior to boarding (advance tickets or reserve seating is not available).

Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area and Muskoka Ski Club – Huntsville

Wednesday, December 24 from 5 to 7pm. An annual family-friendly favourite, the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade can be viewed from the chalet or the base of the Flying Dutchman hill. Watch snow school instructors and ski patrollers descend carrying brightly lit torches in a procession of lights. Santa even joins in the parade.

Meet in the chalet for hot chocolate and cookies from 5-6pm. The parade begins at 6pm sharp.

To plan your visit to the great Canadian wilderness north of Toronto, click here. For more things to see and do this winter click here.