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

Sundridge

Saturday, November 28th at 5pm. New route this year -the parade will start at William Street and head towards the Sundridge Strong Joly Arena where the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place.

Burk’s Falls

Saturday, December 5 at 6.30pm. The theme is Redneck Christmas and the parade runs from Huston to Ontario to Yonge St finishing at the Memorial Arena.

Parry Sound District

Parry Sound

Saturday, November 28 at 4.0pm. Starting at Isabella Street and finishing near the Stockey Centre. This year’s theme is Santa’s Workshop.

The 2026 CP Holiday Train

Monday, 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 28^th year the decorated train has passed through and this year American Authors and Tyler Shaw 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, 1 Avenue Road
Shawanaga – from 5.30 to 6pm at the Band office beside Village Road
Rutter – from 7.10 to 7.40pm at the Rutter Train Station.

Britt

Sunday December 6 at 1pm. The parade starts at the Recreation Centre and runs to the Britt Legion. Join in the fun at the Legion afterwards for hot dogs an desserts and a visit with Santa.

MacTier

Sunday December 6 at 1pm. Join the MacTier Lions Club in welcoming Santa and friends to town. There will be snacks with Santa and a free public skate following the festivities.

Loring-Restoule

Port Loring

Sunday, November 28 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 The Legion will be welcoming the community with hot chocolate, hot dogs, cookie decorating, and a special visit with Santa! Children can also look forward to receiving chocolate advent calendars.

Muskoka

Bala

Saturday, November 14 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. Meet with Santa, and enjoy free hot dogs and hot chocolate at the community centre. Free public skating from 2-3:50pm at the arena

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 21-22, 28-28, December 5-6, 12-13, and from the 19-23.

Huntsville

Friday, November 27 at 7pm. One of the first evening run parades that always produces a great light show. This year’s theme is Creating Christmas Memories. The parade will travel through the downtown along Main Street/King William Street (starting at Centre Street) and ending at Huntsville Place Mall.

Gravenhurst

Saturday, November 28 at 11am through Gravenhurst’s Historic Downtown. A tradition since 1953, this year’s theme is Candy Cane Lane.

Port Carling

Saturday, November 28 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.

Bracebridge

Friday, December 4 at 6pm. 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, head over to Memorial Park after the parade to enjoy holiday lights, hot chocolate, and a special visit with Santa.

Port Severn/Honey Harbour

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

Baysville

Sunday December 6 at 1pm. “The little parade that goes around twice!” The parade takes place along Bay Street and Bridge Street. Afterwards kids can meet up with Santa for treat bags, hot dogs and hot chocolate.

Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride to Santa – Huntsville

Saturday, December 19 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 5.30pm.

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.