20TH ANNUAL
Saturday, November 21
Until the Santa Parade!
Kingston's Nighttime Santa Parade & Tree Lighting
Join us for a magical evening filled with live music, colourful characters, festive floats, and the big guy himself. Kingston's Nighttime Santa Parade is the best way to kick off the holiday season!
The parade will take place on Saturday, November 21 at 5 pm, starting on Princess Street from Bath Road to Ontario Street. After the parade, join us in Springer Market Square to witness the tree lighting.
It's more than just a parade.
- Nighttime Santa Parade
- Letters to Santa
- Tree Lighting in the Square
For the last 20 years, Santa and Mrs. Claus have come to Downtown Kingston to help us kick off the festive season.
Princess St
5:00 pm
November 21
Write a letter to Santa, bring it to the parade, and we'll make sure he gets it!
Princess St
During the parade
November 21
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Tree Lighting Ceremony after the parade.
Springer Market Square
7:00 pm approx.
November 21
Where to Watch the Nighttime Santa Parade
Find Your Spot Along Princess St.
The entire parade route runs along Princess Street, from Innovation Park to Ontario Street, so you have lots of choices when it comes to finding a great viewing location.
Near the start of the route: Watching close to Innovation Park means you’ll see the parade early in the evening, which is a great option for families with little ones who need to get home to bed. Please note: this is a popular location, so expect dense crowds.
From Division Street to Ontario Street: This is the most populated section of the parade route. Expect crowds 8-10 people deep the whole way.
A Sensory-Friendly Viewing Option
For some, large, congested crowds can be a challenge. If you’re sensitive to crowds and are looking for a more sensory-friendly parade experience, consider watching from the blocks of Princess Street between Victoria Street and University Avenue, where you’ll find a bit more breathing room to enjoy the festivities.
Please Keep the Intersections Clear
Standing in intersections is strictly prohibited.
To keep everyone as safe as possible, including spectators, parade participants, and emergency crews, all intersections along the route must remain clear.
Please watch the parade safely from the sidewalk. Anyone standing in an intersection will be asked to move by Parade Marshals or Kingston Police. Save yourself the hassle of hunting for a new spot (and possibly missing some of the action!) by choosing a sidewalk viewing location from the get-go.
Getting to the Nighttime Santa Parade
Ride Kingston Transit for Free
Skip the search for parking! Kingston Transit is free all day on Saturday, November 21, making it easy to get to and from the Santa Parade. Leave the car at home and ride downtown, then head straight to your favourite viewing spot along the route.
Park Once & Walk
With almost 2,000 spaces in nearby public garages and lots, parking downtown is easy, even on parade day. Princess St will be closed to parking from 3 to 8 PM for the Santa Parade, so park nearby and enjoy a short walk to the route.
Stick Around for the Tree Lighting
The magic doesn’t end when the parade does! Following the parade, Santa will light the massive holiday tree in Springer Market Square. Join us downtown to see the square glow and kick off the holiday season in style.
Road Closures
To accommodate the crowds attending the tree lighting, the following roads will be closed:
- Market Street (closed from 3 pm to midnight)
- King Street, from Clarence Street to Brock Street (closed from 6 pm to 8 pm)
- Brock Street, from Ontario Street to Wellington Street (closed from 6 pm to 8 pm)
Please plan your route accordingly and allow extra time when travelling downtown.
