News

Montreal Santa Claus Parade 2025: Everything you need to know

The city is celebrating the 73rd edition of the annual Montreal parade, transforming Montreal's Downtown core into a family-friendly wonderland.

Laura Osborne
Written by
Laura Osborne
Editor, Time Out Canada
Santa Claus Parade
Photograph: Georges Alexandar | Destination centre-ville
Advertising

Get ready for some holiday magic!

Montreal’s Santa Claus Parade, the oldest event of its kind in Quebec (drawing thousands of spectators each year) marks the unofficial start of the holiday season for many families.

Rekindles the joy and wonder of childhood in downtown Montreal, it’s an early taste of holiday magic.

Downtown Montreal will be transformed into a festive, family-friendly wonderland — the perfect way to kick off the holiday season while rediscovering the city’s shopping and restaurants.

This year’s parade is said to take on special meaning, with a focus on connection and community spirit.

Promising the show of our dreams, organizers have indicated that the public will play a bigger role in this year’s edition and are inviting everyone to take part in the magic.

Santa Claus Parade
Photograph: PatrickLauzon photographe

Warm up after the parade with 15 cozy Montreal dishes every local needs to try this fall.

When is Montreal’s Santa Claus Parade 2025?

The 73rd edition of this cherished tradition is set to make its way down René-Lévesque Blvd. on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m., featuring festive floats, lively characters, and the much-anticipated return of the Star Fairy.

Full program details — including the parade route and the official unveiling of the Star Fairy — will be announced on Nov. 12, 2025.

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on programming and parade-day details.

How to get to the Santa Claus Parade?

There is parking available but it's recommended to take public transit to reach the Montreal Santa Claus Parade.

Nearby metro stations include:

Green Line

Peel

McGill (fully accessible)

Place-des-Arts (fully accessible)

Orange Line 

Lucien-L’Allier

Bonaventure (fully accessible)

Square-Victoria-OACI

Place-d’Armes (fully accessible)

Buy your tickets in advance to avoid lines.

If you have an OPUS card, you can purchase tickets directly via the Chrono mobile app.

Time Out Tip: If you’re coming from the South Shore, the REM is your best option. It will take you from Brossard to Montreal Central Station, right into the heart of the parade's route.

Where to park for Montreal's Santa Claus Parade?

If you’re driving, opt for underground parking—there are over 50,000 spaces are available in downtown Montreal.

Here are some options:

Centre Eaton: 500 spaces – 1801 McGill College Avenue

Place Ville Marie: 900 spaces – 1 Place Ville Marie

Complexe Desjardins: nearly 1,000 spaces – 150 Sainte-Catherine Street West, access via Jeanne-Mance or Saint-Urbain Streets

Palais des congrès: nearly 400 spaces – 1025 Chenneville Street, accessible via Viger Avenue

Place Bonaventure: nearly 750 spaces – 800 De La Gauchetière Street West

Delta Hotels by Marriott Montreal: 475 President-Kennedy Avenue

Central Station: 895 De La Gauchetière Street West

Place du Canada: nearly 200 spaces – 1010 De La Gauchetière Street West

Faubourg (Concordia): nearly 200 spaces – 1250 Guy Street

Note: Downtown traffic will be heavy on parade day due to street closures and large crowds.
 
RECOMMENDED:
Full guide to the best things to do in Montreal
Best things to do in Montreal with kids
 

You may also like
You may also like
Advertising