Santa Claus Makes an Appearance

Big or small, virtually every community has a Santa Claus parade.

Watch the children's face as Santa nears...

Everyone loves to bundle up each year and go down to see all the decorated floats with bright, colourful lights and adults and children in costume. Myself, I love to see the anticipation in the eyes of the children as the float with Santa nears. While everyone likes all the floats, the young ones are so excited to see the last float arrive with Santa waving to all he passes.

Link to our year-round events calendar to see when your parade takes place

Dryden:

The Dryden Kinsmen hosts a Santa Claus Parade host a parade each year usually starting at 6:30 pm. Prizes are handed out in several categories: Bring out the kids and some hot chocolate and enjoy the fun!

Children ride decked out horses during the parade. Photo Courtesy of www.thedrydenobserver.ca
Children ride decked out horses during the parade. Photo Courtesy of www.thedrydenobserver.ca

Fort Frances:

The Santa Claus Parade in Fort Frances a community tradition. Bring out the whole family and stand along Scott Street to take in the floats. Why not come downtown and make a day of it. Each year the town comes up with a different theme and as usual, the floats will be judged and eligible for prizes. There are many other activities planned for the day as well. Contact the Town for more information and dates. 

A float in the 2012 Kenora Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade
A float in the Kenora Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade

Kenora:

The Kenora Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade is held each year in late-November or early December.  It usually begins at 5:30 pm in Central Park. Like Fort Frances, Kenora has a new theme each year.  Here's a map of the Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade route. Visit Tourism Kenora for more info.

 

2013 Kenora Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade Route
Kenora Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade Route

Red Lake:

The Red Lake 'Parade of Lights' starts each year at the Buffalo Turnaround and is usually held in the first week of December. The floats proceed east along Howey Street to the Government Dock turnaround. The parade then heads back along Howey Street to the lights and then turn left onto Highway 105 and continue to the Red Lake Royal Canadian Legion where Santa will get off. The rest of the float will continue to Young Street. Everyone is welcome to the Legion following the parade for hot dogs, hot chocolate, treats and to see Santa. 

Santa in the Red Lake 'Parade of Lights'. Photo courtesy of myredlake.com
Santa in the Red Lake 'Parade of Lights'. Photo courtesy of myredlake.com

Sioux Lookout:

The Santa Claus Parade in Sioux Lookout each year in early December usually starting at 5:00 pm. The Parade starts at the high school and goes down Third Avenue to Front Street. It then goes west on Front Street to 6th Avenue and finishes at Johnny's parking lot.  Call the Sioux Lookout Information Centre at 807-737-1937 for more information. 

Hockey Night in Sioux Lookout float from 2011
Hockey Night in Sioux Lookout

Check out our events calendar for other events happening this winter in Ontario's Sunset Country.

About Erin Rody

I grew up on Black Sturgeon Lake in Northwestern Ontario. I am a staff writer for the Sunset Country Travel Association. Through my articles I hope to entice you to visit the wonderful region I call home. We are all about outdoor adventure; with 70,000 lakes and rivers and a whole lot of forests how can we not be? Whether you like to fish, hunt, canoe, kayak, boat or go camping, Sunset Country has something for you. Enjoy!

Recommended Articles

Looking for somewhere new to fish?

The Morson area of Lake of the Woods is fantastic!

Has not having a passport kept you from vacationing in Canada?

It's easier to get than you may think!

Discover The Winnipeg River

From fur traders to trophy anglers, the beauty hasn't changed.

A Guide to Sunset Country Museums

Learn while you visit!

Going fishing in Ontario?

Your lodging has just the boat you need!

10 Reasons to Avoid Ontario

Haters of wilderness, wildlife, and quiet: best steer clear.

The 5 Best Sights you can only see by boat

From mermaids to museums only accessible by water, this corner of the province has some of the coolest sights to see on water!

5 Essential Boreal Experiences in Ontario's Sunset Country

Freshwater fishing, forest hiking, and sunset views await in this pristine paradise

5 Obscure Facts About Northwestern Ontario: Were You Aware of These?

Here are 5 facts that most people don't know about Sunset Country.

Outdoor Medicine

Here's why experiencing the natural world is good for you—and your health.

Bringing Your Pet to Canada

What You Need to Know

Heading Across Canada?

Here's what you need to know about Sunset Country (from the giant moose statues to the even bigger waterfalls)

Tips for Spring Walleye Fishing

Find out the best places to find walleyes.

There's more than just fishing in the Red Lake Region

Although the fishing's pretty good too!

Outdoor Adventure in Ontario's Northern Paradise

On the links, on the trails, and on the water–discover why Kenora has it all this fall!

Plan your trip

Book the the trip you never got to take this summer

5 Amazing Things About Spring

Spring is a welcome sight after a long winter in Sunset Country!

Spring Fishing for Northern Pike

Northerns are hungry after the spawn and are ready to bite!

Tips from a Fishing Legend

Big Bass, Walleye, Muskie and So Much More

Going Fishing in Canada?

Get the answers to your questions

What makes Wabigoon such a great lake to fish?

Well for one, it has potential for the next world record muskie!

Search Sunset Country