Wondering what to do in Niagara Falls Canada? Every year, one of the most anticipated Niagara Falls activities comes to Queen Street in downtown Niagara Falls, as the Santa Claus Parade ushers in the holiday spirit. Community members, local businesses and visitors gather to watch holiday-themed floats pass through and check out live entertainment like marching bands and stilt walkers.
This year’s event is Saturday, November 16, at 11 a.m. Put this at the top of your list of Niagara Falls upcoming events to check out. A Niagara Falls Christmas is one of the coolest in the entire world. The Santa Claus Parade gives you a peek at the holiday fun to come.
Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade Details
When: Saturday, November 16. The parade goes from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. There is a Santa meet-and-greet event from 12:45-2:30 p.m.
Where: The parade route starts on Victoria Avenue at Amoury Street. It travels north on Victoria Avenue, then turns right onto Valley Way, then turns right onto Queen Street, then ends just past Niagara Falls City Hall. The Santa meet-and-greet takes place at Niagara Falls City Hall, at 4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls.
Cost: Free
Information: (905) 356-7521, ext. 3332, or NiagaraFalls.ca/events
Who Will Be in the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade?
The Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade is one of the biggest Niagara Falls upcoming events for good reason. The floats are so much fun to watch pass by. Kids get to see some of their favorite holiday figures, like snowmen, reindeer and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Top Niagara Falls talent is on display, with musicians, stilt walkers and more.
Some of the past faces and floats in the Santa Claus Parade have included:
- Holiday elves
- High school marching bands
- Giant inflatables, including Rudolph
- Circus performers like hoop dancers
- Life-size gingerbread men
- Horse-drawn carriages
Locals who want to walk in the parade can submit an application online by Friday, October 4. Most floats are holiday-themed. All the parade participants are a great reflection of the one-of-a-kind Niagara Falls community and culture.
What’s It Like to Attend the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade?
Each year, thousands of attendees come to the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade. You can bring pets and grab a spot on the street to watch, as long as it’s not in the parade route’s way. You can bring your own chairs or seating so you have a comfortable place to watch the parade go by, or you can stand as you watch.
Be sure to have your camera ready. Some of the floats that pass by are truly spectacular, especially for little ones in terms of size and design. There will also be plenty of diverse entertainment, too, with acts like music, dancing and circus-themed performances.
The Santa meet-and-greet that is at the end of the parade is a great opportunity to snap some photos for holiday cards. There will be kids Niagara Falls activities in addition to the meet-and-greet, like face painting. The event is fun for the whole family.
Volunteer in the Santa Claus Parade
Dozens of volunteers make the Santa Claus Parade a possibility each year. Volunteers help organize floats and participants, help monitor crowds and answer questions, carry banners in the parade, walk with parade mascots or walk as mascots themselves, help assist with the Santa meet-and-greet and perform other miscellaneous tasks related to the parade.
Volunteering for the Santa Claus Parade is a great way for teens and adults to get community service hours and be a part of a huge family-friendly event in Niagara Falls.
Make a Day of It on Queen Street in Niagara Falls
You can spend the whole day with your family on Queen Street in Niagara Falls after the parade is over. Queen Street is mere minutes away from the Niagara Falls waterfalls. There are dozens of shops, restaurants, art galleries and more along Queen Street where the parade passes through. Some things to check out include:
- Bars and restaurants, like Taps Brewhouse, Paris Crepes Cafe, Grand Central Bar & Grill and Third Space Cafe
- Galleries, like The Butterfly Gallery and Steve Wilson Studios & The Gallery
- Shops, like Ethereal Aesthetics and Fae Nature
Queen Street stores feature unique handmade items by local artisans. Queen Street restaurants and bars also feature local ingredients, beers and artisan cocktails. There’s plenty to do before and after the Santa Claus Parade passes through Queen Street in Niagara Falls.
Book a Niagara Falls Trip for the Holiday Season
The Santa Claus Parade in Niagara Falls is a great place to see the Niagara Falls community come together and show off their creativity and holiday spirit. Niagara Falls Hotels are near all the action. Book your stay so you can celebrate the holidays in one of the world’s most scenic places.