York Region has some of the best small-town Santa parades in the GTA, from Main Street Markham to Aurora’s nighttime Santa Under the Stars. Here are the 2026 dates, times and routes.
York Region Santa Claus parades 2026
| Parade | Date | Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newmarket Santa Claus Parade | Saturday, November 21 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Eagle Street to Main Street |
| Aurora Santa Under the Stars Parade | Saturday, November 21 | 6 – 8 p.m. | Yonge Street, southbound |
| Markham Santa Claus Parade | Saturday, November 28 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Main Street Markham |
| Stouffville Santa Claus Parade | Saturday, December 5 | 6 p.m. | Route TBA by the Town |
| Vaughan Santafest Parade | TBA (late November in 2025) | 11 a.m. in 2025 | Maple to Vaughan City Hall |
Newmarket Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 21, 2026 · 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The parade starts at Eagle Street and Lorne Avenue, heads east on Eagle Street to Main Street, then north on Main Street to Ontario Street. Historic Main Street makes a lovely backdrop.
- Road closures: Cane Parkway/Lorne Avenue and Andrew Street from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Eagle and Water streets and Main Street (Water Street to Davis Drive) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Bring a letter to Santa: Canada Post and parade marshals collect letters along the route.
- Bring a food donation for the Newmarket Food Pantry.
Aurora Santa Under the Stars Parade
Saturday, November 21, 2026 · 6 – 8 p.m.
Aurora’s nighttime parade travels south on Yonge Street from Orchard Heights Boulevard to Murray Drive, with lit floats, marching bands and Santa. Canada Post collects letters to Santa before the parade starts.
- Road closures: Yonge Street and nearby streets, including Old Yonge Street, Batson Drive, Edward Street, Allaura Boulevard and Engelhard Drive, from 3 to 8 p.m.; Wellington Street local traffic only from 5 to 8 p.m.
Newmarket and Aurora are next to each other, so you can see Newmarket’s parade at lunchtime and Aurora’s after dark on the same day. See Christmas in Newmarket and Aurora.
Markham Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 28, 2026 · 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The 52nd Markham Santa Claus Parade runs along Main Street Markham between Highway 7 East and 16th Avenue, starting at Highway 7 at 11 a.m. This year’s theme is “The Power of Love.”
- Transit note: GO trains won’t stop at Markham GO Station between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Roads along Main Street close; the City posts a route map with detours.
See Markham Christmas events and Christmas in Unionville.
Stouffville Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 5, 2026 · 6 p.m.
Whitchurch-Stouffville’s evening parade is listed on the Town’s calendar for December 5 at 6 p.m. Check the Town for the route and closures. See Christmas in Stouffville.
Vaughan Santafest Parade
2026 date to be announced
Vaughan brought back its Santafest Parade in 2025 for the first time since 2019. Last year it ran on the last Saturday of November at 11 a.m., from Springside Road and Melville Avenue in Maple, north on Melville and east on Major Mackenzie Drive to Vaughan City Hall, with park-and-walk lots at local schools and the Maple Community Centre. Watch the City of Vaughan for 2026 details. See Vaughan Christmas events.
Which York Region parade is right for you?
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| A magical evening parade | Aurora’s Santa Under the Stars |
| A historic Main Street setting | Markham’s parade |
| A daytime parade with little kids | Newmarket’s late-morning parade |
| Something small and friendly | Stouffville’s parade |
| A big festive day | Vaughan’s Santafest parade and celebration |
Make a day of it
- Markham: after the parade, walk Main Street Unionville’s decorated shops. Unionville at Christmas
- Newmarket and Aurora: explore Newmarket’s Main Street and Fairy Lake. Newmarket and Aurora at Christmas
- Vaughan: head to Canada’s Wonderland for WinterFest on an open night.
- Stouffville: visit Main Street shops and nearby tree farms. Christmas in Stouffville
Tips for York Region parades
- Arrive early to get a spot along Main Street routes, which can be narrow.
- Dress for the weather: evening parades get cold quickly.
- Check road closures on each town’s website.
- Bring a donation: many parades collect food or toys for local charities.
York Region Santa Claus parades: FAQ
Which York Region parade is at night? Aurora’s Santa Under the Stars is the best-known evening parade.
Are York Region parades free? Yes. All are free to watch.
For parades in other regions, see Santa Claus parades near Toronto.
More in York Region
See every parade across the GTA in Santa Claus parades near Toronto.
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