The Beaches, in Toronto’s east end, mixes small-town charm with the city’s best winter walks along the lake. At Christmas, it has its own Santa Claus parade, a festive main street and lakeside boardwalk strolls.
Beaches Santa Claus Parade
Centre 55’s community parade has run since 2006. In 2025 it took place on Sunday, November 16 at 1 p.m., starting at Kingston Road and Victoria Park Avenue, heading west along Kingston Road and finishing at Centre 55 at Swanwick Avenue and Main Street. It launches Centre 55’s Share A Christmas campaign, so bring toonies or a toy. Neighbourhood Santa parades
What to do
- Shop Queen Street East in the Beaches for boutiques, toy stores and gifts.
- Walk the boardwalk along Woodbine Beach and Kew Beach for winter views of Lake Ontario. Winter hikes
- Warm up in a café on Queen Street East.
- Kew Gardens is at the heart of the neighbourhood for a winter stroll.
About the Beaches
The Beaches (also called the Beach) is a lakeside neighbourhood in Toronto’s east end, known for its 3-kilometre boardwalk, sandy beaches, tree-lined streets and laid-back, village-like feel. Queen Street East is its main street, lined with independent shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs. In winter, the empty beaches and frozen shoreline are beautiful, and the neighbourhood’s community spirit shines at Christmas.
More things to do at Christmas
- Walk the boardwalk from Woodbine Beach to the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, an Art Deco landmark.
- Shop Queen Street East for gifts at local boutiques, bookshops and toy stores.
- Catch a holiday film at the Fox Theatre, one of Toronto’s oldest cinemas. Christmas movie screenings
- Skate at local outdoor rinks when it’s cold enough.
- Visit Kew Gardens, the neighbourhood’s central park, often decorated for the season.
- Brunch at a cozy café after a winter walk.
A Beaches Christmas day
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Boardwalk walk with a coffee |
| Late morning | Shopping on Queen Street East |
| Lunch | A neighbourhood café or pub |
| Afternoon | A matinee at the Fox Theatre |
| Evening | Dinner and a stroll past the decorated homes on the side streets |
Parade day tips
- Arrive early to find a spot along Kingston Road.
- Bring a toonie or a toy to support Centre 55’s Share A Christmas campaign.
- Use the 501 Queen or Kingston Road buses and streetcars; parking is limited.
Christmas in the Beaches: FAQ
When is the Beaches Santa Claus Parade 2026? It’s usually on a Sunday in mid-November. Watch for Centre 55’s announcement.
How do I get to the Beaches? Take the 501 Queen streetcar east, or Line 2 to Main Street station and walk south.
More: neighbourhood Santa parades · Toronto neighbourhoods at Christmas
Getting there
The 501 Queen streetcar runs through the Beaches along Queen Street East.
