Newmarket and Aurora sit side by side in northern York Region, and on Saturday, November 21, 2026 they give families a two-parade day: Newmarket’s on historic Main Street in the morning and Aurora’s nighttime Santa Under the Stars on Yonge Street after dark.
Newmarket Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 21, 2026 · 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Route: from Eagle Street and Lorne Avenue, east on Eagle Street to Main Street, then north on Main Street to Ontario Street.
- Bring: a letter to Santa (Canada Post and parade marshals collect them) and a non-perishable item for the Newmarket Food Pantry.
- Closures: Cane Parkway/Lorne Avenue and Andrew Street from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Eagle and Water streets and Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aurora Santa Under the Stars Parade
Saturday, November 21, 2026 · 6 – 8 p.m.
- Route: south on Yonge Street from Orchard Heights Boulevard to Murray Drive.
- Letters to Santa: Canada Post collects them before the parade starts.
- Closures: Yonge Street and nearby streets from 3 to 8 p.m.
Make a day of it
- Morning: Newmarket’s parade on Main Street
- Afternoon: lunch and shopping on historic Main Street Newmarket
- Evening: drive or take the bus 10 minutes south for Aurora’s lit parade
Other holiday fun
- Santa at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket from mid-November
- Outdoor skating at town rinks, weather permitting
- Tree farms north of the GTA. Christmas tree farms
About Newmarket and Aurora
Newmarket and Aurora are neighbouring towns in northern York Region, about 45 minutes north of downtown Toronto. Newmarket’s historic Main Street, with its 19th-century storefronts, shops and restaurants, is one of the prettiest in the GTA, while Aurora has a charming downtown along Yonge Street and a growing arts and culture scene. Both are surrounded by parks, trails and the Oak Ridges Moraine.
More holiday fun
- Stroll Newmarket’s Main Street for independent shops, cafés and holiday decorations.
- Skate at Riverwalk Commons in Newmarket, an outdoor rink beside the Newmarket Community Centre, weather permitting.
- Walk around Fairy Lake in Newmarket and the Nokiidaa Trail along the Holland River.
- Visit Aurora Town Square for community events and programming.
- Shop at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket for big-brand holiday shopping and Santa visits.
- See the lights on decorated streets around both towns.
The two-parade day plan
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 10:30 a.m. | Find a spot on Newmarket’s Main Street |
| 11 a.m. | Newmarket Santa Claus Parade |
| 1 p.m. | Lunch on Main Street |
| Afternoon | Skate, shop or rest |
| Evening | Aurora’s Santa Under the Stars parade on Yonge Street |
Pack snacks, blankets and warm layers, and plan a break between parades for younger kids.
Getting around
The GO Barrie line serves Newmarket and Aurora stations, and YRT and Viva buses run along Yonge Street between the two towns. Driving is easiest for a full day, but expect road closures during both parades.
Newmarket and Aurora at Christmas: FAQ
When are the Newmarket and Aurora parades in 2026? Both are on Saturday, November 21, 2026: Newmarket’s in the morning and Aurora’s in the evening.
Are the parades free? Yes, both are free to watch.
More: York Region Santa Claus parades · Christmas in York Region
Getting there
The Barrie GO line stops at Aurora and Newmarket, and Viva buses run along Yonge Street. By car, it’s 45 to 60 minutes from downtown Toronto via Highway 404.
More: York Region Santa Claus parades · Christmas in York Region
