Just east of Toronto, Pickering and Ajax are the closest Durham Region towns to the city, and each holds its own Santa Claus parade, one by day and one lit up at night.
Pickering Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 21, 2026 · 10 a.m.
The parade starts at Dixie Road and Glenanna Road and finishes at Pickering City Centre. Check the City of Pickering for road closures and parking. Pickering Town Centre hosts Santa through the season, too. Durham parades
Ajax Santa Claus Parade and Spectacle of Lights
Ajax’s evening parade, with illuminated floats, starts at Bayly Street and Harwood Avenue South. It’s usually held in late November; watch the Town of Ajax for the 2026 date.
Other holiday fun
- Outdoor skating at Pickering and Ajax civic rinks, weather permitting
- Waterfront walks along Lake Ontario at Frenchman’s Bay and Ajax’s waterfront trail
- Tree farms further east in Courtice. Christmas tree farms
About Pickering and Ajax
Pickering and Ajax sit side by side on Lake Ontario, just east of Scarborough. They’re the closest Durham Region communities to Toronto, with waterfront parks, growing downtowns, and easy access by the GO Lakeshore East line and Highway 401. Both have strong community spirit at Christmas, with parades, tree lightings and family events.
More holiday fun
- Pickering Town Centre for holiday shopping and Santa visits. Santa photos near Toronto
- Pickering’s waterfront at Frenchman’s Bay and the Waterfront Trail for winter walks.
- Ajax’s waterfront park, with lake views and walking paths.
- Outdoor skating at local rinks and civic squares, weather permitting.
- Pickering Museum Village in Greenwood, a living-history site that has run seasonal programmes; check its winter schedule.
- Rouge National Urban Park nearby for snowy forest trails. Winter hikes
Day vs. night parades
Pickering’s parade takes place in the morning, which suits families with young children, while Ajax’s parade and Spectacle of Lights is an evening event with lit-up floats. If you can, try both for a full day of festive fun.
A Pickering and Ajax Christmas day
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 10 a.m. | Pickering Santa Claus Parade (on parade day) |
| Noon | Lunch near Pickering Town Centre |
| Afternoon | A waterfront walk at Frenchman’s Bay |
| Evening | Ajax’s Santa Claus Parade and Spectacle of Lights (on its date) |
Pickering and Ajax at Christmas: FAQ
When is the Pickering Santa Claus Parade 2026? Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10 a.m.
How do I get to Pickering from Toronto? Take the GO Lakeshore East line to Pickering or Ajax station, or drive about 30 to 40 minutes via Highway 401.
More: Durham Santa Claus parades · Christmas in Durham Region
Getting there
Pickering and Ajax GO stations are on the Lakeshore East line, about 30 minutes from Union Station. By car, take Highway 401 east.
More: Christmas in Durham Region · Santa Claus parades near Toronto
