The Toronto Santa Claus Parade rolls on Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. It starts at Christie Pits and finishes near St. Lawrence Market, and it closes a long stretch of midtown and downtown streets for most of the day. Here’s the route, what closes and how to get around.
The 2026 parade route
The parade starts at Christie Pits Park (Bloor Street West and Christie Street) and ends at Front and Jarvis streets near St. Lawrence Market. Based on recent years, the route runs:
- Bloor Street West east from Christie Pits
- Spadina Avenue south
- Harbord Street and Hoskin Avenue east
- Queen’s Park Crescent and University Avenue south
- Wellington Street east
- Yonge Street south
- Front Street east to Jarvis Street
The organizers publish the official 2026 route on thesantaclausparade.com ahead of parade day, and we’ll update this page if anything changes.
Approximate timing along the route
The parade moves slowly and takes about two and a half hours to pass any one point.
| Stretch | First floats arrive | Santa arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Bloor Street near Christie Pits | About 12:30 p.m. | About 3 p.m. |
| University Avenue | About 1:30 p.m. | About 4 p.m. |
| Front Street near the finish | Mid-afternoon | Late afternoon |
These are estimates. Arrive early either way, because the best curbside spots fill an hour or more before the floats arrive.
Road closures
Expect full road closures along the route from the morning until the parade has passed and the street is cleared, with nearby cross-streets closed or restricted. The City and Toronto Police confirm the exact closure times in the week before the parade.
- No parking on the route. Vehicles parked along the parade route are towed starting early on Sunday morning. In recent years towing has begun at 6 a.m.
- Plan for detours if you’re driving anywhere downtown on the Sunday afternoon.
TTC changes
- Subway service is the best way to reach the parade. The TTC typically adds extra subway service on Lines 1 and 2 on parade day.
- Bus and streetcar routes that cross or run along the route are diverted, including routes on Bloor, Spadina, Queen’s Park, Yonge and Front.
- Useful stations: Christie (start), Bathurst and Spadina (Bloor stretch), Queen’s Park and St. Patrick (University Avenue), St. Andrew and King (downtown) and Union (finish area).
Check the TTC’s service advisories on the day, and our TTC holiday schedule page for holiday-season service.
GO Transit
Union Station is a short walk from the finish area on Front Street. Children 12 and under ride GO free.
Getting around on parade day
- Use the subway. Line 1 and Line 2 keep running, though some stations near the route get very crowded before and after the parade.
- Avoid driving downtown. Closures start early in the morning and last into the evening, and cross-town traffic is very slow.
- Allow extra time if you’re catching a train at Union, a flight or a hockey game.
- If you must drive, park well outside the closure zone and take transit in. See parking for Toronto Christmas events.
Choosing where to watch along the route
Different stretches of the route suit different people:
- Near the start (Bloor Street West): less crowded, and the parade arrives first, so you can leave earlier.
- University Avenue and Queen’s Park area: wide sidewalks with room for strollers.
- Downtown near Queen and Yonge: the most atmosphere, but also the biggest crowds.
- Near the finish (Front Street East): close to St. Lawrence Market for lunch afterwards.
For detailed advice, see where to watch the Santa Claus Parade.
Accessibility
Some sections of the route are flatter and less crowded than others, which makes them easier for wheelchair users and families with strollers. Arrive early to secure a spot near the curb, and check the parade organisers’ website for any accessible viewing information for 2026.
Santa Claus Parade route: FAQ
How long does the parade take to pass one spot? Usually around two hours from the first float to Santa.
When do roads reopen? Roads reopen in stages after the parade passes, usually by late afternoon or early evening.
Is the route the same every year? It has been very similar in recent years. The organisers confirm the 2026 route closer to parade day.
More parade planning
- Best spots to watch the Santa Claus Parade
- Holly Jolly Fun Run, the 5K on the morning of the parade
- Parking and transit for Toronto Christmas events
- Toronto Christmas events 2026
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