Santa Claus Parade

On November 14, 2026, beginning at 4:00 pm, the parade will commence from Armoury Street and Victoria Avenue, and head northbound on Victoria Avenue, turn right onto Valley Way, and then continue down Queen Street, concluding at City Hall.

Roads will close at varying times along the route and will reopen shortly after the final float has passed through, and cleanup has been completed. Residents living in the parade area are encouraged to plan ahead as there will be road closures, restricted property access, detours and delays.

Road closures:

• 8:00 am to 6:30 pm: Queen Street (Victoria Avenue to City Hall/Erie Avenue)
• 12:00 pm to 6:30 pm: Armoury Street, Jepson Street, and access to several side streets (please refer to the map)
• 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm: Victoria Avenue (Ryerson Crescent to Huron Street)

Following the parade, Centennial Square at Niagara Falls City Hall will come alive with a post-parade celebration. Join us for the Niagara Health Foundation Christmas tree lighting, family-friendly entertainment, and the illumination of Queen Street’s festive lights.

The City of Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade proudly invites community organizations, special interest groups, schools, teams, and businesses to take part in this long-standing holiday tradition.

Key dates:

• Parade held: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• Applications due: Sunday, October 11, 2026, by 11:00 pm
• Acceptance offers: Groups will be notified no later than Monday, October 26
• Payments and insurance: Will be due no later than Wednesday, November 4, by 11:00 pm

Applications are being sought for the following:

• Floats and walking groups
• Bands or professional performance groups
• Food vendors (for post-parade Santa meet and greet)

Entry fees: 

• Community group: $30 including tax
• Commercial entry: $350 including tax
• Food vendor: $100 including tax
• Sponsorship levels begin at $500. Please connect with staff for details.
• Professional Performance Groups/ Bands can provide a performance fee estimate for consideration

Parade participant rules and regulations

Applications

• Submission of a float entry application does not guarantee that the applicant will be offered an opportunity to participate in the parade
• The Event team may restrict the number and the type of parade participants (and placement) and will select those who best meet the needs of the event
• Prior to the event, participants will be sent an email detailing participation requirements, including a mandatory advance meeting, arrival in the marshaling area on parade day, parade route and post parade/dismantling area procedures
• Insurance: All parade entries must provide proof of liability insurance for a minimum of $2 million, and any vehicles /trailers must also provide proof of coverage. Staff will provide details to accepted groups.
• Note: The City may cancel or postpone the event at its sole discretion due to extenuating circumstances and may cancel or terminate Parade Terms and Conditions at any time (including during an event) and for any reason whatsoever.

Hours of operation

• Your Parade Entry group leader and all participants (including vehicles/float) must arrive between 1 and 2:45 pm on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Floats may not have passengers until parked in the marshaling area.
• Final decorations can be installed in the marshaling area before 3:30 pm
• The group/float/vehicles and all walking/riding participants must be at the parade marshaling area, set up, and ready to operate by 3:30 pm on Saturday, November 14, 2026

Theme and decor

• Santa: No Santa Claus replica may be part of any entry (decorations, costumes, etc)
• Decor: All entries must display a holiday theme, and all participants must be festively dressed. The entry must be entertaining and appropriate for a family-friendly audience.
• Lights: All float/vehicle entries must be seasonally decorated, including lights
• Height: All float height restrictions are 3.35 metres (11 feet) from the ground to the top of the display
• Float railings: Each float that will have passengers must be secured with sturdy safety railings on all sides, with a minimum height of 3 feet
• The City of Niagara Falls and the Santa Claus Parade staff are not responsible for, and will not be held liable for any costs incurred with the production of any entry to the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade
• Groups are encouraged not to incur any expenses until they are accepted to participate and have provided insurance and their parade fee.

Entry safety considerations

• An Entry may be refused participation on event day if it does not meet parade guidelines (find full details in the application), differs from the approved entry as submitted, or has the potential to cause a safety concern
• Spotters: You are required to provide a minimum of two spotters (ages 18+) who will walk with your float to make sure safety rules are being followed and to spot any viewers/children entering the parade lane
• Youth participant safety:
  •  Parade participants walking in the parade must be a minimum of 7 years old
  • Ages 13 to 17 require a supervision ratio of 1 adult to 8 Youth
  • Ages 7 to 12 must be supervised at a ratio of 1 adult to 5 children
  • Ages 4 to 6 must be accompanied 1 to 1 by their own parent or caregiver and are not permitted to walk (wagon, stroller, in a vehicle / secured on a float only)
  • Children ages 3 and below are not permitted to participate due to safety considerations
• There will be zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, smoking and vaping at any event location or staging area

How to apply

• All parade entries, performance groups and food vendors must complete the online application form.
• Please note that a detailed drawing or photograph must accompany all entries.
• Applications due: Sunday, October 11, 2026, by 11:00 pm.

Volunteers are needed each year to help make the Santa Claus Parade a success!

• Volunteers are needed for various roles, including mascot handlers, costumed characters, banner carriers, volunteer orientation, Santa meet-and-greet assistants, and more!
• Event support is needed between 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm on event day (depending on role), a typical shift length is four hours
• We are unable to accept volunteers ages 14 and under for safety reasons due to the nature of the event
• Volunteers ages 15 to 17 must have their parent/guardian complete the permission form in the application to participate
• Community/student service hours: We’re happy to verify and sign off on your volunteer hours for community service or student requirements!
• The final day to apply to volunteer will be Monday, November 2, 2026. Staff require advance time to connect with volunteers, schedule shifts and prepare!

Please complete our 2026 Parade Volunteer Form, and staff will connect back with opportunities to get involved.