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Montreal’s Santa Claus parade is back with a different route this year

This unmissable holiday event is returning this year with a few new magical surprises.

Laura Osborne
Written by
Laura Osborne
Editor, Time Out Canada
Santa Claus
Photograph: Shutterstock / Alina Reynbakh
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Guess what's around the corner? Christmas!

Back for its 72nd edition, this year’s parade will include Santa Claus, the Starry Fairy, elves and tons of other floats and characters.

With all the magical things happening over the holiday season, including the fireworks and free seasonal activities, this is an unmissable event.

When is the 2024 Santa Claus parade?

The Santa Clause parade is set for Nov. 23 in downtown Montreal starting at 11 a.m.

Santa Claus
Photograph: Eva Blue

How to get to the Santa Claus parade?

Public transportation (metro, bus, and REM) is the easiest way to get to the parade thanks to the 7 metro stations are located near the route:

Orange Line: Bonaventure, Lucien-L’Allier, Place-d'Armes, and Square-Victoria-OACI

Green Line: Atwater, Guy-Concordia, Peel, Place-des-Arts and McGill—a few steps from Time Out Market Montréal.

Santa Claus Parade
Photograph: Eva Blue | Santa Claus Parade

Where is parking available?

If you're driving, there are over 50,000 underground spots available downtown. 

Here are a few parking locations below:

Eaton Centre: 500 spots – 1801 McGill College Avenue

Place Ville Marie: 900 spots – 1 Place Ville Marie

Complexe Desjardins: nearly 1,000 spots – 150 Sainte-Catherine Street West, entrance via Jeanne-Mance Street or Saint-Urbain Street

Palais des congrès: nearly 400 spots – 1025 Chenneville Street, accessible via Viger Avenue

Place Bonaventure: nearly 750 spots – 800 De La Gauchetière Street West

Delta Hotels by Marriott Montréal: 475 President-Kennedy Avenue

Is the parade route the same as last year?

No, the parade will not be on Sainte-Catherine Street this year. Instead, the parade will be on Boulevard René-Lévesque between Bishop and Saint-Urbain streets.

What else is new this year?

From Nov. 12 to Dec. 26, downtown Montréal is inviting the public to take part in a Santa drawing contest. To enter, participants can fill out a form on the website, with a new winner selected every Thursday and prizes awarded.

Participants can boost their chances of winning by including clues found in various locations throughout Place Montréal Trust, the Eaton Centre, the Fairmont Hotel, and Place Ville-Marie.

How long does the parade last?

The Parade lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, so be sure to wear warm clothing to handle any kind of weather.

Is it possible to send a letter to Santa Claus on the day of the Parade?

Yes, postal elves will be present during the Parade to collect children's letters and deliver them to Santa Claus.


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