2023 Santa Claus parades in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and Aylmer

Believe it or not, it’s time for Santa Claus parades in Ottawa and beyond! Kris Kringle will be making several appearances in cities, towns and villages in Eastern Ontario and West Quebec between now and Christmas, as his fans gear up to welcome him in style.

Here are some of the spots where you and the little ones in your family can catch sight of the jolly old elf in a Christmas parade in Ottawa and elsewhere.

Check the listings carefully, as some events are in the afternoon, while others take place after dark. Why not make a day of it by checking my list of regional and Ottawa Christmas markets? The odds are high that one will be taking place not far from the parade you choose to attend. If crafts aren’t your thing, you might be interested in my guide to regional and Ottawa Christmas lights displays.

And when you head out to a parade, don’t forget to pack the essentials: extra mittens, flasks of hot chocolate, cell phones (for taking photos and for connecting if you get separated in the crowd) and lots of festive spirit!

Christmas parades in Ottawa and beyond in November

• Friday, November 17: Prescott
• Saturday, November 18: Help Santa Toy Parade (Ottawa), Kemptville, Oxford Mills (lantern parade), Cornwall, Kingston
• Sunday, November 19: Barrhaven
• Friday, November 24: White Lake
• Saturday, November 25: Orleans, Riverside South, Kanata, Embrun, Arnprior, Carleton Place, Brockville, Pembroke
• Sunday, November 26: Russell, Maxville

Santa Claus parades in Ottawa and beyond in December

• Friday, December 1: Osgoode, Vankleek Hill
• Saturday, December 2: Stittsville, Richmond, Constance and Buckham’s Bay, Aylmer, Pakenham, Winchester, Ingleside, Perth, Beachburg, Petawawa, Napanee, Gananoque
• Sunday, December 3: Clarence-Rockland, Almonte, Alexandria, Calabogie
• Saturday, December 9: Carp, Fitzroy Harbour
• Sunday, December 10: Metcalfe

Do you know of any Santa Claus parades in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario Christmas parades or parades of lights in the Outaouais that aren’t on this list? Please let me know and I’ll do my best to add them.

Want more tips on road trips from Ottawa—including info on hotel discounts, contests, festivals and other cool news? Subscribe to my free weekly e-newsletter! I will never spam you—promise. And if you’re looking for a clever Christmas present, how about a copy of my local guidebook, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide?

As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land.