Merry and Bright Santa Claus Parade

Join us in downtown Welland for the 2026 Santa Claus Parade, Civic Square Tree Lighting Ceremony and a Merry Chili Holiday — three events in one!

This year’s parade starts at 5 p.m. sharp. Route: Corner of East Main and Wellington Streets, west on East Main Street, ending at Civic Square.

Are you interested in participating in the 2026 Santa Claus Parade? Parade information and application are available here.

Join Santa Claus at Civic Square after the parade to light Welland’s Christmas tree. Take a photo, mail your letters to Santa, make a holiday craft with the Niagara Art Gallery, and meet festive characters.

At 6:30 p.m., join us for a chili cookoff between the Welland Fire and Emergency Services and the Niagara Regional Police Services.

In the spirit of giving, please bring your donations to the parade and help us decorate the 2026 Mitten Tree at Civic Square. Acceptable items include adult and children’s mittens, hats, scarves, slippers, socks, and onesies, toiletries, towels/blankets, children’s toys, and canned/boxed non-perishable food items. All donated items must be new. Donations go to Community Christmas Toys.