Montreal celebrates 72nd Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 23

The Santa Clause parade is set for Nov. 23 in downtown Montreal!

The festivities will start at 11 a.m. on René-Lévesque Blvd. between Bishop and Saint-Urbain Street.

This year’s parade will include Santa Claus, the Starry Fairy, elves and several other floats and characters.

“The Santa Claus Parade in downtown Montreal is a time-honoured tradition that has been bringing tens of thousands of families together to experience the magic of the holiday season for nearly a century,” said SDC Montréal centre-ville General Manager Glenn Castanheira. “I invite Montrealers and all Quebecers to this great gathering that officially launches the holiday festivities with a panoply of activities throughout the winter.”

The parade has been around since 1925 and is one of the oldest events in Quebec.

“All the details, including the identity of the Starry Fairy, will be revealed on Nov. 12, in the presence of none other than Santa Claus himself,” reads a press release.

Also, from Nov. 12 to Dec. 26, the Montréal centre-ville is inviting the public to participate in a Santa drawing contest. Those interested can fill out a form on their website, and a new winner will be chosen every Thursday, along with prizes.

Participants can increase their chances of winning a prize, by incorporating clues on their form from scattered areas throughout the Place Montréal Trust, the Eaton Centre, the Fairmont Hotel and Place Ville-Marie (PVM).

“The Parade is a true gift offered to Montrealers by downtown businesses,” said Pierre Poulin, project manager for the Montreal Christmas Parade. “It embodies the holiday spirit and creates a unifying event that unites us all, young, and old alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate this magical moment in the heart of our city!”