Montreal unwraps holiday magic with 73rd Santa Claus Parade
Posted November 22, 2025 12:45 pm.
Last Updated November 22, 2025 5:39 pm.
Montreal unwrapped a little holiday magic on Saturday as the 73rd Santa Claus Parade made its way through downtown.
Organized by Montréal centre-ville in collaboration with Tourisme Montréal, the parade began at 11 a.m. along René-Lévesque Blvd., drawing crowds eager to officially welcome the holiday season.
A long-standing Quebec tradition
First held in 1925, the Santa Claus Parade remains the oldest event of its kind in Quebec. Organizers say this year’s return continues the event’s mission of bringing people together and encouraging Montrealers to reconnect with the heart of the city — its shops, restaurants, and festive downtown atmosphere.
Among the crowd, a young girl shared her excitement.
“I’m most excited to see all the really talented, creative people just doing a bunch of stuff like dancing, caroling and whatever they’re going to do. It’s just basically really fun to open the doors up to the Christmas spirit,” she said.
It was her second time at the parade, and she loved the feeling of everyone coming together. “It’s just like a crowd of people, they’re all together just because they’re excited for Christmas to be there. It’s just like opening the doors to Christmas.”
For a man attending with his children, the parade was about seeing the wonder in their eyes. “That was amazing. We already came last year and this year with the kids, it’s amazing for them to see Santa Claus and see some sparks in their eyes. It’s amazing,” he said.
Even the youngest parade-goers were full of excitement. One little boy said, “I had a great day at the parade. I’ve seen Santa.”
His mom shared in the joy: “It was so much fun. This is our first time in Montreal. We’re visiting some friends from New York, and it’s really fun to be out here in the cold and enjoying the Christmas spirit.”
Another attendee, a woman soaking in the scene, said she enjoyed the city as much as the parade itself. “Oh, I enjoy it a lot. It’s beautiful and I invite everybody to come every year because it’s beautiful. One time of the year it’s beautiful, so I enjoy Montreal. You see the big city and the beauty that everything is around here, and the people well organized. Congratulations Montreal.”
For some children, the festive touches were particularly magical.
“There were candy canes that they were waving around. It was really cool how they went around in the bubbles and stuff. It was really cool. I think my favourite part was the Santa bit because he was waving a lot. Everyone was cheering,” said one girl.
“I think my favourite part was the Santa bit because he was waving a lot. Everyone was cheering,” she added.
Another girl said she came downtown because her family loves Christmas.
“We love Christmas and we love the Santa parade every year. We try to come almost every year. It’s so fun. We love watching all the other parades go by.”
She said her favourite parts included the dancing girls during River Dance and, of course, Santa. “I think it’s because a bunch of people come from all over different organizations. They all come together and do a really cool parade for everyone. I think that’s super cool.”
Another young attendee shared how the parade felt magical.
“I think we decided to come here because it’s just a very special thing, the parade. When we get to come out, we get to see all the activities and all the special things about Christmas.”
“My favourite things are when they pulled the sled with a lot of bubbles and then there were two polar bears. Those are my favourite animals.”
“I think it makes it special because it’s basically just this magical thing that when people come by, it feels like it’s already Christmas and it makes it a very special holiday.”
Another girl said she was thrilled to see Santa and other favourite characters.
“I really loved it because I saw Santa Claus and I feel like he did it really, really good,” she said.
Holiday wishlists
CityNews asked fans what they hoped to see under the tree this year.
One girl said, “A puppy. He hasn’t given me one for seven years. He hasn’t given me one yet. Oh well.”
“I am hoping if he gives me a real puppy,” another added.
A young girl hoped for something more sentimental: “That all my family could be there with me,” she said.
“There’s some of them that cannot be there because they’re sick or because they’re not in Canada.”
Kim Clavel debuts as the Star Fairy
This year marks the first appearance of Kim Clavel — world boxing champion and nurse — as the parade’s Star Fairy.
Clavel led with a mix of confidence and compassion, waving to children and greeting spectators gathered along the route.
Performers bring global and local culture
The parade featured 1,500 performers and more than 400 dancers, creating a lively mix of music, movement, and cultural celebration.
Crowds enjoyed a lineup that included Québec holiday traditions alongside performances from Irish, Korean, and Mexican dance groups, highlighting Montreal’s multicultural identity.
Younger parade-goers responded loudly to the performance by KMTL, a Montreal K-pop group presenting choreography inspired by Demon Hunters, the popular Netflix series.
A special appearance by Star Académie also drew applause as the group performed songs from its newest album.
New floats and fan favourites
Organizers continued their effort to modernize the parade’s look, with returning contemporary floats introduced last year.
A standout this year was the “Orchestrarium”, a musical float designed to get spectators clapping and moving along with performers.
From the twinkling lights to the festive floats, the 73rd Santa Claus Parade was a celebration of community, culture, and Christmas spirit.
Families, first-time visitors, and lifelong Montrealers alike left with hearts full of joy, already dreaming of next year’s magical journey downtown.
