West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade

2025 Santa Claus Parade

The Township of West Lincoln is proud to present the 35th annual West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade. Join us on Saturday, November 29, at 5 p.m. for this fun holiday celebration! There are many opportunities to get involved in the parade. Applications are now open for parade entries, volunteers and sponsors. Learn more below.

2025 parade theme: This year’s theme, Harmony, invites floats, performers and community groups to celebrate unity, peace and togetherness. Think big and creative, whether it’s through music, colour, cultural symbols or joyful holiday scenes that showcase the beauty of people coming together.

Holiday Market: The Township is also holding a special Holiday Market on the morning of the West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade. Come out to the West Lincoln Community Centre, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 30, to peruse a wide selection of quality products and creations from local vendors. Find full details on our Market page.

Submit a parade entry

Applications are now open for parade entries! 

How to submit your parade entry:

Important parade-day details:

  • Set up for parade entries begins at 3 p.m. in the West Lincoln Community Centre (177 West St., Smithville) parking lot and surrounding area

  • Parade entries must be completely set up by 4 p.m.

  • Road closures begin at 3:30 p.m.

  • Parade starts at 5 p.m. sharp

  • Parade ends at Industrial Park Rd.

Become a volunteer

Interested in volunteering? We are looking for volunteers who can help with day of event duties. 

Please note that most positions will require long periods of standing.

  • Traffic Control Volunteers will provide traffic protection and control measures at the low risk areas of the road closure plan. Barricades and barrels will be at each location to assist with stopping traffic. 
  • Volunteer Parade Marshals will monitor entry/participant movement and spectator activity. Marshals will communicate with drivers about speed and remind them not to stop or slow down to wait for walking participants. Assist drivers with alternate routes, keep the parade pace and ensure the road is clear.

If you are interested in joining in the fun and supporting the community please contact the Township's Events Planner.

Become a sponsor

Paid parade entertainers and bands, which add the extra special “magic” require additional sponsorship. Sponsorship follows under four categories:

  1. $1,000+ Diamond Sponsors

  2. $750+ Platinum Sponsors

  3. $500+ Gold Sponsors

  4. Under $500 Community Donation

Your generous sponsorship will be highlighted on our website, Township social media posts, Facebook event pages, posters in Township facilities and around the community, and on the LED signs at Township Administration and West Lincoln Community Centre on the day of the parade. 

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact the Township's Events Planner.

Parade route

The parade will start at 5 p.m. from the West Lincoln Community Centre, travelling east on West Street, south on Regional Road 20 and concluding at the corner of St. Catharines Street and Industrial Park Road.

Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly, bring their own lawn chairs or blankets and arrive early to claim their spot.

Road closures

Road closures will begin at 3:30 p.m. on parade day and last until 8 p.m.

Closure details and road maps will be available in the weeks leading up to the parade. Stay tuned!

History of the parade

The first Santa Claus Parade held in West Lincoln occurred in 1990 and has been a highly anticipated event since. Over the years, the amount of floats and parade attendees grew exponentially, and route variations were taken in stride to accept the growth of this small town parade.

Dave Willis, the long-time Committee Chair, passed away suddenly in late 2019, but the remaining Committee members persevered to put on a beautiful Parade in his honor that year.

In 2020, a brand new group of Parade Committee volunteers stepped forward to take a hold of the reins and keep the parade on the same esteemed course it has been on for the past several decades. One of the Committee’s first major decisions was to rename the parade the “West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade.”

Planning and execution of the West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade event formally transferred to Township Staff beginning in 2024.