Santa Claus Parade 2024

On November 23, Downtown Montreal lights up with countless surprises. Blending innovation and tradition, Santa Claus and his troupe are ready to fly in from the North Pole for the annual Parade, bringing joy and wonder to the season.

The Star Fairy, brought to life by Olympic medallist Maude Charron, transforms this year’s Parade with a wave of her magic wand: a new, more accessible route allows you to experience the festivities up close like never before.

But watch out for the naughty elves—they’re always up to their tricks! Can we outsmart them together and keep the magic alive?

Make sure you’re there for the Santa Claus Parade kick-off at 11 AM!

With nine festive floats and hundreds of participants, the Parade marches down René-Lévesque Boulevard from Bishop Street to Saint-Urbain Street.

Enjoy family activities in Dorchester Square starting at 9 AM!

View the map in full screen

Lear the Parade choreography!

Get ready for the Santa Claus Parade by learning DJ OURS’ official choreography! As he makes his way through the parade, get carried away by his best tunes and dance along with us!

Keep the excitement going with the ***Tirages du père Noë*l (Santa Claus Giveaways) in collaboration with Nouveau Centre par Ivanhoé Cambridge** until December 26, 2024. Enter for a chance to win joyful prizes every week!

Count me in!

FAQ – Get ready for the Parade!

How can I get to the Parade?

Take public transit to the Santa Claus Parade route on boulevard René-Lévesque!

Nearby metro stations:

Line 2 – Orange

Lucien-L’Allier
Bonaventure (universally accessible)
Square-Victoria-OACI
Place-d’Armes (universally accessible)

Line 1 – Green

Peel
McGill (universally accessible)
Place-des-Arts (universally accessible)

To avoid waiting in line, buy your tickets in advance. If you have an OPUS card, you can even purchase your tickets directly through the Chrono mobile application.

Coming from the South Shore? The REM is your best option! It will drop you off at Montreal’s Central Station, right in the heart of the Parade route!

Where can I park on Parade Day?

If you’re coming by car, use underground parking spaces. More than 50,000 spaces are available downtown. Here are just a few of them.

Centre Eaton de Montréal: 500 spaces – 1801 McGill College Avenue
Place Ville Marie: 900 spaces – 1 Place Ville Marie
Complexe Desjardins: nearly 1,000 spaces – 150 Sainte-Catherine West Street, entrance via Jeanne-Mance or Saint-Urbain Streets
Palais des Congrès: nearly 400 spaces – 1025 Chenneville Street, accessible via Viger Avenue
Place Bonaventure: nearly 750 spaces – 800 Gauchetière Street
Delta Hotels by Marriott Montreal: 475 Président-Kennedy Avenue

Please note that on Parade Day, traffic in the downtown core will be heavy due to street closures and the large number of spectators.

Is the route the same as last year?

No, the route has been updated. The Parade will no longer travel along Sainte-Catherine Street. The starting point will be on René-Lévesque Boulevard, between Bishop Street and Saint-Urbain Street. This new route is designed to enhance the spectator experience, making it easier to navigate and enjoy the event. The most anticipated moment will unfold at the entrance of Complexe Desjardins, where Santa Claus will greet children for a magical encounter.

Please note that viewing the Parade from the Quartier des spectacles will not be possible.

How long does the Parade last?

The Parade lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. Make sure to dress warmly and comfortably to handle any weather!

Can I watch the Parade on a big screen if I’m not along the route?

No, there won’t be any screen—however, the new route will allow you to enjoy the Parade up close.

Is there a designated area for individuals with reduced mobility?

No, there is no designated area for people with reduced mobility along the route. However, René-Lévesque Boulevard is accessible to everyone.

Is it possible to send a letter to Santa on Parade Day?

Yes, Postal Elves will be on hand during the Parade to collect children’s letters and deliver them to Santa!

Is it possible to follow the Parade and the floats?

No, it will not be possible to follow the floats. For your own safety, never cross the street during the Parade.

Are restrooms available during the Parade?

There are no restrooms set up along the route. However, the Parade is organized around major shopping centres such as the Centre Eaton de Montréal, Place Montréal Trust, Place Ville Marie, Complexe Desjardins, Promenades Cathédrale, Hudson’s Bay, Carrefour Industrielle Alliance, and Les Cours Mont-Royal, all of which have accessible restrooms.

What can I do after the Parade?

Join the holiday fun with an exciting hunt for bonus words and enter for a chance to win fantastic prizes! The Santa Claus Giveaways in collaboration with Nouveau Centre are brimming with weekly surprises, from cozy hotel stays to a variety of gift cards. Giveaways will take place every Thursday from November 21 to December 26, 2024.

Get started on November 12 by filling out the form!

And while you’re downtown, take time to shop, enjoy a nice meal, and treat yourself to some entertainment.

Have a look at our suggestions!

Do buses still run in the area?

Some buses will be rerouted and stops temporarily cancelled. For all transport information, please visit the STM page dedicated to the Parade.

Will photographers and videographers be present at the Parade?

Yes, photographers and videographers will be present to captured the Parade. By participating in this event, you agree to be potentially filmed and/or photographed.

I'd like to volunteer during the Parade. Who should I contact?

Please send an email to defileperenoel@dottietcie.com.

Does the Santa Claus Parade have any social media accounts?

No, there isn’t a dedicated account for the Santa Claus Parade, but feel free to share your content by tagging us at @montrealcentreville. 🎅✨Follow us to keep up with Parade updates and upcoming giveaways!