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Classic Christmas theme will inspire float, entry designs

It’s almost time for things to get merry and bright! The Town of Orangeville, in partnership with Downtown Orangeville, invites the community to kick off the 2025 holiday season at the annual Santa Claus Parade.

On Saturday, November 22, the parade will begin at 5 p.m. at First Street and Hansen Boulevard, making its way to Broadway and then down to Fourth Street.

This year’s theme is Classic Christmas, with sparkling lights, elves, reindeer and of course, a special appearance by Santa himself!

Pre-parade entertainment will be in full swing along Broadway, starting at 4 p.m. Say hello to characters out for a stroll and enjoy performances by the Orangeville Show Chorus.

This year’s parade is expected to bring out more than 60 floats, with participation from community organizations and the Town of Orangeville’s fire and public works vehicles—each beautifully lit and decorated to celebrate the season.

Each year, a member of the community is honoured as the parade marshal, leading the floats along the route. This year, David Nairn, artistic director emeritus, Theatre Orangeville, will fulfill the role.

“I was thrilled when Mayor Post asked me to be this year’s parade marshal,” said Nairn. “I am so proud to live in this great community and, of course, give back in any way I can. I will be proudly waving as I lead off the parade.”

Float judges this year include residents Rob Jeffrey and Sarah Clarke, who will review the floats from the judges’ booth at the southwest corner of Broadway and First Street. Entries will be evaluated on holiday spirit and portrayal of the Classic Christmas theme.

The Town extends its thanks to Brackett Auto Group for providing this year’s marshal and council vehicles.

If you’re heading down to watch the parade, please remember to watch from the sidewalks along the parade route. Watching from the medians on Broadway, standing on the road or crossing the road during the parade is not allowed.

Enjoy more festive fun with the Joy & Lights Festival weekends

Downtown Orangeville has brought back even more festive fun with the Joy & Lights Festival, running November 21-23 and November 28-30. Check out the annual tree lighting on Friday, November 21 at Town Hall, or check out the Christmas market on Second Street and Mill Street. Plus, enjoy all the incredible shopping and food offered by Orangeville’s many restaurants and businesses in our downtown district. Find out more at downtownorangeville.ca

Road closures and parking impacts

Both the Joy & Lights Festival and Santa Claus Parade will include some road and parking lot closures for the events.

Joy & Lights Festival weekends – November 21-23 and November 28-30

  • Second St. – First Ave. to Broadway
  • Mill Street – Broadway to Armstrong/Little York Streets
  • Dairy Lane – partial closure, no thru traffic

Santa Claus Parade – Saturday, November 22

Please note, bus service will end at 2:45 p.m. due to the parade.

The following road closures will be in effect from 3 to 7 p.m.:

  • Hansen Boulevard from First Street to Fairgrounds Shopping Centre
  • First Street from Hansen Boulevard to Broadway
  • Broadway from First Street to Sherbourne Street
  • Fourth Street from Broadway to Second Avenue
  • Second Avenue from Fourth Street to Sherbourne Street
  • Sherbourne Street from Broadway to Second Avenue

The following parking lots and on-street parking restrictions will be in effect from 3 to 7 p.m.:

  • Both sides of First Street from Zina Street to Broadway
  • South side of Broadway from First Street to Wellington Street
  • North side of Broadway from First Street to Third Street
  • Both sides of Fourth Street from Broadway to Second Avenue
  • Rotary Park and Idyllwilde Park parking lots (closed until 8:00 p.m.)

To learn more about this year’s parade, visit orangeville.ca/SantaParade.