For nearly five decades, the Brantford Santa Claus Parade has entertained residents with festive floats, community groups and local businesses parading through the downtown. Now entering its 49th year, the tradition continues, hosted by Freedom House and presented by Grandbridge Energy. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for participants and spectators, this year’s parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, instead of an evening start time. The earlier start will help reduce traffic congestion and improve safety and accessibility.
As previously announced, upcoming road construction will reduce Brant Avenue (Dalhousie St. to Colborne St.) to a single southbound lane, and Icomm Dr. (Colborne St. to Market St.) to a single eastbound lane. Icomm Dr. (Market St. to Clarence St. S) will be reduced to a single lane in each direction. These closures are required as part of essential work related to the downtown revitalization project and will already place significant strain on traffic flow in and around the downtown. Construction details can be found at www.Brantford.ca/DowntownDetours. On the same day, the Brantford Bulldogs will host a home game at the Brantford and District Civic Centre, bringing hundreds of additional vehicles and pedestrians into the area during the evening hours. By moving the parade to an earlier afternoon start, overlap between construction-related traffic and the heavy flow of game-day visitors can be minimized.
As in previous years, the parade will require the closure of Clarence St. This closure is expected to cause less disruption during the day than it would in the evening, when construction traffic and hockey game crowds will be at their peak.
The Santa Claus Parade theme this year is “Sunshine”. The cost to enter a for-profit business float or walking group is $175, with additional floats or walking groups, for an extra $150. The cost for a non-profit organization looking to be involved by entering a float or walking group is $100, with additional floats or walking groups, costing an additional $75. Apply online to get involved online by November 19, 2025. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Find detailed information including rates, terms and conditions and sponsorship at www.FreedomHouse.ca/SantaClausParade.