Illustration of a lit evergreen tree with red baubles and small figures in scarves near a glowing gazebo in snow (Kingston's Nighttime Santa Parade & Tree Lighting)
Other Christmas Activities

Kingston's Nighttime Santa Parade & Tree Lighting

Spectators can watch festive floats, live music, and colourful characters journey downtown alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus. Families can bring letters for Santa to be collected directly during the procession. The festivities culminate in Springer Market Square, where Santa flips the switch to illuminate the holiday tree.

Sat, Nov 21, 2026

Website / Tickets

Browse Christmas in Kingston

Illustration of knitted felt figures in sweaters raising mugs of cocoa around a small table near a lit holiday tree Parties1 event Illustration of a house and yard glowing with string lights beside a snowman at dusk Lights3 events Illustration of a Christmas market stall with ornaments, wooden toys and a smiling vendor Markets7 events Illustration of felt snowman figures in red scarves and hats on a small snowy stage with red curtains and Christmas trees Shows6 events Illustration of neighbours chatting with cocoa in a community hall decorated with paper chains and wrapped gifts Unique & Unusual9 events MapNearby

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Parade: 5 PM; Tree Lighting: approx. 7 PM.

Parking

Downtown Kingston has nearly 800 on-street spaces and nearly 1300 spaces in surrounding public lots within a short walk. Some parking garages and surface lots have no time limit.

Accessibility

Downtown Kingston requests saving on-street parking for individuals with physical disabilities.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Bring a letter for Santa; organizers say they will make sure he receives letters brought to the parade.
  • Use the Honk Mobile App for hourly on-street parking or participating surface lots; it is not accepted in Hanson and Chown Garages.
  • Choose a nearby public lot rather than on-street parking, which organizers ask visitors to save for people with physical disabilities and pickup or delivery.
  • Dress warmly for the outdoor nighttime parade and tree lighting, as both take place outside in November.
  • Use the stated Princess Street route between Bath Road and Ontario Street to choose a viewing point before the procession begins.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Santa and Mrs. Claus join the tree lighting after the parade.
  • Commercial parade participants can apply to take part.
  • Non-commercial parade participants can apply to take part.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can spectators see during the parade?

The procession features festive floats, live music, colourful characters, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Can children give Santa a letter?

Yes. Bring a letter and hand it in during the parade; a letter template is available.

What happens after the parade?

Santa and Mrs. Claus join the crowd in Springer Market Square for the tree lighting ceremony.

Are there ways to take part in the parade?

The event page provides separate application forms for commercial and non-commercial parade participants.

Where can drivers find parking nearby?

Downtown has on-street spaces and public lots within a short walk. Some garages and surface lots have no time limit.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: