Magic on Main Street
Floats cruise down Main Street as part of the festive Santa Claus Parade. The procession concludes at Gyro Park for the official light-up ceremony. Visitors can see a visit from Santa Claus, explore a 180-foot light tunnel, and view a giant 'light brite' installation.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Hours
Santa Claus Parade: 4:30 p.m.; Light-Up ceremony: 6 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Penticton
Parking
The City offers a free Park, Shop ‘n’ Ride shuttle from Cherry Lane Shopping Centre to downtown, operating on a continuous loop every 15 minutes from 4 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Road closures affect Main Street between Eckhardt Avenue and Lakeshore Drive starting at 3 p.m.; drivers are asked to move vehicles from that area by 2:30 p.m. Floats stage in the Penticton High School parking lot.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Ride the free Park, Shop 'n' Ride shuttle from Cherry Lane Shopping Centre, since downtown has road closures and heavy foot traffic during the parade.
- If you usually park on Main Street between Eckhardt Avenue and Lakeshore Drive, move your car before the closure so the route stays clear for the floats.
- Allow extra time on Eckhardt Avenue, where floats stage in the Penticton High School parking lot and you'll meet slow-moving vehicles and traffic control.
- Follow the parade to Gyro Park afterward for the light-up ceremony, with Santa, the 180-foot light tunnel and the giant 'light brite' feature.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, since you'll be standing along Main Street for the parade and then gathering at Gyro Park for the light-up.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa Claus makes a visit during this year's light-up reveal at Gyro Park.
Links & Contact
Run by City of Penticton
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 contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at Magic on Main Street?
The Santa Claus Parade brings dozens of floats down Main Street and ends at Gyro Park. The official light-up ceremony takes place there.
What's part of the light-up at Gyro Park?
This year's reveal includes a visit from Santa Claus, the 180-foot light tunnel, the giant 'light brite' feature and more surprises.
Where should I park?
Park at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre and take the free Park, Shop 'n' Ride shuttle. It runs a continuous loop every 15 minutes from the Atkinson Street stop north of Warren Avenue. Other stops are Martin Street at Wade Avenue and Gyro Park, on Martin Street behind the park near Lakeshore Drive.
How can my group enter a float?
Organizations can apply until Friday, November 20, 2026, online or on a printed form. Everyone taking part also signs an online liability waiver. Questions go to events@penticton.ca.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers help with barricade intersection control, marshalling and parade route support. Email events@penticton.ca if you're interested.
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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.