On November 21, 2026, one month before Christmas, Santa Claus stops by to see the kids (and the grown-ups) in Montreal with a parade downtown—and it’s time to go say hi to him, just in case he forgot about us while making his list.
There will be elves, the Star Fairy, the Grinch who tries to steal Christmas every year, dancing, and music. It’s a Montreal classic, a holiday classic, and a classic from our childhood in Quebec.
The real question is: this year, have we really been good?
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THE MONTREAL DOWNTOWN SANTA CLAUS PARADE
Starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, the parade will wind its way down René-Levesque Boulevard. You can watch it by settling in along the sides of the boulevard (with a hot chocolate, a tuque, and a big scarf) to see the floats go by.
The parade will wind its way through downtown, and we recommend finding a cozy little spot to wait quietly for Santa to pass by. Bonus points for anyone who brings a thermos of hot chocolate. Patience is a virtue, isn’t it?
For the lucky few, there are bleachers where VIPs will sit to watch the parade (the famous Nutcracker? In any case, they’re not open to the public). For everyone else, we’ll just stay warm in our thickest pair of mittens from last holiday season.
For kids who’ve been good all year, this will be a chance to send their letter to Santa by handing it to the elf mail carriers who’ll be at the parade.
Afterward, we can go have some mulled wine at the Grand Christmas Market at Place des Arts.
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PRACTICAL INFO
Where? Downtown Montreal
When? Saturday, November 21, 2026, starting at 11 a.m.
What? Free and open to the public / For more information, click here
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