Planning for the 2026 Orillia Santa Claus Parade is well underway, and the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce (ODCC) is inviting local businesses, community groups and organizations to register their floats for this year’s event. The parade will take place on Saturday, November 28, beginning at 5 p.m.
With the current warm weather upon and two months to go, it is the perfect time to start making your plans to get involved with this year’s theme “An Old-Fashioned Canadian Christmas,” the annual parade will celebrate the traditions, community spirit and holiday magic that make this event one of Orillia’s most cherished traditions. The North Pole, Maple, Trains, Hockey and Winter Wonderlands are just some of the themes to build on for our parade that has been the largest parade south of Toronto since 1905.
The parade is presented by Eagle Landscaping and Norscape Landscape & Pond Depot and organized by the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce and its membership.
“This parade truly is a community-wide effort, but it is the Chamber members you find at Orillia.com who deserve a special thank you for helping make it happen,” said Allan Lafontaine, Executive Director of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce. “As we celebrate an old-fashioned Canadian Christmas, now more than ever, we encourage everyone to shop local and support the businesses that support our community.”
“People sometimes assume that the City of Orillia organizes the parade, but it is actually organized by the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization that relies on sponsorships and membership dues to continue creating events that bring our community together while supporting a strong and vibrant local economy.”
“The parade also depends on an incredible group of community volunteers. The Kiwanis Bucket Brigade, Rotary volunteers helping with marshalling, and the Lions serving hot chocolate all make significant contributions to the evening. We are always looking for even more people who want to get involved—whether that means carrying a banner, walking in the parade or simply helping us make this nighttime tradition something special for the entire community.”
Lafontaine continued, “When you support the parade, volunteer, become a Chamber member or shop at a local business, you are helping make community events like this possible. It really is local businesses and local people supporting their community.”
Float registration is now open at https://www.orillia.com/float/. There is no registration fee for non-profits, community groups and ODCC members. A small fee applies to for-profit businesses that are not Chamber members to help cover costs associated with policing and bands.
Float entries can include anything from decorated vehicles and walking groups to fully designed floats. Participants are encouraged to incorporate lights and music wherever possible, with this year’s theme offering plenty of inspiration for a traditional Canadian Christmas.
When registering, participants are asked to review the parade rules, insurance requirements and terms of the release and waiver. The ODCC events team will follow up with participants in the weeks leading up to the parade with additional information and instructions for the day of the event.
Taking part in the Santa Claus Parade is a great way for local businesses and organizations to celebrate the holiday season, connect with the community and showcase what they do. With thousands of spectators lining the parade route each year, it is also a great opportunity to gain local exposure and enjoy a fun team-building experience.
There are also opportunities to get involved beyond entering a float. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses looking to support the event, and volunteers are always welcome. Sponsor information is available at https://www.orillia.com/sponsor/, while volunteer registration is available here.
Parade updates will be shared on the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and at orillia.com.
The Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit business advocacy organization representing businesses across Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara and Rama. Through its membership, the Chamber works to foster economic development, advocate for local businesses and support a thriving regional business community.
