Brantford Santa Claus Parade moving to afternoon start due to construction, traffic concerns

Brantford City Hall on July 15, 2025. (Colton Wiens/CTV News)

The City of Brantford’s annual Santa Claus Parade will take place in the afternoon this year as organizers adjust plans to account for construction and traffic.

The 49th annual Freedom House Santa Claus Parade, presented by GrandBridge, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29. For the first time in decades, the parade will begin at 2 p.m. instead of its usual evening start.

Organizers said the change was made to improve safety and accessibility, as ongoing construction will reduce Icomm Drive and Brant Avenue to a single lane in each direction as part of the city’s downtown revitalization project. The earlier start time will also help avoid overlap with a Brantford Bulldogs hockey game scheduled that evening at the Civic Centre.

The parade, which has been a holiday tradition for nearly 50 years, will feature community groups, local businesses and themed floats. This year’s theme is “Sunshine.” Registration for participants is open until Nov. 19, with fees depending on whether groups are for-profit or non-profit.

Following the parade, the city will host its annual Parade After Party at Harmony Square, beginning at 3 p.m.

Several downtown streets will be closed during the parade, including sections of Dalhousie, Colborne, and Clarence streets, along with nearby cross streets. Sidewalks will remain open to pedestrians. Free parking will be available at the Market Centre Parkade, and Brantford Transit will provide service to the downtown terminal, one block from Harmony Square.

More details about the parade and after party can be found at freedomhouse.ca and brantford.ca.