Here he comes: Where to see Santa Claus parades in Waterloo region and area

Kitchener-Waterloo

Saturday, Nov. 17

Start: 10:30 a.m.

Route: Along Weber Street, starting at Frederick Street and heading north to Erb Street E.

Cambridge

Saturday, Nov. 17

Start: 6 p.m.

Route: Along Hespeler Road, starting at Dunbar Road to Langs Drive.

Guelph

Sunday, Nov. 18

Start: 1:30 p.m.

Route: Starts at the corner of Norfolk Street at Powell Street, travels south on Norfolk Street, turns left on Quebec Street, then right on Wyndham Street N.

The Santa Run will take place ahead of the parade, with runners dressed as Santa and proceeds from the fun run going to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph. After the parade, there is a milk and cookies event with Santa at Old Quebec Street Shoppes.

Upcoming parades

Elora – Saturday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m.

Route: Downtown Elora on Mill and Metcalfe streets.

Ayr – Saturday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m.

Route: Along Northumberland Street, starting at Inglis Street, travels through the downtown and ends at the Ayr Library.

Santa will be in Centennial Park for a meet and greet following the parade.

Stratford – Sunday, Nov. 25 at 5 p.m.

Route: Starts at Kiwanis Community Centre and travels along Lakeside Drive to City Hall.

This event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall with refreshments and carolling.

Puslinch – Sunday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m.

Route: Firehall 7404 Wellington Rd. 34, east to Wellington Rd 46, south to Maple Leaf Lane and into the back of the Community Centre grounds.

Meet Santa and enjoy free hot dogs and hot chocolate after the parade at the community centre.

CP Holiday Train in Cambridge and Ayr – Wednesday, Nov. 28

Cambridge (Galt): 4 p.m. at the former Galt Station, 10 Malcolm St.

Ayr: 5:20 p.m. at CP crossing at Inglis Street and Willison Street.

See the train decked out to celebrate Canada 150 and see Blue Rodeo frontman Jim Cuddy perform.

Elmira – Saturday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m.

Route: Through downtown Elmira

Hespeler – Saturday, Dec. 1 at 12 p.m.

Route: Starts at Groh Avenue and travels along Queen Street W. to the intersection of Queen Street W. and Tannery Street.

Baden – Saturday, Dec. 1 at 1:30 p.m.

Route: Along Snyder's Road E., from Sandhills Road to EJ's Tavern and Restaurant.

After the parade, take pictures with Santa at the Wilmot Seniors Woodworking Shop at 27 Beck St.

Fergus – Saturday, Dec. 1 at 1:30 p.m.

Parade travels through the downtown core.

New Hamburg – Sunday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

Route: A loop that goes through the downtown. It starts at the Grandstands on Jacob Street, west on Bleams Road E., north on Peel Street through the downtown, left on Huron Street, right on Union Street and left on Jacob Street back to the fairgrounds.

Christmas Tyme in Wellesley – Friday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

The evening includes a parade, live nativity, visit with Santa and a tree lighting with caroling. It takes place in the downtown area, on Queen's Bush Road between Nafziger Road and Maple Leaf Street.

St. Agatha – Saturday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m.

Route: This year's route is different — it will starts on St. Ann Avenue and go south on Notre Dame Drive, then turn right on Erb Street, ending at the community centre.

At the community centre after the parade, children can meet Santa and get a bag of candy, then also take part in face painting, balloon art, and there will be a food booth run by Lions, adult beverages and tickets for cash prizes. Organizers say they are still looking for floats.

Rockwood – Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.

Route: Starts on the Fifth Line (County Road 27 or Main Street in Rockwood) just north of the village limits, then proceeds south to the stoplight, turns west and travels towards Guelph on Highway 7 before it turns north on the Fourth Line of Eramosa "as it heads back to the North Pole."

This parade is the "farmers' parade" where tractors are decked out in Christmas lights. Organizers warn this is a popular event, so arrive early to get a spot.

New Dundee – Sunday, Dec. 16 at 12:30 p.m.

Route: Same as the Canada Day parade for those who have been: It will go along Bridge Street to Main Street, then to Front Street and back to Bridge.

The event is followed by the Optimists Children's Christmas party will be held at the Community Center at 1028 Queen St.

Did we miss a parade? Send us the details so we can include it – email [email protected].