Santa Claus Parade & Noella Tree Lighting Celebration

Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 3:00–8:00pm

Organization
Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Barrie BIA & the City of Barrie

Kick off the holiday season in Barrie on Saturday, November 15, 2025 with the Barrie Santa Claus Parade and Noella Tree Lighting Celebration; a collaboration between the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Barrie BIA, and the City of Barrie.

Event Schedule

*Timing is approximate and subject to change
3–7pm Santa’s Fireside Gathering – food trucks, bonfire warming zone, and bleacher seating at Centennial Park
3–8pm Noella Festivities – family activities and festive music at Meridian Place
5–6:30pm*Santa Claus Paradesee the route map
6:30pm* Tree Lighting Ceremony & Fireworks at Meridian Place
7pm*Noella Concert at Meridian Place

Noella Tree Lighting Celebration, 3–8pm

Starting at 3pm, downtown Barrie will come alive with festive music and family activities at Meridian Place while waiting for Santa’s arrival. Non-perishable food items for the Barrie Food Bank and toy donations for the Rock 95/Kool FM Toy Drive will be accepted.

Once the parade concludes between 6:30–7pm (timing is estimated), Santa will return to Meridian Place to light the holiday tree, followed by a special fireworks display over downtown Barrie and holiday concert on the Wildfire-Peacock Stage (best viewed from Meridian Place, but visible from other waterfront parks*). 

Festive lights in Meridian Place and Centennial Park, presented by the Rotary Club of Barrie, will also be lit for the winter season.

*Heritage Park will be closed to public access between approximately 3pm and 8pm.

Santa Claus Parade, 5–6:30pm

Join thousands of families at the 76th annual Barrie Santa Claus Parade, presented by the Barrie Chamber of Commerce. Since 1949, this cherished tradition has brought our community together to spread holiday cheer with lights and sounds of the season. This year’s parade will feature the theme Magic of Toyland – Barrie will be transformed into a magical realm where your favourite toys come to life.

The parade will start at 5pm departing from Lakeshore Drive north of Tiffin Street, proceeding northbound to Toronto Street, then eastbound on Dunlop Street to Poyntz Street. Line the streets along the route, bring your letters, and cheer for Santa as he arrives in Barrie for the holiday season! Please see the information below about parking, transit and road closures.

See the Route Map

Parade Viewing

Fireside Viewing Area at Centennial Park, 3–7pm

Enjoy enhanced parade viewing complete with warm fire pits and food trucks offering a variety of delicious treats while you wait for Santa’s arrival. Limited bleacher seating will also be available.

Safe Parade Viewing Tips

For public safety:

  • Public viewing for the Santa Claus Parade starts on Lakeshore Drive north of the Tiffin Street intersection. Do not gather in the parade marshalling area on Lakeshore Drive east of Tiffin, including the Tiffin intersection.
  • Viewing is not permitted from the medians along Lakeshore Drive. Please gather along the sides of the roads and in Centennial Park for the best viewing along Lakeshore Drive.
  • Please stand or sit up on the curb and stay off of the road, including intersections and streets that are closed for the event.

Getting Around

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly:

Santa's Route

Image
Map highlighting the Santa Claus Parade route | The parade starts at Lakeshore Drive, north of Tiffin Street, proceeding northbound to Toronto Street, then eastbound on Dunlop Street to Poyntz Street. There is a fireside gathering in Centennial Park.
Map of Parade Route | Source: barriechamber.com/santa

 

Visit barriechamber.com/santa
 

November 15, 2025 - 3:00pm - November 15, 2025 - 8:00pm