2024 Guelph Community Santa Parade and Santa Run

The holiday season is officially here, and the much-anticipated 2024 Guelph Community Santa Parade and Santa Run are back, bringing festive cheer and community spirit to the heart of Downtown Guelph on Saturday, December 7, 2024. These annual traditions, beloved by families and visitors of all ages, promise to be bigger and brighter than ever before, featuring festive floats, local performers, and of course, a special appearance by Santa Claus!

The Santa Run is a 3km fun run that takes place along the route ahead of the parade at 5pm. Watch the grand spectacle of hundreds of runners dressed in red and white Santa suits with all proceeds from this race will go towards supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph, and registration remains open until race day. Arrive early, grab a steaming beverage from a Downtown business, cheer on the runners, and savour the entertainment.

Starting at 5.30pm, the parade will wind through the vibrant streets of Guelph, beginning at Woolwich Street (at Powell St) and moving down Norfolk Street, Quebec Street and finishing at the railway bridge on Wyndham St N. The route is set to be filled with dazzling holiday-themed floats, marching bands, community groups, and holiday entertainers, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration that embodies the spirit of the season.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together once again for this festive event,” said Sam Jewell, Parade Coordinator. “The Guelph Community Santa Parade is a wonderful opportunity for residents, families, and visitors to share in the joy of the season, experience local talent, and support local businesses in the heart of our city.”

Highlights of the 2024 Guelph Community Santa Parade include:

• A variety of creatively decorated floats representing local organizations, schools, and businesses

• Performances by local marching bands

• Festive live music and entertainment along the parade route

• Special appearances by beloved holiday characters, including Santa

• Opportunities to support local business vendors offering holiday treats, crafts, and gifts

• Family-friendly activities and photo opportunities, including a large metal heart sculpture perfect for those winter portraits.

The Guelph Community Santa Parade is a free event for all, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to find the best viewing spots along the parade route. Parade goers are also invited to bring donations for local charities, including the Guelph Food Bank who will be collecting non-perishable items before the parade and Keep Kids Fed At Home who will be selling raffle tickets in Old Quebec Street Shoppes.

*In a change to previous years, due to the ongoing strike action, there will be no letters to Santa collected by Canada Post*

For more information about the 2024 Guelph Community Santa Parade, including event details, parking information, and how to get involved, visit www.guelphsantaparade.ca or follow us on social media at @DowntownGuelph.

Don’t miss out on this magical community celebration – come join us as we usher in the holiday season with joy, laughter, and the true spirit of Guelph!

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The Guelph Community Santa Parade & Santa Run are part of an exciting six day festival titled Spirit of the Season.  Presented by Co-operators and taking place over the first two full weekends in December (6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th and 15th) in historic Downtown Guelph, Spirit of the Season will bring together our community for a celebration of the coming winter season. Combining the Guelph Community Santa Parade, Santa Run, the Mayor & Council’s Tree Lighting, an indoor and outdoor Christmas Marketplace, and a storefront decorating contest, this spectacular festival will activate the Downtown core with entertainment, lights, and decoration and add sparkle to this special season.