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75th Annual Barrie Santa Claus Parade

2024 Barrie Santa Claus Parade Banner

75th Annual Barrie Santa Claus Parade

Thank you Rogers tv Simcoe County for recording the parade!

The streets of Downtown Barrie were packed Saturday evening for the annual Santa Claus Parade and Noella Tree Lighting Celebration.

It was the 75th anniversary of the parade, which featured 75 floats, the usual bands and groups, a route that spanned from Lakeshore Drive to Dunlop Street, and of course, the big man in red.

“I think after Remembrance Day is done everyone is ready to celebrate,” said Ashley Chappell, supervisor of special events for the City of Barrie. “I think this is the kickoff for a lot of people on the holiday season.”

~ Barrie CTVNews

The Barrie Santa Claus Parade in its 75th year will be hosted by the Barrie Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, November 16th 2024. Since its inception in 1949, this cherished event has established itself as a part of Barries holiday traditions, uniting the community.

The parade starts at Lakeshore and Tiffin at 5pm.

Presented by the Barrie Chamber of Commerce the parade highlights the Chambers commitment to nurturing community bonds and backing local businesses. Featuring floats, energetic marching bands and festive decorations the parade fills Barries streets with holiday spirit that brings smiles to all ages.

As we mark 75 years of this treasured tradition the Barrie Santa Claus Parade remains a symbol of unity that defines our city. It is a day when residents come together to bask in the enchantment of the holidays. The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer this amazing community event year after year.

Barrie Santa Claus Parade Road Closures, Impact on Local Traffic, and Exciting New Attractions

[Barrie, Ontario – November 11, 2024] The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the 75th Annual Barrie Santa Claus Parade, happening on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The parade will feature beloved floats, live entertainment, and a host of new attractions to enhance the festive spirit, including the Santa's Fireside Gathering and a free transit shuttle service for easy access. Here’s everything you need to know about the event, road closures, and travel options to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Event Highlights & New Attractions

  • The 75th running of the Barrie Santa Claus Parade: Starting at 5pm, traveling north bound on Lakeshore Drive, from Tiffin Street, up through Toronto Street, and eastbound on Dunlop Street to the end at Poyntz Street. See the map below. For everyone’s safety, please avoid standing on the median between the north and southbound lanes on Lakeshore Drive—enjoy the parade from the lakeside instead!
  • Santa’s Fireside Gathering at Centennial Park: This cozy new viewing area offers a warm fire pit and food trucks serving a variety of delicious treats. Limited bleacher seating will also be available. Free to attend, this area provides an enhanced viewing experience for spectators. Note that Lakeshore Drive will be closed, so access will require walking. We’ll light the fire pit at 2:00pm!
  • Free Transit Shuttle Service: To alleviate congestion, a complimentary park-and-ride shuttle service will operate from Bayfield Mall, running from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Park behind the Mall and hop on/off at Barrie Transit Stop #203 on Coulter Street. This service will drop off/pick-up within walking distance of the parade route for convenient access.
  • Santa’s Helpers, Canada Post: Will be collecting letters to Santa all along the route. They’ll be near the front, following the marching band. Have your letters ready to be sent via special delivery up to the North Pole!

Parade Route:

Attention Parents and Those Enjoying the Parade:

Our main priority is to make sure that everyone can have a great time while staying safe. Remember to stay clear of the road to protect yourself and your loved ones from any potential harm.

It is dangerous to sit on the curb with your feet on the road.

We request that everyone stays off the roadway at all times.

Safe viewing tips:

  • Public viewing starts on Lakeshore Drive north of the Tiffin Boat Launch – do not gather in the parade marshaling area on Lakeshore Drive east of Tiffin Street or the Tiffin Street intersection.
  • Viewing is not permitted from the medians along Lakeshore Drive – please gather along the lake side of the road and in Centennial Park for the best viewing along Lakeshore Drive
  • Please stand or sit up on the curb and stay off the road, including intersections and streets that are closed for the event.

Let's all come together to ensure that everyone stays safe and secure at the event. Our main focus is on the well being of all attendees and participants to make this an incredible experience for everyone involved.

Road Closures

To ensure the safety of all participants and spectators, the following road closures will be in effect:

  • Dunlop Street from High Street/Bradford Street Dunlop to Poyntz Street and Owen Street from Dunlop Street East to Collier Street: Closed both ways from 6:00am until after the Parade and Tree Lighting (approximately 8:30pm).
  • Lakeshore Drive between Tiffin Street and Minet’s Point Drive: Closed both ways from 1:00pm until after the parade (approximately 6:30 pm).
  • Lakeshore Drive from Tiffin Street to Simcoe Street and Toronto Street from Simcoe Street to Dunlop Street West: Closed both ways from 4:00 pm until after the parade (approximately 7:00 pm).
  • Simcoe Street from Bayfield Street to Dunlop Street East: Closed both ways from 4:00pm until after the Tree Lighting (approximately 8:30pm)
  • Mulcaster Street from Dunlop Street East to Collier Street: Closed from 4:00pm until the parade passes (approximately 7:00pm)

Limited Access Area (highlighted in red on the map):

  • From 4:00 pm to 7:00pm, vehicles will not be able to enter/exit the highlighted area until the parade has passed and the roads are re-opened. We strongly encourage residents and businesses who need to travel outside in/out of this area to do so before or after this time.
  • For Parade spectators, parking west of Lakeshore Drive and north of Dunlop Street is recommended.
  • Access points will be located at Police-controlled intersections: Toronto Street / Simcoe Street and Dunlop Street East / Mulcaster Street. Access will be limited and permitted only once safe to do so. Expect delays.
Closure Map

Let's all come together to ensure that everyone stays safe and secure at the event. Our main focus is on the well being of all attendees and participants to make this an incredible experience for everyone involved.

Thanks for working with us to ensure everyone's safety.

Fireside Gathering

NEW SANTA'S FIRESIDE GATHERING

Join us for a Fireside Gathering at Centennial Park! As part of the 75th Annual Barrie Santa Claus Parade festivities, come enjoy a cozy community atmosphere with friends and family. Starting at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 16, you can gather by the main building at Centennial Park, where there will be food trucks, a fire pit, and bleachers set up for the parade, which kicks off at 5:00 pm.

Lakeshore Drive will be closed to traffic, so take the shuttle to Victoria Street and enjoy a short walk over. Remember to bring your own chairs for seating around the fire and along the parade route.

Access to this event is free! Don’t miss out on this festive community celebration!

NEW SANTA CLAUS PARADE SHUTTLE

Make getting to the 75th Annual Barrie Santa Claus Parade easy with our free Santa Shuttle! The shuttle runs a loop from Bayfield Mall, stopping at key locations including Tiffin at Essa, Bradford at Victoria, and Bradford at Dunlop. It’s a convenient way to reach the parade route and join the festivities at Centennial Park.

Shuttle Schedule:

The shuttle service operates on Saturday, November 16, with departures starting at 4:15 pm from Bayfield Mall. Shuttles run every 15 minutes, allowing you to plan your trip to enjoy the Fireside Gathering and get a good spot for the parade, which begins at 5:00 pm.

Click the image to view full size.

Arrival and Tracking:

Arrive at your stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time, and track the Santa Shuttle in real-time by visiting MyRideBarrie.ca and looking for Route 25 Santa Shuttle.

Enjoy a hassle-free way to reach this community event and celebrate the holiday spirit with friends and family!

Compliments of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce.

Prizes for the Best Float Contest proudly offered by:

SAVE THE DATE:

The 75th Annual Barrie Santa Claus Parade will be held on Saturday, November 16th, 2024.
Help us create the most magical Barrie Santa Claus Parade yet.
Your creativity and community spirit can make this year’s event truly unforgettable!

#BarrieSantaClausParade #BarrieParade2024 #BarrieSanta75 #SantaClausParade

Follow up the Parade with the Barrie BIA's Noella Festival!
Kicking off as the parade ends at Meridian Place. Enjoy the tree lighting, fireworks and free downtown concert.

Attention Parents and Those Enjoying the Parade:

As we get ready for the 2024 Barrie Santa Claus Parade, our main priority is to make sure that everyone can have a great time while staying safe. Remember to stay clear of the road to protect yourself and your loved ones from any potential harm.

It is dangerous to sit on the curb with your feet in the road way.

Parade floats are big and make it difficult for drivers to see clearly. Any objects or people in the way could cause serious injury. We request that everyone stays off the road way at all times.

Let's all come together to ensure that everyone stays safe and secure at the event. Our main focus is on the well being of all attendees and participants to make this an incredible experience for everyone involved.

Thanks for working with us to ensure everyone's safety.

2024 Parade Route

The parade will be in the northbound lane while travelling on Lakeshore Drive.

View the 2023 Barrie Santa Claus Parade

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