The holidays are officially marching into Toronto as the 121st annual Santa Claus Parade rolls into the city on Sunday, November 23 — and with it comes one of the year’s biggest traffic disruptions.
Whether you’re heading downtown to catch the festive floats or planning to avoid the chaos, knowing the full route and road closure schedule is essential. The parade brings joy, music, and crowds of spectators — and a long list of street closures across the core to make it all happen.
Parade Route: Where It Starts, Ends & What to Expect
Back by popular demand, the route introduced in 2024 is returning this year. Floats, performers, and marching bands will depart Christie Pits Park at 12:30 p.m. sharp.
From there, the procession will:
Travel east along Bloor Street
Head south on Spadina Avenue, swinging past the ROM and Queen’s Park
Move south on University Avenue, turning east on Wellington Street
Wrap up at the north entrance of St. Lawrence Market
Hot Tip: Want a great view? Try posting up at Bloor & University.
Road Closures: Full List & Times
Closures start as early as 7:00 a.m. to accommodate the Holly Jolly Fun Run and will gradually roll out throughout the morning and early afternoon. Many major downtown arteries will be shut down until 6:30 p.m. or later.
Here’s a full breakdown by time block:
7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Bloor St W: Ossington Ave to Christie St
Christie St: Bloor to Barton Ave
Bloor St: Christie to Palmerston Ave
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Bloor St W: Palmerston Ave to Avenue Rd
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Bathurst St: Barton Ave to Harbord St
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Spadina Ave: Lowther to Willcocks
Harbord St: Spadina to Hoskin Ave
St. George St: Prince Arthur to College
Hoskin Ave: Harbord to Queen’s Park Crescent
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Queen’s Park Crescent: Bloor to College
University Ave: College to Front
Dundas St W: McCaul to Bay
Queen St W: Duncan to Bay
11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Adelaide St: Duncan to University
King St W: Simcoe to York
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Front St W: Simcoe to Sherbourne
Wellington St: University to Jarvis
Bay St: Adelaide to Lakeshore
Yonge St: Adelaide to Lakeshore
Jarvis St: Adelaide to Lakeshore
Jarvis St: King to The Esplanade
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Lakeshore Blvd W: Jarvis to Yonge
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Wellington St E: Yonge to Church
11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Jarvis St: Adelaide to Lakeshore
TTC Detours
A number of TTC streetcar and bus routes will be diverted due to the parade. If you’re planning to take transit, prepare for re-routed or suspended service.
Streetcar routes affected:
501 Queen
504 King
505 Dundas
506 Carlton
509 Harbourfront
510 Spadina
Bus routes diverted:
13 Avenue Rd
19 Bay
75 Sherbourne
94 Wellesley
97C Yonge
114 Queens Quay East
121 Esplanade–River
126 Christie
511 Bathurst
300 Bloor–Danforth (from 7 a.m.)
503 Kingston Rd
Parade Spirit Is Stronger Than Ever
Last year, the parade faced serious funding challenges — but thanks to overwhelming public support and fundraising efforts, the event is back and stronger than ever.
Whether you’re braving the crowds or steering clear of downtown, the Santa Claus Parade is a true Toronto tradition — and it’s bringing the magic once again on November 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Start: Christie Pits Park (750 Bloor St. W.)
End: St. Lawrence Market
Get involved.
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