The Santa Claus Parade is making its way back to Toronto this Sunday, Nov. 24, celebrating its 120th year of spreading holiday cheer in the city.

With an abundance of festive floats, endless holiday music, and the big guy himself closing the show, it's one of the city’s most beloved Christmas traditions.

But before you grab your hot cocoa and scout out the best spot along the route, here's what to plan for and expect this weekend — including road closures, transit detours, and Santa's route.

Santa Claus Parade route for 2024

This year's parade kicks off at Christie Pits at 12:30 p.m., and detours south at the Bloor and Spadina intersection due to all the construction happening in the Annex lately. From there, parade floats and marchers will veer east before heading south on University Avenue.

At University and Wellington the route goes east again, eventually ending up just outside the north entrance of St. Lawrence Market.

For my money, University Avenue will be the best place to watch but Wellington is also a good option if you want to soak up the vibes of the Financial District on a weekend when the bankers have all fled the area. 

Santa Claus Parade road closures in 2024

Toronto's downtown core will be a maze of closures all day Sunday, and this doesn't include anything to do with Taylor Swift. Barricades go up early for both the parade and the Holly Jolly Fun Run, which takes place just before the floats at 11:45 a.m.

Here's when and where you can expect closures on Sunday:

• Bloor Street West, from Ossington Avenue to Christie Street, at 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Christie Street, from Bloor Street to Barton Avenue, at 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Bloor Street West, from Christie Street to Avenue Road, at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Bathurst Street, Barton Avenue to Harbord Street, at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Spadina Road, from Lowther Avenue to Willcocks Street, at 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Harbord Street, from Spadina Road to Hoskin Avenue, at 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• St. George Street, from Prince Arthur to College Street, at 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Hoskin Avenue, from Harbord Street to Queen's Park Crescent, at 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Queen's Park Crescent, from Bloor Street to College Street, at 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• College Street, from Beverly Street to Bay Street, at 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• University Avenue, from College Street to Dundas Street, at 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dundas Street, from McCaul Street to Bay Street, at 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• University Avenue, from Dundas Street to Front Street, at 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Queen Street West, from Duncan Street to Bay Street, at 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Adelaide Street, from Duncan Street to University Avenue, at 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• King Street West, from Simcoe Street to York Street, at 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Front Street, from Simcoe Street to Sherbourne Street, at 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Wellington Street, from University Avenue to Jarvis Street, at 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Wellington Street, from Yonge Street to Scott Street, at 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Bay Street, from King Street to Lake Shore Boulevard from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Yonge Street, from King Street to Lake Shore Boulevard from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Jarvis Street, from King Street to Lake Shore Boulevard from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• The Esplanade, from Yonge Street to Jarvis from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Any vehicles parked along the route will be towed starting at 6 a.m. Sunday — so plan ahead.

TTC detours and disruptions for the Santa Claus Parade

The Santa Claus Parade will also impact several TTC routes throughout the day. While some streetcars (503, 504, 505, 506, 511) will navigate gaps in the parade, these buses will be rerouted on Sunday:

• 13 Avenue Road
• 19 Bay
• 75 Sherbourne
• 94A Wellesley
• 114 Queens Quay East 
• 121 Esplanade-River
• 126 Christie
• 300 Bloor-Danforth
• 501 Queen
• 503 Kingston Road

On the bright side, the TTC is stepping up subway service on Lines 1 and 2 to help move the holiday crowds.

The Santa Claus Parade's 120th year

Now in its 120th year, the Santa Claus Parade remains a cornerstone of Toronto's holiday season. Whether you're a parade regular or this is your first-time chasing the floats, get ready for a day of festive fun and, let's face it, a little traffic-induced patience.

In addition, the festival has decided for the first time ever to livestream the parade on YouTube, so everyone can share a little Christmas spirit, even through the screen. 

The Santa Claus Parade takes place on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 12:30 p.m.