Big Changes for the Hamilton Santa Claus Parade: Moving Up the Mountain!

Hold onto your Santa hats, Hamiltonians—this year’s Santa Claus Parade is taking a detour! Traditionally winding its way through the heart of downtown, the 2024 parade is packing up and heading up the Mountain. Yep, you heard that right! The organizers have decided to shake things up a bit and bring some festive cheer to new streets this year.

Why the Change?

In a statement on their website, the parade organizers explained that the move is, “due to changes in the downtown core and the coming work for the LRT (Light Rail Transit).” With construction set to ramp up in the downtown area, it seems Santa’s sleigh is being rerouted to avoid traffic jams and construction cones—not exactly the vibe we want for the jolly old elf.

When and Where?

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 16th! The parade is set to kick off at 2 p.m., starting from Upper Sherman and Acadia Drive. From there, the procession will head north to Limeridge Road before making its way west to Lime Ridge Mall, where it will wrap up in the mall’s parking lot.

But don’t just pack up and head home when the parade ends! Cadillac Fairview has a sleigh-full of parade-related events lined up at Lime Ridge Mall, so the holiday fun can keep going long after Santa waves goodbye.

A New Tradition in the Making?

This move marks a significant shift for the Hamilton Santa Claus Parade, which has been a downtown staple for years. While some may miss the familiar downtown backdrop, the Mountain offers a new perspective—and maybe even a little less hustle and bustle. Who knows? This could be the start of a new tradition for the Ambitious City.

Whether you’re a long-time parade-goer or this is your first time catching the holiday magic, one thing’s for sure: Hamilton Mountain is about to get a whole lot merrier!