About the parade

2024 is the 88th Port Hope Santa Claus Parade. 

The Parade will take place on Saturday November 30 at 1:00 p.m..  

The first Port Hope Santa Claus Parade was held in 1937. For years the parade was organized by the Port Hope Fire Department and continued the tradition at least until the mid-1950s.  In 1971, the parade was taken over by the Olde Tyme Christmas Committee. The Old Tyme Christmas Committee was made up of community members who helped to maintain the Old Tyme Christmas charm in Port Hope for decades. The Port Hope Santa Claus Parade Committee was formed in 2012 and is volunteer led.

Current Port Hope Santa Claus Parade Committee members include:

      • Jennifer Earl 
      • Ken O'Neil
      • Barry Adamson
      • Barrileigh Price
      • Tammie Staples
      • Karen O'Hara
      • Peter Abrams 
      • Jeannie Maidens – Municipal Event Coordinator

Volunteers of the Parade Committee help to fundraise, recruit participation, coordinate logistics, promote the event, balance the books and manage insurance requirements. The Santa Claus Parade comes to life through a combination of efforts and partnerships.

The Municipality of Port Hope provides both financial and inkind logistical support to ensure a safe and successful parade each year.

The Port Hope Police Service assists with the marshaling all along the parade route, in partnership with Ontario Community Emergency Assistance Program (OCEAP).

Postal Workers head up the parade, collecting letters to Santa and making sure all these carefully prepared notes are delivered to the North Pole.

Rotary Club of Port Hope lends a hand collecting parade donations along the route and work like elves, making sure Santa’s sleigh is ready for the parade.

The Northumberland Food Bank also does a collection along the route – please feel free to bring non-perishables to help feed the hungry this Christmas season.

And of course, the parade participants and sponsors who really make the magic happen. Community organizations and businesses create one-of-a-kind parade entries that entertain the thousands of spectators who brave the wintry weather to watch the annual event.

All parade participants need to be approved in advance by event organizers to join the line up.