Santa is coming to town and he’s got a new route!
The Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade, organized by the Greater Victoria Festival Society, will follow a new route through downtown Victoria this year, marking a change for one of the city’s longest running holiday traditions.
The 43rd edition of the parade takes place on Saturday November 29th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Government and Belleville outside the Legislature.
From there, the procession will move north on Government, turn onto Humboldt, continue along Wharf Street, travel east on Johnson, and conclude on Government between Fisgard and Pembroke.
Organizers say the updated route was selected to provide more spectator space and draw crowds further into the downtown business area.
More than 80 entries and an estimated 3,500 participants are set to take part. Road closures around the Legislature will begin at 3:30 p.m. for staging and marshalling.
The event will be broadcast live by CHEK News for those that can’t attend.
Parade route:
The parade will once again support the Mustard Seed Street Church & Food Bank, which will collect non-perishable food items and cash donations during the event. Donation volunteers will be stationed near the Tourism Victoria Visitor Centre on Government Street.
An accessible viewing area will be available at Government and Wharf, hosted by the Victoria Disability Resource Centre. The space will include sensory-aware accommodations and live audio description.
Crowds will finish the route just steps away from Centennial Square where DVBA’s Lights of Wonder will turn on the same evening.
The popular light display will open immediately after the parade, offering food vendors, live performances, outdoor activities, a holiday photo booth, and the return of the Ferris wheel later in the season on December 19th.
Earlier in the day, the Bastion Square Christmas Festival will run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. with treats, warm cider, and photos with Santa.
With multiple holiday events scheduled on the same day, the Greater Victoria Festival Society expects heavy foot traffic downtown and a busy evening for local businesses.
43rd Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade
- Where: Downtown Victoria, kicks off at Government and Belleville
- When: Saturday, November 29th, kicks off at 5:30 pm
