Every November, people search for the Vancouver Santa Claus Parade and come up short, so let’s answer that first: the big downtown parade hasn’t been held since before the pandemic, and as of late October 2026 no organizer has announced one for this year. If that changes, we’ll update this page.
The good news is that Santa still gets a parade, several in fact. Surrey, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge and Steveston all hold their own, some of them lit up after dark with big rigs and boats. Santa also arrives by sea on the Christmas Ships and by rail on the CPKC Holiday Train. Here’s the full list for 2026. For everything else happening this season, see our Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026.
Santa Claus Parades in Metro Vancouver 2026
| Parade | Where | 2026 date and time |
|---|---|---|
| Chilliwack Christmas Parade | Downtown Chilliwack | Saturday, Nov 28, 5:30 PM |
| Surrey Santa Parade of Lights | Cloverdale, Surrey | Sunday, Nov 29, 6:00 PM (some listings say 5:30 PM) |
| Maple Ridge Santa Claus Parade | Downtown Maple Ridge | Saturday, Dec 5 |
| CPKC Holiday Train | Five Lower Mainland stops | Saturday, Dec 19 and Sunday, Dec 20 |
| Steveston Santa Claus Parade | Steveston Village, Richmond | 2026 date not announced (2025: mid-December evening) |
| Santa’s Christmas Ships | Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm | 2026 schedule not announced |
Is There a Santa Claus Parade in Vancouver in 2026?
Not downtown, as far as anyone has announced. The Vancouver Santa Claus Parade used to draw huge crowds downtown in early December, but it hasn’t returned since before 2020. If you want the same feeling, the closest substitutes are the Surrey Santa Parade of Lights, which is a proper big-city-style evening parade, and the Christmas Ships, which bring Santa past waterfront parks in Port Moody, Deep Cove and Belcarra.
Downtown Vancouver still has plenty of Christmas going on. The Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting at the Art Gallery on November 27 is the closest thing to a big downtown kickoff, and the Vancouver Christmas Market is open from November 16.
The Parades in Detail
Surrey Santa Parade of Lights (Cloverdale)
This is the one to see if you only see one. The 20th annual parade goes through Cloverdale’s town centre on Sunday, November 29, led by big rigs, trucks and even boats covered in lights, followed by floats, vintage cars, marching bands and Santa. It’s an evening parade, so the lights do the work. The route starts and ends at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds (176A Street and 60 Avenue), so get there early for a curbside spot. Route, closures and tips: Surrey Santa Parade of Lights 2026. Make a night of it with Noël Surrey, which is at the same fairgrounds.
Chilliwack Christmas Parade
Chilliwack’s evening parade rolls through downtown on Saturday, November 28, at 5:30 PM. It’s a long-running community parade with a big list of local sponsors and floats. Pair it with Christmas at District 1881 nearby. Details: Chilliwack Christmas Parade 2026.
Maple Ridge Santa Claus Parade and Christmas in the Park
The 23rd annual parade is on Saturday, December 5. The evening starts with activities in Memorial Peace Park, then floats parade through the downtown core. Details: Maple Ridge Santa Claus Parade 2026.
Steveston Santa Claus Parade (Richmond)
Steveston’s parade runs through the historic fishing village in the evening, and people bring food bank donations. The 2025 parade was on Saturday, December 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The 2026 date hasn’t been announced. It fits well with Winter in the Village and Santa at the Cannery. Details: Steveston Santa Claus Parade.
Santa by Boat, Train and Bus
Santa’s Christmas Ships
Local boaters deck their boats in lights and sail Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm, past Port Moody, Deep Cove, Belcarra and Dollarton, while families wave from shore. The 2026 schedule hasn’t been posted yet. See Santa’s Christmas Ships for the best viewing spots.
CPKC Holiday Train
A train covered in lights stops for about half an hour in each community for a free live concert, and it collects food bank donations. In the Lower Mainland it makes five stops on December 19 and 20. Bring a non-perishable item. See CPKC Holiday Train 2026.
Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan and the TransLink Reindeer Bus
The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan hasn’t confirmed Lower Mainland stops for 2026. TransLink’s festive Reindeer Bus usually appears in late November, though the 2026 season isn’t announced yet.
Tips for Watching a Santa Parade
- Arrive 45 minutes early. The best curb spots go fast, especially at the Surrey parade.
- Dress for wet. These are December evenings in BC. Bring a waterproof layer and something to sit on.
- Bring a food bank donation. Several parades, and the Holiday Train, collect for local food banks.
- Check road closures. Parade routes close streets for a few hours, so plan parking or take transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rogers Santa Claus Parade happening in Vancouver in 2026?
No downtown Vancouver Santa Claus Parade has been announced for 2026. The nearest large parade is the Surrey Santa Parade of Lights in Cloverdale on November 29.
When is the Surrey Santa Parade of Lights in 2026?
Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Cloverdale. Some listings show 5:30 PM, so check the organizer’s page close to the date.
Which Santa parades are at night?
The Surrey Santa Parade of Lights, the Chilliwack Christmas Parade and the Steveston Santa Claus Parade are all evening parades.
Are Santa Claus parades free?
Yes. All the parades listed here are free to watch. Many collect food bank donations.
More Vancouver Christmas guides: Where to See Santa in Vancouver · Christmas Tree Lighting Events · Christmas Lights in Vancouver 2026 · Best Christmas Things to Do in Vancouver
