Barrie Santa Claus Parade, Noella Tree Lighting this weekend: What you need to know

The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the 75th Annual Barrie Santa Claus Parade is on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Event Highlights & New Attractions

• The 75th running of the Barrie Santa Claus Parade: Starting at 5 p.m., travelling northbound on Lakeshore Drive, from Tiffin Street, up through Toronto Street, and eastbound on Dunlop Street to the end at Poyntz Street. See the map below. For everyone's safety, the public is asked not to stand on the median between the north and southbound lanes on Lakeshore Drive - enjoy the parade from the lakeside instead.
• Santa’s Fireside Gathering at Centennial Park: This cozy new viewing area offers a warm fire pit and food trucks serving a variety of delicious treats. Limited bleacher seating will also be available. Lakeshore Drive will be closed, so access will require walking. The fire pit will be lit at 2:00 p.m.
• Free Transit Shuttle Service: To alleviate congestion, a complimentary park-and-ride shuttle service will operate from Bayfield Mall from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Park behind the mall and hop on/off at Barrie Transit Stop #203 on Coulter Street. This service will drop off/pick up within walking distance of the parade route for convenient access.
• Santa’s Helpers, Canada Post: Will be collecting letters to Santa all along the route. They’ll be near the front, following the marching band. Have your letters ready to be sent via special delivery up to the North Pole!

Attention Parents and Those Enjoying the Parade:

The main priority is to ensure everyone can have a great time while staying safe. Remember to stay clear of the road to protect yourself and your loved ones from any potential harm.

It is dangerous to sit on the curb with your feet on the road.

We request that everyone stays off the roadway at all times.

Safe viewing tips:

• Public viewing starts on Lakeshore Drive north of the Tiffin Boat Launch. Do not gather in the parade marshalling area on Lakeshore Drive east of Tiffin Street or the Tiffin Street intersection.
• Viewing is not permitted from the medians along Lakeshore Drive – please gather along the lake side of the road and in Centennial Park for the best viewing along Lakeshore Drive
• Please stand or sit up on the curb and stay off the road, including intersections and streets that are closed for the event.

Road Closures

To ensure the safety of all participants and spectators, the following road closures will be in effect:

• Dunlop Street from High Street/Bradford Street Dunlop to Poyntz Street and Owen Street from Dunlop Street East to Collier Street: Closed from 6:00 a.m. until after the Parade and Tree Lighting (approximately 8:30 p.m.).
• Lakeshore Drive between Tiffin Street and Minet’s Point Drive: Closed from 1:00 p.m. until after the parade (approximately 6:30 p.m.).
• Lakeshore Drive from Tiffin Street to Simcoe Street and Toronto Street from Simcoe Street to Dunlop Street West: Closed from 4:00 p.m. until after the parade (approximately 7:00 p.m.)
• Simcoe Street from Bayfield Street to Dunlop Street East: Closed from 4:00 p.m. until after the Tree Lighting (approximately 8:30 p.m.)
• Mulcaster Street from Dunlop Street East to Collier Street: Closed from 4:00 p.m. until the parade passes (approximately 7:00 p.m.)

Limited Access Area (highlighted in red on the map):

• From 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., vehicles cannot enter/exit the highlighted area until the parade has passed and the roads are re-opened. We strongly encourage residents and businesses who need to travel in/out of this area to do so before or after this time.
• Parking west of Lakeshore Drive and north of Dunlop Street is recommended for people watching the parade
• Access points will be at intersections with police.Toronto Street / Simcoe Street and Dunlop Street East / Mulcaster Street. Access will be limited and permitted only once safe to do so. Expect delays.

Stay after the parade for the Noella Tree Lighting Celebration, for live music and fireworks.

Saturday, November 16

• 1 PM: Festive family activities begin with inflatables, ornament crafting, wagon rides, craft vendors and the festive tree lot!
• 3 PM: Local singer songwriters Rebekah Hawker and B Knox on Meridian stage.
• 4 PM: Choir Revolution lead by Brett Caswell for festive sing-alongs
• 5 PM: The Chamber Santa Claus Parade begins, and folk musician James Gray takes the stage
• 6:30 PM: Fireworks light up the sky over Downtown Barrie.
• 6:45 PM: DogHouse Orchestra headlining on Meridian Stage.

Remember to bring a non-perishable food item or toy for a cup of FREE Hot Chocolate from Tim Hortons. All items will support the Rock 95/KoolFM Toy Drive

Sunday, November 17

• 10 AM - 4PM:
  • Festive family activities begin with inflatables, ornament crafting and craft vendors
  • Festive tree lot supporting Hospice Simcoe
  • Festive Market with 20+ local artisans
  • Holiday Magic DJ Tunes
  • Photo Opportunities with Santa