Christmas Events for Kids in Thorold (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

Updated 4 min read

Rally the corgi has sniffed out the Christmas events for kids in Thorold for 2026. The city’s Santa Claus Parade rolls along Sullivan Avenue and Pine Street at 4 pm on Saturday, November 28, with a free Santa meet and greet and face painting beforehand, and on Saturday, December 19 the Thorold BIA brings Santa downtown for breakfast at the Legion and story time at the library. We check every date on the host’s own website and link straight there. For more across the country, see our Canada Christmas events for kids guide.

What Rally found in Thorold

  • 2 Christmas events for kids in Thorold
  • Santa Claus Parade: Saturday, November 28, 4 pm, Sullivan Ave and Pine St
  • Santa meet and greet: November 28, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, 40 Pine St S, free face painting
  • Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 19, 9 am, Thorold Legion
  • Story time with Santa: December 19, 1 to 2 pm, Thorold Public Library

Free 1Ticketed and paid 1

Free Christmas events for kids in Thorold

Lit parade plus Santa meet and greetFree

Thorold Santa Claus Parade

Expand to see the parent tip

Thorold has run its Santa Claus Parade every year since 1991, and the 2026 edition travels a new route down Sullivan Avenue and onto Pine Street with floats covered in twinkling lights, live bands, marchers and Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving from the North Pole.

Before the parade, families can meet Santa for selfies in the Prince of Wales Public School parking lot from 1:30 to 3:30 pm with free face painting, and the city sets up three free hot chocolate stations along the route.

Parent tip: Do the meet and greet at 40 Pine St S first, then walk to a curb spot on Pine Street before the 4 pm start, and bring a letter for Santa since postal workers collect them along the route.

Host
City of Thorold (opens in a new tab)
Address
Downtown Thorold, Sullivan Avenue and Pine Street; meet and greet at Prince of Wales Public School parking lot, 40 Pine St S, Thorold, ON (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom City of Thorold (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Thorold

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Breakfast and story time with Santa

Santa in Downtown Thorold: Breakfast and Story Time

  • When: Saturday, December 19, 2026: Breakfast with Santa from 9 am at the Thorold Legion, Santa downtown until 1 pm, story time with Santa at the Thorold Public Library 1 to 2 pm
  • Where: Thorold Legion, downtown Thorold and Thorold Public Library, Thorold, ON (opens in maps)
  • Cost: Breakfast with Santa tickets $8 (child 12 and under or general) through the Thorold BIA; story time at the library has no fee listed
  • Ages: All ages, story time best for young children
Expand to see the parent tip

The week before Christmas, the Thorold BIA brings Santa back to Historic Downtown Thorold for a full Saturday morning, starting with Breakfast with Santa at the Thorold Legion at 9 am.

Santa stays downtown until 1 pm, then moves to the Thorold Public Library from 1 to 2 pm for story time, a gentle finish for little ones who missed the breakfast.

Parent tip: Breakfast tickets are sold online through the Thorold BIA and showed as sold out when we checked, so if you cannot get in, plan on the 1 pm library story time instead.

Host
Thorold BIA (opens in a new tab)
Address
Thorold Legion, downtown Thorold and Thorold Public Library, Thorold, ON (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Thorold BIA (opens in a new tab)

New Thorold events every week

Rally researches Christmas events in Thorold daily and updates this page with new events. Enter your email to get a weekly update with new events in Thorold.

Free. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

We check every event above on the host’s own page for the date, time and cost, plus the things parents ask about, like sign-ups and ages. Looking for a Santa train instead? Our Canada Christmas events for kids guide lists Santa trains and holiday rides across the country.

See every event on a December calendar

Plan your December

When each Thorold Christmas event for kids happens

On November 28, arrive by 1:30 pm for Santa selfies and face painting, warm up at a hot chocolate station, then watch the 4 pm parade. Save December 19 for breakfast or library story time with Santa.

Looking further afield? Our Canada Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the country, and we have city guides for St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Hamilton and Mississauga. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

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Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The story of Christmas in Thorold

Thorold has held its Santa Claus Parade since 1991, run for most of those years by volunteers, and in 2022 it came back from a two-year break to mark its 30th anniversary. Along the route, postal workers still walk beside the floats collecting children's letters to Santa.

A volunteer parade since 1991 and a 30th anniversary comeback in 2022

The City of Thorold says its Santa Claus Parade has been an annual tradition since 1991. It is held on the last Saturday in November, when community floats, marchers, entertainers and bands fill downtown and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the end. Letters to Santa are picked up along the route by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, and Community Care Thorold collects food donations.

The parade took a two-year break and came back on Saturday, November 26, 2022. The Brock Press reported that the city billed that return as the parade's 30th anniversary, and Mayor Terry Ugulini said that for 29 years the parade had been run by dedicated volunteers. He called the return the event that kick-starts the holiday season in Thorold.

Santa lit the tree in Battle of Beaverdams Park before the November 29, 2025 parade

In 2025 the parade ran on Saturday, November 29, travelling down Sullivan Avenue and through downtown from 4 pm until about 7 pm. Before it started, Santa came to Battle of Beaverdams Park from 1:30 to 3:30 pm to light the Christmas tree, pose for photos with children and hand out free face painting. The city asked families to bring non-perishable food, letters for Santa, glow sticks, lawn chairs and warm blankets.

For 2026, the Thorold Santa Claus Parade is on Saturday, November 28 at 4 pm on a new route. It starts at Collier Road and Sullivan Avenue, heads east on Sullivan and turns left onto Pine Street North, ending at Ann Street. The Santa meet and greet moves to the Prince of Wales Public School lot at 40 Pine Street South, and three free hot chocolate stations are set up along the way.

Holiday music from November 20 and a shop window contest in Historic Downtown Thorold

Christmas in Thorold builds up in stages. The Thorold BIA says the city hangs festive decorations downtown on November 12 and 13, and holiday music plays through Historic Downtown Thorold from November 20. Local businesses decorate their front windows in a friendly contest, and the winners get bragging rights plus a donation to the charity of their choice.

The BIA also lights a Christmas tree downtown as part of the Niagara Health Foundation's Celebration of Lights, an annual hospital fundraiser. In 2026 the switch is flipped on Wednesday, November 25 at 5:30 pm in Battle of Beaverdams Park, with treats for those who come. The week before Christmas, Santa returns for breakfast at the Thorold Legion and story time at the library on Saturday, December 19.

Letters carried by postal workers and a Festival of Lights vote decided in the new year

Some of Thorold's Christmas customs are about giving. During the parade, members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers walk the route collecting children's letters to Santa, and Community Care Thorold gathers food donations at the same time. In 2025 the city asked families to bring non-perishable food along with their letters, glow sticks and lawn chairs.

Others carry Christmas past December 25. Each year the City of Thorold runs the Festival of Lights, a friendly contest for the best decorated house and business. Families upload a street photo by December 18, the public votes, and winners are named in the new year once the votes are counted. Alongside it, the Holiday Colouring Contest has two age groups, under 8 and 9 to 12, and sheets can be uploaded or dropped off at City Hall. Winners are called in January to have their photo taken and pick up a festive prize.

Traditions today

  • Last Saturday in November parade: The Santa Claus Parade has run on the last Saturday in November since 1991, starting at 4 pm and finishing around 7 pm.
  • Letters and food drive on the route: Canadian Union of Postal Workers volunteers collect children's letters to Santa, and Community Care Thorold collects food donations along the parade.
  • Celebration of Lights tree: The Thorold BIA lights a downtown Christmas tree for the Niagara Health Foundation's Celebration of Lights fundraiser, on November 25, 2026 at 5:30 pm in Battle of Beaverdams Park.
  • Festival of Lights contest: Residents and businesses send in photos of their decorated homes and shops, the public votes, and winners for best house and best business are named in the new year.
  • Holiday Colouring Contest: Kids under 8 and from 9 to 12 colour a holiday sheet and upload it or drop it at City Hall by December 18, 2026.
  • Santa downtown before Christmas: The Thorold BIA brings Santa back for breakfast at the Legion and library story time, on December 19 in 2026.

A fact for kids

At the Thorold Santa Claus Parade, real postal workers walk along the route picking up kids' letters to Santa, so you can hand your letter right to them from the curb.

Questions about Christmas in Thorold

Why is the Thorold Santa Claus Parade route different in 2026?

The Thorold BIA says the 2026 parade uses an alternative route because of construction on Sullivan Avenue. Instead of running the length of Sullivan, the parade turns left onto Pine Street North and finishes at Ann Street. It still starts at Collier Road and Sullivan Avenue at 4 pm on Saturday, November 28, 2026.

When do roads close for the Thorold Santa Claus Parade?

On November 28, 2026, the float staging area on Sullivan Avenue closes at 1 pm, the Sullivan section of the route at 2 pm and the Pine Street North section at 3 pm. The Collier and Pine intersections with Sullivan close at 3:30 pm. Roads reopen gradually after the parade, which is expected to finish around 7 pm.

Is there a Christmas window decorating contest in downtown Thorold?

Yes. Each holiday season, businesses in Historic Downtown Thorold decorate their front windows, and the Thorold BIA invites shoppers to come and watch the transformation. The winning business owners get bragging rights and a donation to the charity of their choice. It makes a good walk before or after the Santa events downtown.

What does Community Care Thorold collect at the Christmas parade?

Community Care Thorold collects food donations along the Santa Claus Parade route. For the 2025 parade the city asked spectators to bring non-perishable food items, and the same food drive runs on November 28, 2026. Letting your kids hand over a can is an easy way to show them the giving side of Christmas.

When are the Thorold Festival of Lights winners announced?

After the December 18, 2026 entry deadline, the City of Thorold adds every submitted house and business to a public voting form. Winners for best residential entry and best business are chosen in the new year, once the votes are tallied. Voting is a fun way for kids to pick their own favourite display.

Where can kids hear Santa read a story in Thorold?

At the Thorold Public Library on Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 1 to 2 pm. The Thorold BIA brings Santa downtown that morning for Breakfast with Santa at the Thorold Legion, and he finishes his visit with story time at the library. No fee is listed for the library story time.

Where did Santa meet children before the Thorold parade in 2025 and 2026?

In 2025, Santa met families in Battle of Beaverdams Park from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, lit the Christmas tree there and offered free face painting. For 2026, the meet and greet moves to the Prince of Wales Public School parking lot at 40 Pine Street South, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, with selfies and free face painting.

How long has Thorold had a Santa Claus Parade?

The City of Thorold says the Santa Claus Parade has been an annual tradition since 1991. After a two-year break it returned on November 26, 2022, and the city called that parade its 30th anniversary. Mayor Terry Ugulini said volunteers had run it for 29 years. It is held on the last Saturday in November each year.

When was the 2025 Thorold Santa Claus Parade?

It was on Saturday, November 29, 2025, starting at 4 pm and running until about 7 pm, down Sullivan Avenue and through downtown Thorold. Before the parade, Santa was in Battle of Beaverdams Park from 1:30 to 3:30 pm to light the Christmas tree, meet children for photos and offer free face painting.

What is the new Thorold Santa Claus Parade route for 2026?

On November 28, 2026, the parade starts at Collier Road and Sullivan Avenue, heads east on Sullivan Avenue, then turns left onto Pine Street North and ends at Pine and Ann Street. Sidewalks along Sullivan and Pine stay open for spectators. Roads close in stages from 1 pm, and the parade is expected to finish by 7 pm.

Where are the free hot chocolate stations at the Thorold parade?

For the 2026 parade the city lists three free hot chocolate stations: the corner of Pine Street and Albert Street, the corner of Pine Street and Sullivan Avenue, and Queen Street at Holy Rosary Hall. They are spread along the route so families can warm up wherever they are watching on November 28.

Who collects letters to Santa at the Thorold parade?

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers collects children's letters to Santa along the Thorold Santa Claus Parade route. Have your child's letter written and ready in an envelope before the 4 pm start on November 28, 2026, and hold it up as the volunteers walk by. Community Care Thorold collects food donations at the same time.

What should we bring to the Thorold Santa Claus Parade?

For the 2025 parade the city suggested non-perishable food items for the food drive, letters for Santa, glow sticks, lawn chairs, warm clothes and blankets. The parade runs from 4 pm until close to 7 pm in late November, so it gets dark and cold well before Santa reaches the end of the route.

Where is the Thorold Christmas tree lit?

The Thorold BIA lights a downtown Christmas tree as part of the Niagara Health Foundation's Celebration of Lights fundraiser. In 2026 it is lit on November 25 at 5:30 pm in Battle of Beaverdams Park, with treats for those who come. In 2025, Santa also helped light the tree in the same park on parade day.

What is the Celebration of Lights in Thorold?

Celebration of Lights is an annual fundraiser run by the Niagara Health Foundation, and the Thorold BIA takes part by lighting a Christmas tree in downtown Thorold. The 2026 lighting is on Wednesday, November 25 at 5:30 pm in Battle of Beaverdams Park, a short walk from the downtown shops.

When does downtown Thorold get decorated for Christmas?

The Thorold BIA says the city hangs downtown holiday decorations on November 12 and 13, and holiday music starts playing through Historic Downtown Thorold from November 20. Local businesses also decorate their windows in a friendly contest, with bragging rights and a donation to a charity of the winner's choice.

How does the Thorold Festival of Lights contest work?

Residents and businesses upload a street photo of their holiday decorations to the City of Thorold by Friday, December 18, 2026. The entries then go into a public voting form, and winners for best decorated house and best decorated business are chosen in the new year once votes are counted. It also makes a handy list for a family lights drive.

Is there a Christmas colouring contest for kids in Thorold?

Yes. Alongside the Festival of Lights, the City of Thorold runs a Holiday Colouring Contest with two age groups, under 8 years and 9 to 12 years. Upload the finished sheet or drop it off at City Hall by Friday, December 18, 2026. Winners are contacted in the new year for a photo and a festive prize.

Can kids have breakfast with Santa in Thorold?

Yes. On Saturday, December 19, 2026, the Thorold BIA hosts Breakfast with Santa at the Thorold Legion starting at 9 am, with $8 tickets sold online. Santa stays downtown until 1 pm and then reads stories at the Thorold Public Library from 1 to 2 pm, which is a good backup if breakfast sells out.

What can families do in Thorold the week before Christmas?

On Saturday, December 19, 2026, Santa is in Historic Downtown Thorold from breakfast at the Legion at 9 am until 1 pm, then reads at the Thorold Public Library from 1 to 2 pm. It is also the last full weekend to drive past homes in the city's Festival of Lights contest before the December 18 entry deadline passes.

Can I join the Thorold Santa Claus Parade with a float?

Yes. Community groups, businesses and bands apply through the City of Thorold's online Join Us form. For 2026, applications were due by Saturday, November 7, and entries sent before October 31 could ask to have their parade insurance covered. Floats are staged along Sullivan Avenue, which closes from 1 pm on parade day.

Sources

  1. Santa Claus Parade, City of Thorold
  2. Save the Date for the Thorold Santa Claus Parade 2025, City of Thorold
  3. Parade Route and Closures, City of Thorold
  4. Santa Claus parade returns to Thorold after two-year hiatus on Nov. 26, The Brock Press
  5. Santa Claus Parade, Thorold BIA
  6. Christmas in Downtown, Thorold BIA
  7. Festival of Lights, City of Thorold

Keep the Christmas magic going: track Rally the corgi on Christmas Eve, print free Christmas coloring pages, learn how to say Merry Christmas in 100+ languages, find train museums to visit with kids, or browse Christmas events in every Canada city.

Thorold Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What are the best Christmas events for kids in Thorold this year?

Rally Takes the Train has confirmed 2 Christmas events for kids in Thorold for 2026: the City of Thorold Santa Claus Parade on November 28 and the Thorold BIA’s Santa in Downtown Thorold day, with breakfast and library story time, on December 19.

When is the Thorold Santa Claus Parade in 2026?

Saturday, November 28, 2026, starting at 4 pm. The parade travels down Sullivan Avenue and turns left on Pine Street, and it is free.

Where can kids meet Santa before the Thorold parade?

In the Prince of Wales Public School parking lot, 40 Pine St S, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm on November 28, 2026. Santa poses for selfies and children get free face painting.

When is Breakfast with Santa in Thorold?

Saturday, December 19, 2026, starting at 9 am at the Thorold Legion. Tickets are $8 through the Thorold BIA. Santa then reads at the Thorold Public Library from 1 to 2 pm.

Who do I contact about Thorold holiday events?

For the parade, the City of Thorold at contact@thorold.ca or 905-227-6613. For the December 19 Santa events, the Thorold BIA at info@thoroldbia.com.

Are there more Christmas events near Thorold?

Yes. Our Canada Christmas events for kids guide lists confirmed events across the country, and the national search sorts events by distance from your town.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official municipal or tourism calendar. We last checked Thorold on November 11, 2026. Rally is also contacting each organizer to confirm details like parking, washrooms and bad-weather plans.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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