The holiday season in Saint John will kick off with a fresh twist this year. The City of Saint John has announced a new route for the 72nd annual Santa Claus Parade, scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM.

In an official notice, the city detailed the updated path for the cherished community event, which celebrates the theme of ‘Animated Christmas’ this year.

A New Path Through the City

The parade will now begin at the Cruise Ship Terminals on Water Street. From there, it will travel along Saint Patrick Street before joining the traditional route across the Viaduct to Main Street North and Lansdowne Avenue. This change moves the starting point to the city’s waterfront, offering a new viewing experience for the beginning of the parade.

Traffic, Parking, and How to Participate

To accommodate the event, the city has issued a traffic advisory. Parking will be prohibited on Water Street and on Broad Street (from Charlotte Street to Water Street) starting at 3:00 PM on parade day. The streets along the parade route will close to all traffic beginning at 5:30 PM.

If you or your organization want to be part of the magic, registration is free for all entries. You must submit your entry by Friday, October 31, 2025, at 12:00 PM. All information and registration details are available on the Saint John West Business Association website, which is organizing the registration process.

For complete details, you can view the original announcement on the City of Saint John website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2025 Saint John Santa Claus Parade?

The parade is on Saturday, November 15, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM.

Where does the new parade route start?

The parade begins at the Cruise Ship Terminals on Water Street before continuing along Saint Patrick Street and rejoining the traditional route.

What is this year’s parade theme?

The theme for the 72nd annual parade is ‘Animated Christmas’.

How can I register a float for the parade?

Registration is free and must be completed by noon on October 31, 2025. You can find all the details and the registration form on the Saint John West Business Association’s website.