The Mission Candlelight Parade is a Christmas-themed event that happens at night in December in Mission, BC, in the Fraser Valley. It’s a fun event.

In 2024 the parade takes place on Saturday, December 7th, starting at 6:00 pm. Happening on the same weekend this year is the Maple Ridge Santa Claus Parade which includes free community festival activities.

Other events you might also want to check out include Lights at the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs and the Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market in Surrey. In Langley, there is also Bah! Humbug at Fort Langley as well as both Christmas Glow and Martini Town Merry & Bright.

2024 Santa Claus Christmas Parade in Mission

The Mission Candlelight Parade is a local tradition. It celebrates its 39th year in 2024 and as many as 10,000 people turn out to watch the parade (in years with good weather). In 2024 the parade happens on Saturday, December 7th. The event’s organizers claim it’s the largest night-time parade in the province.

Before the parade itself there are plenty of fun holiday activities in downtown Mission from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Kids can write letters to Santa, get their faces painted and play Giant Plinko. There’s free hot chocolate and live music playing as well.

Santa and Mrs. Claus have their own float in the parade, as do plenty of local organizations and businesses. There are prizes to be won in four different categories for those who enter the parade. The awards are Most Original, Best Non-Profit or Charity, Holiday Spirit, and Light up the Night (i.e., best light displays).

In 2024 it cost just $10 to register a float as a non-profit or community organization. It costs $25 for a business.

2024 Candlelight Parade Route

The parade route is about two kilometres long. The procession runs down First Avenue beginning at Horne Street. After a few blocks the road turns south and merges onto Lougheed Highway. The parade continues along Lougheed until it finishes at Haig Street.

For those who are driving in the area, the roads that make up the parade route are closed from 3:00 to 10:00 pm. There is no parking allowed along the route during that time and any cars parked there will be towed.