Mission Candlelight Parade

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 2025 the parade takes place on Saturday, December 6th, starting at 6:00 pm. Also happening on December 6th 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.

2025 Santa Claus Christmas Parade in Mission

The Mission Candlelight Parade is a local tradition. It celebrates its 40th year in 2025 and as many as 10,000 people turn out to watch the parade (in years with good weather). In 2025 the parade happens on Saturday, December 6th. 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 pm to 6:00 pm. Kids can write letters to Santa, paint their faces 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 2025 it costs just $10 to register a float as a non-profit or community organization. It costs $25 for a business.

Candlelight Parade Route

The parade route is about two kilometres long. Last year’s procession ran down First Avenue beginning at Horne Street. After a few blocks the road turned south and merged onto Lougheed Highway. The parade continued along Lougheed until it finished at Haig Street. The route will likely be the same in 2025, though this is to be confirmed.

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