Squamish Holiday Parade

The Holiday Parade is an annual event in Squamish. It’s a celebration of all special occasions in winter including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more.

The parade took place on December 2nd in 2023 and will likely be around that same time in 2024.

Holiday Parade in Squamish

Several parades happen in communities across Metro Vancouver during the holiday season. Most of the events have a distinct Christmas theme. However, the Holiday Parade in Squamish is extra inclusive to all faiths and celebrations. It used to be called the Squamish Santa Claus Parade, but not any more.

Hosted by the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association, there are usually more than 40 floats featured in the procession. Most of the floats are made by local businesses and community organizations. Some floats are full of lights and decorated vehicles, while others include people in costumes. There’s also a competition for best float, with a $500 donation going to the winning group.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate Christmas, Yule, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, or any other special day, this event is worth checking out. The Holiday Parade is a fun and family-friendly celebration attended by thousands of people each year.

The Holiday Parade took place on Saturday, December 2nd last year. Festivities kicked off at 5:00 pm and continued until later in the evening.

Parade Route

The Holiday Parade is held in downtown Squamish. In previous years, the parade began near the corner of 3rd and Pemberton Avenue. It then travelled south down Cleveland Avenue and concluded around Main Street.

Last year’s details may have been comparable. However, as of mid-November, 2023, the procession’s exact route was to be confirmed.

Photos with Santa at Britannia Mine

Tips & Advice

The following tips should help you make the most of your experience at the event.

TIP #1: The Holiday Parade is an outdoor celebration. It usually runs for about 90 minutes. Dress warmly and be prepared for whatever the forecast is.

TIP #2: The Holiday Parade typically doesn’t include Santa Claus. For folks wanting to meet and take photos with the man in red, visit the Whistler Fireplace Company between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on the same day as the parade. The building is located at 1201 Commercial Way, which is only about five minutes away. Admission to the Holly Jolly Photos with Santa event is by donation. To guarantee a family photo with Santa, be sure to reserve a timeslot in advance online.

TIP #3: While in the area, another event worth checking out is the North Pole Express Railway. It’s a Christmas-themed train ride at West Coast Railway Heritage Park that also took place on December 2nd in 2023.

TIP #4: Another awesome attraction with Christmas activities is the Britannia Mine Museum. It’s located about a 15-minute drive south of Squamish. In 2023, its Photos with Santa event happened on December 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th.