The 37th Annual Optimist Santa Claus Parade is sponsored by the St Thomas Optimists
A FREE Downtown St Thomas event for the whole family
The Parade starts at 6pm along Talbot Street from First Avenue to Elgin Street

The 2023 Theme is
"THE SONGS OF CHRISTMAS”

Visiting the Parade?
Click for more Information

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Click to download the Registration Form
Pre-Parade Meeting:
All entrants must attend a Pre-Parade Meeting on Wednesday November 8th, 2023 at 7:00pm at the St Andrews United Church, 60 West Avenue, St Thomas to get your entry number, go over the final details and make sure you know where you're going. These details will be key for the parade to run smoothly so please attend. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us through the Contact Us form.

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Countdown

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Here's what happened in 2022

Photo's of the 2022 A CARIBBEAN BEACH PARTY CHRISTMAS Santa Claus Parade
November 19, 2023
(36th Annual Optimist Santa Claus Parade)

Watch the Parade again!
Click to view

The winners of the 2022 A CARIBBEAN BEACH PARTY CHRISTMAS Santa Claus Parade:
Best Commercial - Trade Tech
Best Overall - Presstran Industries
Best High School - Arthur Voaden High School
Best Elementary School - Lockes Public School
Most Unusual - Dairy Farmers Committee
Best Children's - Dance Essence
Most Photogenic - DNO Towing
Best Theme - Lids Up 4 Branden

Many Thanks to Rogers TV and hosts Mike Vecchio and Matt Loop for Making our televised broadcast so exciting

Here's what happened in 2021

Photo's of the 2021 A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Reverse Santa Claus Parade
December 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2021
(35th Annual Optimist Santa Claus Parade)

The winners of the 2021 MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Reverse Santa Claus Parade:
Best Commercial - Firehouse Subs
Best Overall - Arthur Voaden High School
Best High School - Central Elgin Collegiate Institute
Most Unusual - Dairy Farmers of Elgin County, Elgin Federation of Agriculture, Delta Power and Huron Tractor
Best Children's - Dance Essence
Most Photogenic - Seasons St Thomas
Best Theme - Romantic Designs

Thanks to our 2021 Sponsors

Office of Karen Vecchio MP

Office of Jeff Yurek MPP

Joe Preston - St Thomas Mayor

Optimist Club of St Thomas

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Here's what happened in 2020

Photos of the 2020 EML Reverse Santa Claus Parade - 34th Annual Optimist Santa Claus Parade December 4th, 5th and 6th, 2020

The winners of the 2020 EML Reverse Santa Claus Parade:
Best Commercial - Entegrus
Best Overall - Heritage Youth 10 Pin Bowling
Best High School - Arthur Voaden High School
Most Unusual - Canada Health Grants
Best Children's - St Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce
Most Photogenic - St Thomas Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Best Theme - Dean-o Towing
Best Elementary - Springfield Public School

The winners of the 2019 Optimist Santa Claus Parade are:
Best Commercial - Formet Industries
Best Overall - Presstran Industries
Best High School - Arthur Voaden High School
Most Unusual - Li'l Miss Metal
Best Children's - Heritage Youth 10 Pin Bowling
Most Photogenic - St John Ambulance
Best Theme - Dark Matter
Best Elementary - Lockes Public School

The winners of the 2018 Optimist Santa Claus Parade are:
Best Commercial - Formet Industries
Best Overall - Presstran Industries
Best High School - Arthur Voaden High School
Most Unusual - Langs Contracting
Best Children's - Heritage Youth 10 Pin Bowling
Most Photogenic - Nurse Next Door
Best Theme - St Thomas Kinsmen
Best Elementary - Monsignor Morrison Catholic School

The winners of the 2017 Optimist Santa Claus Parade are:
Best Commercial - Presstran Industries
Best Overall - Formet Industries
Best High School - Central Elgin Collegiate Institute
Most Unusual - Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles
Best Children's under 18 - St Thomas Panther's
Most Photogenic - Bakker Concrete
Best Theme - Jay Okkerse Contracting
Best Elementary - Lockes Public School

The winners of the 2016 Optimist Santa Claus Parade are:
Best Commercial - Presstran Industries
Best Overall - Formet Industries
Best High School - Central Elgin Collegiate Institute
Most Unusual - Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles
Best Children's under 18 - Step Above Dance and Music Studios
Most Photogenic - Coad Heating, Air & My Fireplace
Best Theme - Salvation Army - sponsored by the St Thomas Downtown Development Board
Best Elementary - Lockes Public School