History

The first time the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade marched into town was in 1974 after a group of dedicated volunteers decided that the jolly old elf should make a formal appearance in the growing city. In those early years, the parade was held in the Square One area, with varying routes along Hurontario Street and Burnamthorpe Road, ending at Square One.

Originally started by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus took over the parade planning in the late '80's at Mayor Hazel McCallion's request. The KOC partnered with the Mississauga News and arranged for a toy drive to coincide with the parade. This toy collection proved to be very successful, actually bringing in more toys than volunteers could handle which is why later years the drive was redirected to other agencies in the community.

In early 2002 the Streetsville Business Improvement Association was asked by the City of Mississauga if they would be willing to manage and host the parade and they accepted readily. The historic village has a long history of welcoming Santa, with reports going back as early as 1964, that Santa was seen about town on a fire truck at the volunteer Fire Hall.

The village under the auspices of the Business Improvement Association had its own small community parade starting in 1990. In 1996 there were 17 local groups represented in the parade led by the Streetsville Pipes and Drums and the Streetsville Legion Colour Party as they have done from 1990 to today. A favourite entry in those early years was a steam tractor with Jim Laidlaw at its controls.

The parade now held on the last Sunday in November has about 75 groups represented and takes about an hour to make its way down Queen Street, from Britannia Road to Old Station Road, to the delight of between 40,000 and 50,000 Santa lovers young and old who welcome the man in red.