Winnipeg news: the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade turns Portage Avenue into a river of light on Saturday night, and this year the 2026 CEBL champion Sea Bears lead the way as grand marshals of the 117th parade.
The Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade steps off at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Portage and Main, heads west along Portage Avenue, turns south on Memorial Boulevard and ends at York Avenue. Admission is free, block parties start at 4 p.m., and the parade runs until about 6:30 p.m.
By Maplestime News Desk | Winnipeg, Manitoba | November 11, 2026
Sources: Winnipeg Free Press | Last updated: November 11, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The parade: 117th Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade, Saturday November 14, 5 p.m., Portage and Main to York Ave via Memorial Blvd.
- Grand marshals: the 2026 CEBL champion Winnipeg Sea Bears, announced Monday November 9.
- Cost: free admission, as since 1909. Block parties along the route start at 4 p.m. The parade runs about 5 to 6:30 p.m.
- Nighttime: sunset is 4:46 p.m., so the parade runs in the dark as Canada’s largest nighttime parade.
- Road closures: southbound Main St between Portage and York from 11 a.m.; Portage Ave between Main and Memorial from 2 p.m.
- Raffle: 50/50 tickets at mbhydrosantaparade.com/5050raffle and on site. Draw on Tuesday November 17.
Who leads the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade this year?
The Winnipeg Sea Bears lead it. The 2026 CEBL champions were named grand marshals on Monday, November 9, and they will head the parade down Portage Avenue on Saturday night. It is a fitting honour for a team that gave Winnipeg a championship summer, and the sight of a basketball team leading Santa’s parade tells you everything about how this city celebrates its winners.
A Santa Claus parade float passes cheering crowds in Toronto. Photo: Randy Landicho, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What is the parade route and when does it run?
The 117th Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade steps off at 5 p.m. at Portage and Main, heads west along Portage Avenue, turns south on Memorial Boulevard and ends at York Avenue. Block parties along the route start at 4 p.m., so arrive early, claim a curb and settle in before the first float rolls.
Sunset falls at 4:46 p.m., which means the whole parade runs in the dark. That is the point. Lit floats, marching bands and Santa himself glow against the downtown towers, and it is why the parade bills itself as Canada’s largest nighttime parade. Dress warm, bring a blanket for the kids, and expect the route to stay busy until about 6:30 p.m.
Which roads close for the parade?
Plan around the closures or you will be stuck in traffic while the bands play. Southbound Main Street between Portage and York closes from 11 a.m. Portage Avenue between Main and Memorial closes from 2 p.m. Give yourself extra time, park a few blocks off the route, and walk in.
How does the 50/50 raffle work?
Buy 50/50 raffle tickets online at mbhydrosantaparade.com/5050raffle or on site along the route. The draw happens on Tuesday, November 17. Admission has been free since 1909, and the raffle is one of the ways the parade keeps it that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade start?
5 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Portage and Main. Block parties start at 4 p.m. and the parade runs until about 6:30 p.m.
Does the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade cost anything?
No. Admission is free, as it has been since 1909. Bring cash if you want 50/50 raffle tickets or treats from vendors along the route.
Where can I buy 50/50 raffle tickets?
Online at mbhydrosantaparade.com/5050raffle and on site along the parade route. The draw is Tuesday, November 17.
Portage Avenue in downtown Winnipeg, where the parade heads west from Portage and Main. Photo: Tblore, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Maplestime will provide updates from the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade as announcements are made.
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Will the Sea Bears at the front make this the best parade Winnipeg has seen in years, or is the nighttime magic the real star of the show? Tell us in the comments. And share this with every Winnipegger planning a night on Portage Avenue.
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