Update: Rescheduled – Kingston’s Nighttime Santa Claus Parade cancelled for 2021

Update (Friday, Oct. 29, 2021):

After restrictions regarding outdoor events pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted, the Kingston Nighttime Santa Claus Parade has been rescheduled and will now take place in late November. Details here.

Original article:

For the second year in a row, the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The City of Kingston, Downtown Kingston! and KFL&A Public Health said that they are concerned that this successful event will attract too large a crowd to safely allow individuals to physically distance from each other and follow the public health measures that are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. 

“Cancelling the Santa Claus Parade yet again is a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go before we are free from COVID-19,” said Marijo Cuerrier, Executive Director of Downtown Kingston! Business Improvement Area. 

The parade may be cancelled but Kingston’s holiday spirit will still be present downtown, according to a release from the City of Kingston. In the coming days Downtown Kingston! will be announcing a roster of fun holiday activities designed to encourage the community to embrace the winter season. 

Stay tuned to downtownkingston.ca for details on seasonal events later this fall.