Whitney Santa Claus Parade returns Dec. 14

December 10, 2025

By Michael Riley

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On Dec. 14, “the cutest little parade you ever did see,” as it’s called, wound its way through downtown Whitney beginning at 1 p.m. In previous years, Tarrah Hovinga, Ramona Brown, Gloria Beauclair and Peggy Darraugh have organized the Whitney Santa Claus Parade, but this year’s organizer is Joe Avery. The parade starts at 1 p.m. and Avery says they currently have 10 to 12 floats registered as of Dec. 6. This year for the first time they’re hoping the livestream the parade to Facebook. Avery comments to Bancroft This Week on the upcoming parade.

The Whitney Santa Claus parade on Dec. 14 will be prefaced by Breakfast with Santa at the Lester Smith Community Centre for kids of all ages, and pictures with Santa to follow.

Councillor Joan Kuiack says she is so happy “to have a core group of volunteers to make sure events are happening for our community.”

Mayor Ethel LaValley told Bancroft This Week that the community is very excited about the upcoming Santa breakfast and parade.

“The breakfast with Santa starts at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 14. After breakfast between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., pictures can be taken with Santa. The parade starts at 1 p.m. with an expanded route. The parade will start at third avenue and lake street, down lake street to Ottawa Street to Hwy. 60 heading west to the OPP Station for the turnaround and then travel back east along Hwy. 60 to 32 Hay Creek Road. Hoping to try and livestream the parade on Facebook. Anyone can put in a float for the parade. It is a great day for our community,” she says.

Avery told Bancroft This Week on Dec. 6 that things are going great with the planning of the events on this festive day.

“This year we have changed the route a bit. We have the permit needed to close Hwy. 60 from Post St. to Algonquin St. So, the floats will go to our local police station and back to Hay Creek Road. We have a Breakfast with Santa from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with The Mad Musher suppling all the pancakes. Everything else is being cooked by the volunteers. Following the breakfast, there will be pictures with Santa and the parade begins at 1 p.m. As of right now we have 10 to 12 floats registered if everyone is still able to make it. The Algonquin Lunch Bar will be open if anyone is looking to purchase hot chocolate, yes,” he says. “It is a big day with so much going on that we have a lot of volunteers helping.”