Join the Parade

•  The band agrees to supply the Town of Oakville with live band music for the Oakville Santa Claus Parade music for the duration of the parade, expected to last approximately 1.5 hours.
•  All music must be Christmas/holiday in nature.
•  All music must be family-friendly and entertaining to a family audience, primarily made up of children.
•  Dressing up is highly encouraged but not mandatory. No impersonators of Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus will be included in our entry, other than the official Oakville Santa Claus Parade float.

• Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and accepted until the application deadline or available capacity is reached.
• All entries must meet the requirements outlined in the application and are subject to parade committee approval.
• Walking groups are limited to a maximum of 30 participants per entry.
• Participants in walking groups must be at least 10 years of age.
• Dressing up is highly encouraged but not mandatory. No impersonators of Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus will be included in our entry, other than the official Oakville Santa Claus Parade float. * No throwing candy or other items from the float.
• No handing out flyers, coupons, brochures, or promotional materials.

Maximum height: 13 ft

Maximum length: 40 ft for a single unit float

Maximum length: 60 ft for a truck and trailer combination

• A preliminary design, concept sketch, or photo must be submitted with each application.
• All floats must incorporate the annual parade theme.
• Entries cannot be primarily advertising. The float must support the parade theme rather than serve as a marketing vehicle.
• Maximum of two signs/banners per float. Signs must be securely attached and display the organization's name.

Submitting your Float Preliminary Design Document

To complete your application, please submit your float design sketch.

Float Preliminary Design Document

Share a link to your file and email it to us!

1. Download the Float Design Template found under related documents
2. Upload your sketch, photo, or design file to your personal Dropbox or Google Drive.
3. Update the sharing settings so that anyone with the link can view the file.
4. Copy and paste the shared link into the application form when asked.

Having trouble uploading your design file?

1. Print the Float Design Template.
2. Complete your sketch by hand.
3. Scan the completed sketch or take a clear photo of it. 
4. Email your file to events@oakville.ca

Email submission instructions

Email subject line: Oakville Santa Claus Parade – Float Design Submission

Attachment file name: Please name your file using your organization or group name and your float name.

Format: OrganizationName_FloatName Examples:

• ScoutsCanada_HolidayAdventure.pdf
• OakvilleLions_WinterWonderland.jpg
• ABCCommunityGroup_SantaWorkshop.png

• For the safety of all parade participants, the Oakville Santa Claus Parade kindly requests that if you are driving a motorized vehicle in the parade, you turn off your mobile device for the duration of the parade.
• Drivers must hold a full G license and be properly insured.
• Standard automobiles are generally not accepted as float entries (antique vehicles may be considered).
• Floats must have safety railings or passengers must remain seated while moving; walkers must keep a five-foot distance.
• Participants must ride inside the float. Sitting on the edge of trailers with feet hanging over is prohibited.
• Floats with generators or other fire hazards must carry appropriate fire extinguishing equipment.

At least one representative from your walking group or float entry must attend the mandatory pre-parade meeting. Attendance is required for both new and returning participants. Failure to have a representative attend will result in your parade entry being disqualified. No exceptions.

This meeting provides essential information needed to participate in the parade, including event procedures, participant responsibilities, logistics, and important updates. Attendance is required to ensure your group is prepared for parade day.

Key dates for volunteers, bands, floats and other participants

• Parade date: Saturday, November 14
• Mandatory pre-parade meeting: Thursday, November 12
• Application opening date: Monday September 14
• Bands application deadline: Sunday, November 1 at 11:59 p.m.
• Floats and walking groups application deadline: Sunday, November 1 at 11:59 p.m.
• Volunteer application deadline: Monday, October 26 at 11:59 p.m.

The parade takes place, rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and plan accordingly.

• $200 - Commercial (business and "for-profit" organization) 
• $75 - Community Group/School Fee (not-for-profit organizations, charities and publicly funded education institutes)