Join the 2026 North Bay Santa Claus Parade and help bring this year’s theme, Christmas at the Zoo, to life.
Community groups, businesses, schools, organizations and other participants are invited to register a float or parade entry. Please review the participant guidelines below before completing the registration form.
Registration deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026.
1. The North Bay and Area Parade Committee reserves the right to limit the number of entries.
2. The North Bay and Area Parade Committee reserves the right to review applications and approve only applications relevant to this year's theme or that add to the public's viewing pleasure.
3. Parade Committee members will accompany their respective parade sections along the parade route.
4. A communication system will be in place along the parade route to monitor parade progress, to communicate problems, and in case of emergency.
5. A marching band or walking group will lead the parade to ensure a steady, moderate pace for safety.
6. Each parade entry is required to have two safety people walking with them - one safety person on either side of the entry - throughout the duration of the parade.
Exceptions: marching or walking entries over the age of eighteen do not require safety personnel, nor do professional safety people such as police services, fire services, military, EMT, and St. John Ambulance.
7. Each parade entry is required to have two safety people attend the Safety Training meeting on the morning of the parade. This meeting must start on time and will not be delayed for latecomers. This year's safety meeting will take place on Sunday, November 15 at 10 a.m. at the North Concourse of Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens. The Director of Safety will review the Parade Safety Policy. At that time, each safety person will receive a fluorescent safety vest for visibility along the route.
Note: A refundable deposit of $15 per vest is required. Please send this with the safety people to the meetings. Cheques should be made payable to 'North Bay and Area Parade Committee. If a cheque is not possible, cash will be accepted. Change will not be available. The deposit will be refunded upon return of the safety vests.
8. There must be two trained safety people present with each float when the parade beings.
9. Safety people wearing vests may not hand out candy or giveaway items on the parade route.
10. Parade participants may not throw candy along the parade route, as this presents a safety hazard to those who may run into the path of a vehicle when retrieving thrown candy. Candy may be handed to parade viewers. Any violation of this regulation will result in the entry's disqualification from parade judging as well as immediate removal from the parade and possibly from future parades.
11. Parade entry groups may not distribute coupons, flyers, or leaflets along the parade route. Paper attached to candy is not permitted.
12. Standing on floats or moving vehicles is not permitted unless safety harnesses are used.
13. Children on floats must be supervised by an adult.
14. No smoking while on a float or walking with a float.
15. No cellular phone use on a float or walking with a float.
16. No Santa Clauses or Mrs. Clauses are permitted on floats.
17. Floats can be no higher than 12 feet from the group and no longer than 75 feet.
18. All entries must provide proof of liability insurance with 'The Corporation of the City of North Bay' named as an additional insured with coverage of $5-million liability. This is required no later than 10 days prior to the parade. If this is not submitted, you will not be permitted to participate in the parade.
If you don't already have coverage, insurance can be purchased through the City's online provider:
Date: Sunday, November 15
Theme: Christmas at the Zoo