Several thousand residents followed behind Santa’s sleigh to the Parade After Party in Brantford’s Harmony Square on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Once on the ground, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, along with Mayor Kevin Davis and City Councillors Michael Sullivan and Mandy Samwell, joined David McKee, Brantford’s Town Crier, on stage for one of his famous proclamations.
Adriel Harjo of the Mohawk Nation’s Turtle Clan was then invited up to bestow an Indigenous blessing onto the crowd, which was followed by a delivery of festive wishes from the City of Brantford.
“This is your City Council team and we’re here to bring season’s greetings and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous, Happy New Year!” said Davis.
After a few more well-wishes from both Larry Brock, MP for Brantford–Brant South–Six Nations, as well as Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant, the man of the hour and his wife took the opportunity to remind the community what the holidays were all about.
“We’re celebrating Christmas today and on Christmas Day, but please remember, we celebrate Christmas and the feelings of Christmas every day,” said Santa. “So be nice to yourself, be nice to your friends and be nice to your family. Let’s have a joyous New Year and Merry Christmas, one and all!”
“Seeing all of you today makes my heart so happy,” added Mrs. Claus. “Your smiles, cheers and excitement remind me of the true magic of the season, which is you. As the season begins, I want every child and adult to remember that no matter what your days look like, you carry your own special light. Your kindness, your courage and your imagination make real magic beyond the wrapping paper or ribbons. Keep sharing joy, be kind and let your heart shine. You are the real holiday magic, Brantford.”
As the speeches wrapped up, attendees then had the opportunity to enjoy some free snacks, write letters to Santa, get their face painted, and jump in line for a photo with the Clauses.
Jennifer Middleton, Special Events Supervisor for the City of Brantford, said she was thrilled to be welcoming everyone back to the big event.
“It’s been such a wonderful day today. I walked in the parade again with some volunteers and we were inviting people to come back to the Brant Animal Aid Foundation’s Parade After Party. It was very exciting because they introduced a new mascot named Bingo today, and David McKee did a whole song with the crowd which was just so fun,” she said. “We’ve had all sorts of things happening here in Harmony Square; we had the cadets performing some songs prior to Santa’s arrival, we have our character meet and greet with the Snow Sisters and the Ice Harvester, we’ve got free cotton candy as well as free hot chocolate from Tim Hortons, and of course, we have free photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause! Just all those great festivities to start off the holiday season and spread Christmas cheer.”
Middleton said that she was thankful for all the volunteers and staff who helped during the event, and that they couldn’t have offered so many free activities without the support of their sponsors.
“Being able to provide free festive festivities for the community is something that we’re so very proud of, and that’s thanks to our sponsors because they really make this all possible,” she said.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
