Our Story
In 1994, Mr. Serge Parent introduced the idea of a parade to celebrate Santa Claus’s arrival in Aylmer. Ms. Donna Lee Graham helped organize the very first parade on Principale Street on a Saturday afternoon.
In 1998, the parade took a pause before returning in a new form in 1999.
In 1999, the parade lit up Principale Street for the first time in the early evening.
Proud of her five years of dedication, Ms. Graham stepped down.
In 2000, Mr. Daniel Rochon stepped in to help and organized the next three parades.
In 2003, the parade was named Community Event of the Year and received a trophy from the City of Gatineau.
The parade won the Best Annual Event award in Best of Aylmer – Reader’s Choice in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
In 2019, the parade celebrated its 25th edition, much to the delight of spectators.
In 2020, the parade did not take place, but the Christmas Market was a great success.
In 2021, the parade was transformed into a drive-through style float exhibition where visitors followed a designated route. The Christmas Market was also hosted in a new location—on the streets surrounding the Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer.
In 2022, the traditional Santa Claus Parade returned.
From the Aylmer Parade to the Gatineau Parade
Thanks to the work of countless volunteers, strong community support, and the success of the annual event, the Aylmer sector became the official host of the parade for the newly formed City of Gatineau. In 2003, Ms. Pascale Beaudoin took over and brought the parade to a whole new scale—more lights, more floats, more music, growing recognition, and more spectators. A dynamic team supported her efforts.
In 2018, after being involved in the event for 15 years, Ms. Beaudoin passed the baton to the next generation. Ms. Mylène Deneault became President of the Santa Claus Parade Corporation.
The Birth of the Christmas Market
In 2014, to celebrate the parade’s 20th anniversary and extend the festive season, the committee organized a parade, an authentic Christmas Market, and special entertainment in Patrimonial Square.
Just the Beginning
In 2015, a new name and a new brand image were unveiled.
Community Involvement
Over the years, the parade has partnered with various high schools and colleges in the region to involve young volunteers in many different ways. Each year, between 50 and 70 high school students, 150 police technology students, as well as volunteer photographers, aspiring journalists, marketing students, event management students, and more join the core volunteer team to help ensure the event runs smoothly.
Several floats are also designed and animated by volunteers from local organizations.
