Almost 45,000 spectators had their Christmas wishes granted as they were treated to a fantastic array of floats,, performing groups and lovable characters at the 2024 Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade. “It was an awesome day for the Parade, after the rain showers the sun made a glorious appearance and Santa
Claus returned to Downtown streets following a weather postponement last Sunday.”, said Gaylynne Gulliver of Downtown St. John’s.
Employees of Newfoundland Power, a corporate sponsor of the event, were out in full force gathering food for Santa’s annual food drive in aid of the Community Food Sharing Association as well as thousands in cash donations. Newfoundland Power are also matching funds collected at the Parade up to $15,000.00
The winners of various categories for the 2024 Downtown St. John’s Parade were:
Charlie Cook Community Spirit Award:
Kickin’ It Country
Best Live Music Performance
Music Collection Drumline
Best Cheerleading Group
1. Waterford Valley.
2. Coastal Wave Elite
3. Cheer Sport Sharks
Best Performing Group:
1. Revolutions
2. Ashley Feltham School of Dance
3. Jill Dready Dance Co
Best Non-Corporate Float:
1. Iceberg Alley Riders
2. St. John’s Legends Swim Club
3. HMSC Cabot
Best Corporate Float:
1. Heave Away Waste Management
2. Vale -Long Harbour Operations
3. Harvey’s Home Heating
Downtown St. John’s would like to thank Newfoundland Power, NTV and OZ FM, Allstar Rebar, Capital Auto Group, the City of St. John’s, St. John’s Regional Fire Department, RNC, Rovers Ground Search and Rescue, Eastern Health, St. John Ambulance, Bell, East Can Transport, and Colliers International as well as the thousands of Parade participants, spectators, volunteers and community agencies who made the event such a success.
Join Santa and his special friends on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 12:00 pm in historic Downtown St. John’s.
Pick your favorite spot on the sidewalk along the parade route to help us welcome Santa to town! Don’t forget to bring along a non-perishable food item or a donation for the Community Food Sharing Association.
This Sunday, thousands of people will descend upon the downtown area for two exciting events. The Downtown Christmas Parade will take place starting 12 p.m. Additionally, the Grand Slam of Curling will be taking place at Mary Brown’s Centre, which welcomes curlers and visitors from across the world to the city.
While downtown will be bustling with excitement, there will also be significant traffic and parking impacts on Sunday, December 1.
To avoid delays, patrons are strongly encouraged to arrange a ride with friends or family, use taxis or ride-sharing services, or use public transit. The free metrobus shuttle arranged to reduce parking and traffic congestion for the Christmas Parade is also available to those attending the Grand Slam of Curling (more details below).
If choosing to drive, arriving early is strongly recommended, as motorists should expect delays, road closures, and limited parking availability.
Doors will open for the Grand Slam of Curling at 10:30 a.m.
A free, wheelchair-accessible park and ride service will operate on a load-and-go basis starting at 10 a.m. from two locations:
Return shuttles will be available at the drop-off locations (Bannerman Road & Mary Brown’s Centre) immediately following the parade.
There will also be a shuttle running from Mary Brown Centre starting 7:30 p.m. following the men’s final at the Grand Slam of Curling to the Newfoundland & Labrador Housing Building only.
On street parking will be very limited.
There are pay per use parking garages located at 8 New Gower Street, 351 Water Street, Metro Park, 330 Duckworth Street, A.P. Parking Garage and Clift’s Baird’s Cove.
Vehicles parked in the following areas will be towed beginning 8 a.m. on Sunday, December 1:
The parade will travel from Factory Lane to the Water Street/Springdale Street intersection. The full parade route is available on the Downtown St. John’s website.
The following roads will be closed effective the times noted below. These times are subject to change based on operational and safety requirements:
For those headed to the Grand Slam of Curling, please note that the Mary Brown Centre drop-off area is only accessible to west bound traffic on New Gower Street. East bound traffic (i.e. from Pitt’s Memorial or Barter’s Hill/New Gower intersection) can use the St. John’s Convention Centre drop off area. Pedestrians should use the signalized intersections or skywalk to cross New Gower.
We ask that all pedestrians please use cross walks when crossing roadways and proceed with extra caution during high traffic times.
The GoBus drop off and pick up location for the parade is on George Street next to Jungle Jim’s. GoBus users must reserve their ride.
Accessible parking permit holders can avail of parking located along George Street, accessed via Queen Street. There will also be accessible parking along New Gower Street. An accessible viewing area for the Christmas Parade is located at 354 Water Street on a first come, first served basis.
Accessible passholders for the Grand Slam of Curling can access the St. John’s Convention Centre until 11:30 a.m., after which time Waldegrave Street will be closed. Waldegrave Street will not be accessible from Water Street after 10:15 a.m., so please take either Habour Drive or travel through the New Gower/Waldegrave intersection.
For questions directly related to the Grand Slam of Curling, please contact the Mary Brown’s Centre. For inquiries regarding the Downtown Christmas Parade, please contact Downtown St. John’s.
For questions related to road closures and traffic interruptions, please contact Access St. John’s by calling 311 or 709-754-CITY (2489) or by email at access@stjohns.ca.
This event is brought to you by the Downtown St. John’s Business Commission. It is supported by the City of St. John’s, NL Power and OZ/FM & NTV.
When you come to visit Santa and his friends don’t forget to explore everything Downtown has to offer! Support Local. Shop Downtown.
Don’t miss it! It’s the big day you have been waiting for all year! It’s the Annual Downtown St. John’s Tax Free Day on Saturday, November 2. Be sure to head downtown and check out what your favorite shops and services have to offer! Get that someone special on your Christmas list something special you won’t find anywhere else!
For a list of participating Downtown shops and services click here:
*Some restrictions may apply. Inquire at your favorite shop for details. Some information may change.
Check back often for an updated list of participating businesses.
This event is organized and financially supported by the Downtown St. John’s Business Commission.
