Activity/Entertainment Sponsorship

To ensure a vibrant, high-quality, and family-friendly Santa Claus Parade, all applicants must meet the following criteria specific to their category (Float, Entertainment, Walking Group). Eligible applications will be evaluated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If selected, all participants must also adhere to the Rules & Regulations of the parade.

2025 Activity/Entertainment Sponsorship Application

  • Please provide past photos or design renderings below.
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Entry Regulations

General Rules

PARTICIPANT/ENTRIES RULES & REGULATIONS 

All participating groups and/or entries must adhere to the rules and regulations listed below. The City of Mississauga holds the right to refuse entry to any participating group at any time, should it differ from its approved application, not meet parade guidelines, or breach any of the rules and regulations.

General Rules

  1. All parade participants and/or entries are required to have a representative at the Parade Safety Orientation Meeting; date to be confirmed. If a participating group or entry does not have a representative present at the meeting, they may not be permitted to participate in the parade.
  2. No Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus replica may be a part of any entry other than the official Santa Claus parade float.
  3. Only parade entries with an approved application will be permitted to participate in the parade. 
  4. Solicitation is not permitted, either in the staging area or along the parade route. 
  5. Entries must incorporate the parade theme (“Shine Bright, Sauga!”) into their float design, costume, props, or music. 
  6. Entries must not exceed 15’ in height, 30’ in width, and 48’ in length. Height is calculated from the road surface to the highest point of the entry. Accurate measurements must be included. Floats will travel through arches when entering/exiting MCS; space restrictions will be in effect.
  7. All participants must arrive at the staging area at the designated time. Late arrivals may be refused entry. Participants who do not arrive on time for staging will not be permitted to participate in the parade. The parade will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
  8. All entries will be subject to a safety and production standards inspection before the start of the parade. Exact time of the inspection will be communicated in advance. Any entries that do not pass the inspection will not be permitted to participate in the parade.
  9. All participants must follow instructions provided by City of Mississauga staff and/or Parade Marshalls.
  10. Entries may not include an open flame element of any kind.
  11. Entries with animals may not allow animals to roam free. Animals must be leashed/harnessed at all times. Animal groups will be responsible for clean-up and for any actions of the animals participating in the parade.
  12. No participants in the parade shall consume, nor give the impression of consuming, alcoholic beverages.
  13. Entries may not stop, slow down, reverse, or exit the parade route prematurely. Spacing instructions will be provided by City Staff or Parade Marshalls prior to parade start.
  14. Participants may not throw or distribute any giveaways during the parade, unless approved in advance by the Santa Claus Parade organizing committee. 
  15. Vehicle drivers must turn off cellular devices and remain focused for the duration of the parade. 
  16. The parade is a smoke-free environment.
Float Entries
  1. Any float entry that does not pass the safety and production standards inspection will not be permitted to participate in the parade.
  2. Railings, handlebars, or harnesses must be provided for all riders standing on a float. Safety chain and safety hitch chains are also required on all floats.  Fire Extinguisher(s) shall be easily accessible whether on the float or at street level.
  3. Float drivers must be licensed to drive the vehicle they are operating. Drivers must also have clear vision ahead and to all sides when operating the vehicle. 
  4. Floats must not have any sharp edges or protruding elements.
  5. Floats with generators or other possible fire hazards must keep a working fire extinguisher on the float. The driver of the float and the entry manager(s) must be aware of extinguisher location(s) and trained in its use.
  6. Floats must have two (2) spotters who will walk with your float to monitor any safety issues and ensure appropriate spacing is maintained.
  7. Music is not mandatory; however, if included on an entry, speakers must be facing the sides of the float/vehicle. 
  8. Towing vehicles shall be in good mechanical condition and be properly fueled and serviced prior to the Parade.
  9. Generator and/or vehicle exhaust pipes shall extend beyond the decorations.
  10. All powered equipment shall be CSA/UL approved and in good working condition.
  11. Float vehicles and generators must have a full tank of gas on parade day. 
Walking Group/Marching Band Entries
  1. Walking groups must have a minimum of 16 and maximum of 65 active participants. 
  2. Walking groups must incorporate a form of entertainment or performance into their entry (i.e. live musicians, choreographed dance, costumed characters, acrobats, etc.). Walking groups must be interactive and dynamic performances that engage the crowd. 
  3. Walking groups must ensure all participants are in costume or uniformed attire to achieve a cohesive look. 
  4. A custom printed banner will be provided to each walking group. Walking groups must provide two (2) banner carriers who will operate under the direction of the Parade Marshalls or City Staff. No other banners or signage will be permitted.