Santa steals the show as Paris parade lights up downtown

Santa Claus waves to cheering spectators during the annual Paris Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 6. Community groups, organizations and local businesses put their best floats forward, and the crowd was not disappointed. Story and more photos on page 3.

Chris Whelan

Editor

As December’s chill gently settled on the town of Paris, the excitement in the air was unmistakable. The annual Paris Santa Claus Parade has always been a cherished tradition, but this year held special significance for The Paris Independent. Not only were we attending, but we were also given the honour of judging the best float entry—a role that filled us with pride and anticipation. The memories of festive parades gone by mixed with the promise of new moments, stirring a deep sense of nostalgia and community spirit.

Arriving at the staging area just as the sun dipped below the horizon, the street was already alive with bustling activity. Rows of floats lined the pavement, each one a testament to creativity, teamwork, and holiday cheer. As we walked through the crowd, the glow from twinkling lights and the gentle hum of excited voices set the perfect seasonal mood. It was impossible not to smile as we greeted float participants—volunteers, local business owners, and proud children—each eager to showcase their handiwork.

We spent time chatting with the float teams, snapping photos of imaginative displays and smiling faces. The camaraderie was infectious; everyone seemed to know each other, and laughter echoed between conversations about last-minute decorations and costume adjustments. Every encounter brought another joyful moment, reminding me why this parade is such a beloved event.

With so many stunning entries, judging was no easy task. Criteria like originality, craftsmanship, festive spirit, and crowd engagement guided our choices, but more often than not, heartfelt effort shone through in every float. Each team had their own story to tell, whether it was a nod to local heritage or a playful twist on holiday traditions.

We mingled with participants, asked about their inspiration, and watched as children handed out candy with gleeful abandon. It was heartwarming to see neighbours supporting neighbours—offering tips, lending tools, and cheering each other on. My notepad quickly filled with favourites but narrowing them down felt nearly impossible.

After much deliberation, one entry stood out among the rest—the Rotary Club of Paris’s float, ‘Rotary Flyer.’ This masterpiece captured the imagination with its vibrant colours, intricate details, and a truly magical design that seemed to soar above the crowd. The volunteers aboard the float wore their Rotary pins with pride, waving to onlookers as their creation rolled by.

In recognition of their outstanding work, the Rotary Club of Paris will be awarded a $250 Canadian Tire gift certificate generously sponsored by the Paris Volunteer Firefighters Club. Their float not only delighted spectators but also embodied the spirit of giving and community that the parade celebrates.

While ‘Rotary Flyer’ claimed the top honour, the competition was fierce and the variety astounding. The Kiwanas Club presented a float full of cheerful elves and Rudolph the red nosed reindeer himself, while the Paris Wolfpack brought a sense of adventure with their wolf-themed decorations and team spirit. The Paris Beavers charmed the crowd with a winter wonderland scene featuring playful beaver mascots.

Local businesses added their own special touch: Home Building Centre’s float showcased a miniature festive home; Canadian Tire dazzled with twinkling lights and a towering truck and their familiar logo; Legends Sports Bar brought a lively, sporty twist to the festivities; and Cedarview Church inspired with a heartwarming nativity display. Every float told a story, and every participant brought something unique to the parade.

As the parade made its way through the bustling streets, candy flew through the air in the hands of costumed children and smiling volunteers. The crowd—young and old alike—lined the sidewalks, bundled up in toques and scarves, waving, clapping, and singing along to holiday tunes. The festive atmosphere was palpable: laughter, music, and the scent of hot chocolate mingled with the cool December breeze.

The turnout was impressive, with a remarkable number of float entries and spectators braving the winter evening. It was clear that Paris’s community spirit was alive and well, as families, friends, and neighbours came together to celebrate the season and support one another.

Looking back on the 2025 Paris Santa Claus Parade, Cindy, Jeff and myself are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a cherished tradition. Judging the floats was a privilege, but the real joy came from witnessing the dedication, creativity, and unity that make our town so special. Whether you were building a float, handing out candy, or simply waving from the crowd, every moment contributed to the parade’s magic.

Thank you to the Paris Firefighters Club for organizing the parade, Pelton Brothers Transport once again for providing tractor trailers for some of our community float entries and all the participants, volunteers, and spectators who made this year’s parade unforgettable. Here’s to many more years of festive celebrations, generous hearts, and the timeless spirit of Paris.