Tavistock’s 2025 Santa Claus Parade shaping up to be one of the best yet

Santa will return for this year’s parade, making sure every child along the route receives a treat. To enter a float, contact parade co-chairs Mark Kozdras or Don Junker, or speak with any member of the Men’s Club. Contributed photo

By Gary West

Preparations are complete for this year’s Santa Claus Parade in Tavistock, and organizers say the 2025 edition is set to be one of the most exciting parades the community has seen.

The event will follow its traditional route, beginning on Janelle Drive on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars, and anyone with a float is invited to join the fun.

For the first time, the Men’s Club, longtime parade sponsors, will set up Santa’s chair at the end of the route near the post office. Children can enjoy cheese sticks from Saputo and white or chocolate milk from Oxford County Dairy Producers after meeting Santa.

The New Hamburg Concert Band will stop in the secondary parking lot on Maria Street to continue performing as long as weather permits.

Local South Easthope farmer Jennifer Albrecht is coordinating an East Zorra-Tavistock 50th anniversary celebration booth at the post office corner, offering free hot chocolate and hotdogs before, during and after the parade. Members of East Zorra-Tavistock council will also be on hand to greet residents.

Additional treats will be available thanks to the local Subway and Esso, who will provide cookies, chips and drinks, while John Ros of Mad Mash will offer bite-sized meat pies at the five corners.

The Men’s Club will once again have Santa handing out candy canes along the route, and many floats will also have treats for spectators. Organizers hope to see families from across the community come out and help celebrate another festive season in Tavistock.