Petrolia’s Santa Claus Parade is returning to downtown Petrolia.

Last year, the town held a drive-by parade, with floats moving through the community over a course of a couple of hours since crowds were not able to gather.

But as people are vaccinated and the number of people being infected with the virus decreases, the province is preparing to ease the limit of 100 people outdoors for parades.

Petrolia officials announced Thursday this year’s parade “All the Colours of Christmas” will be Sat. Dec. 4 at 2 pm in the downtown.

Before the parade, an online sign in portal will be available for contact tracing.  QR codes will be placed around the parade route so that you can check in also.  One check-in per family is required.  You are asked to stay in their family group, and to wear a mask if you cannot maintain six feet of distance from other families.

Details of the parade route will be available shortly.

The Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club along with the Petrolia Camera Club have confirmed that Santa Claus will be making an appearance at Y. There will be socially distanced photos with Santa. Families are asked to wear a mask until just before the photo is taken. Anyone over 12 years of age will be required to show proof of vaccination to get in, according to the Y’s policies.

Children can also drop off letters to Santa at town hall or electronically at letterstosanta@petrolia.ca and he will reply.

The Christmas season kicks off this year with Christmas in the Park Dec. 3 starting at 5pm. There won’t be the traditional Chilli Cookoff this year however local service groups will have booths in Victoria Park handing out special treats.

The town is also compiling a “Magical Tour of Lights” for residents to visit. If your home or business has a display, you can contact the town to be included.

The town will also hold its first ever Christmas Market, Dec. 4 from 10 am to 4 pm.

If you go:

Friday, December 3, 2021

5:00 p.m. – Victoria Park – Service Club Treats, Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Angel Tree, and Christmas music in the Park

6:00 p.m. – Victoria Park – Lighting of the Lights

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Around Petrolia – Magical Tour of Lights – maps available December 1

Saturday, December 4, 2021

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – 396 Fletcher Street, Behind the Library – Petrolia’s First Outdoor Christmas Market

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.* – Downtown Petrolia – “Shop Like Santa” Christmas Shopping Event (hours vary based on each business)

2:00 p.m. – Downtown Petrolia – Santa Claus Parade “All the Colours of Christmas”

Following the Parade – Petrolia YMCA – Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club hosts “Santa at The Centre (Petrolia YMCA)”

E-mails and letters to Santa will be accepted until December 15, 2021, and all letters with an e-mail address or return address will receive replies.