The City of Burlington invites vendors, sponsors, and entertainers to be part of our signature community events, including Canada Day and the Santa Claus Parade. These celebrations bring thousands of residents and visitors together and play an important role in creating vibrant, memorable experiences across the city. Whether you’re looking to showcase your products, promote your organization, or share your talent, this is a great opportunity to connect with the community and contribute to the energy and spirit of Burlington’s festivals and events.
Canada Day vendor opportunities are available for application submission until May 1, and Santa Claus Parade vendor opportunities will open September 2026
Food Vendor Criteria
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Participants are selected and the event vendor lineup is made based on multiple criteria and at the sole discretion of the City of Burlington. Past participation is not part of the selection criteria.
Food Vendor applicants are advised that selection is determined based on menu submitted with application. If only certain items will be offered for sale these are to be noted otherwise, the entire menu becomes part of the expected offering. Last minute substitutions or provision of an alternative menu must be communicated in advance.
- Burlington businesses and organizations are preferred
- Completeness of vendor application
- Greening initiatives and environmental impact
- Offering alternative food options (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, healthy, etc.)
- Offering wholesome, affordable, ethnically diverse food or merchandise
Vendors that align with the criteria are ranked higher in the selection process.
Only 1 entry per application.
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Political and Religious Organizational Participation in City Events
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Political and Religious Organizational Participation in City Events
To ensure all event visitors have a pleasant experience at City events, we require all political and religious organizations to follow the rules below:
1. Political Activity Restrictions
- No political campaigning or electioneering: Vendors may not distribute campaign materials, display partisan signage, or promote political candidates or parties.
- Non-partisan participation only: Elected officials may attend in a non-campaigning capacity but must refrain from soliciting votes or using branded tents/shirts tied to political campaigns.
- No distribution of advocacy materials: Materials encouraging support or opposition to specific legislation or political issues are often prohibited.
2. Religious Organization Participation
- No proselytizing: Religious organizations may attend if they are offering a neutral community service (e.g., food bank info), but active attempts to convert or preach are not permitted.
- No distribution of religious texts: The handing out of religious literature (scriptures, pamphlets) is restricted.
- Interfaith neutrality: Events must avoid appearing to promote one religion over others, especially when held on municipal grounds.
3. Branding and Signage
- No overt religious or political branding: Tents, signage, and displays must not include political slogans, religious symbols, or imagery that could be perceived as exclusionary or promotional.
- Pre-approved signage only: All signage and handouts may be subject to prior review by the organizing body to ensure compliance with neutrality guidelines.
4. Activity Requirements
- Engagement-focused booth activity: All vendors must offer an activity or interactive element relevant to the event theme (e.g., arts, games, cultural showcases), rather than simply distributing materials.
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Food and Marketplace Vendors
Apply to participate as a food vendor* or marketplace vendor* (retail, community, business and activity) at upcoming events.
*Please note that by selecting this link, you will be redirected to a third-party website. The City of Burlington is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of external sites.
Entertainers
Submit your information to be considered for performance opportunities at City events.
Sponsors
Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities* can contact our team to learn more about available options and event partnerships.
*Please note that by selecting this link, you will be redirected to a third-party website. The City of Burlington is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of external sites.
Santa Claus Parade 2026 – Entry Criteria
These guidelines help ensure a safe, inclusive, and high-quality parade experience for participants and spectators. The City reserves the right to approve entries based on safety, parade flow, balance, and overall event experience.
Applications and Approval
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Application process, caps, and acceptance criteria.
- Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached or the deadline passes.
- Total parade entries are capped at 65.
- Submission does not guarantee acceptance.
- Preliminary designs, photos, or descriptions are required.
- All entries must comply with the Parade Entry Criteria.
- Criteria are reviewed and updated annually.
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Entry Categories
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Walking groups, performers, and bands.
A. Walking & Float Entries
Community-based participants walking or accompanying a decorated vehicle.
Requirements:
- Maximum 30 walkers
- Children under 12 must be supervised (1 adult per 5 children)
- Continuous forward movement required
- No stand-still performances
- Subject to spacing and parade flow review
B. Entertainment & Performance Entries
Performance-based groups presenting choreography while advancing.
Requirements:
- Must maintain continuous forward movement
- No stand-still routines
- Must designate:
- One pace leader
- One safety lead
- Group size approved based on choreography, supervision, and flow
- May be asked to adjust formations
C. Marching Bands & Musical Performances
Featured performance entries providing live music.
Requirements:
- Not subject to walking caps
- Size and formation must be approved
- Continuous forward movement required
- Music must be family-friendly
- Must meet spacing and safety standards
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Category Limits
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Ensuring variety and balance.
- The City may limit entries within categories.
- Maximum three entries per category per applicant.
- Selection may be based on quality, variety, or random draw.
- Waitlist may apply once limits are reached.
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Safety and Parade Conduct
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Pace, spacing, and safety expectations.
- Maintain approximately 3 km/h (165 ft/min) pace.
- Keep 15 metres (50 feet) between entries.
- No stopping at any time.
- No throwing or distributing items (except approved sponsors).
- Non-compliant entries may be removed.
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Messaging and Content Guidelines
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Appropriate themes and representation.
- Non-political, non-controversial holiday event.
- No political advocacy or endorsements.
- Religious entries must engage a broad audience.
- Entries cannot be solely advertising.
- No Santa or Mrs. Claus portrayals (reserved for Official Float).
- Inflatables are permitted.
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Vehicles and Float Requirements
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Vehicle limits and decoration standards.
- One vehicle per entry unless approved.
- No standalone automobiles (antique/specialty exceptions possible).
- Vehicles must be fully decorated.
- Must be mechanically sound.
- Float riders must have secure seating or footing.
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Meetings and Communication
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Pre-parade coordination requirements.
- One representative must attend mandatory pre-parade meeting.
- Applicant responsible for communicating all rules to participants.
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Acknowledgement and Compliance
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Agreement to comply with parade standards.
By applying, participants confirm that they:
- Have read and understood all Entry Criteria
- Agree to comply with safety guidelines
- Understand non-compliance may affect future eligibility
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