Christmas in Mississauga 2023 – Best Festive Events for Families

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Christmas in Mississauga

There are a ton of festive events in Mississauga that are family-friendly, fun, and guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit. So if you love Christmas lights, art installations, festive concerts, and holiday markets, then you should have no problem finding the perfect event for your family when spending Christmas in Mississauga.

And what is really nice about Mississauga at Christmas time, is that there are plenty of amazing outdoor events, like Light up the Square, that are perfect for active families. Go ice skating, stroll around the city looking at the light displays, and enjoy warming up with a cup of hot cocoa from a local cafe.

But take it from a local, my favourite places to visit during the Christmas season, are the smaller ‘villages’ in Mississauga like Streetsville or Port Credit. This is where you will find the most festive ambiance, amazing small businesses to shop in, and wonderful eateries to satisfy all your cravings.

Christmas in Mississauga – Best Festive Events Starting in November

To make things a little easier, we have decided to list all of our festive events in Mississauga in order of when they open. The following are all the Christmas attractions that are going on in November, and the best part is, the list also includes plenty of free things to do in Mississauga.

🎅🏻 1. Christmas in the Village

One of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Mississauga is to head to Streetsville. The Christmas in the Village festival is where you will find a weekend full of free activities and entertainment for all ages.

Streetsville will officially kick off the festivities with a tree-lighting ceremony featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Friday evening is when families can line Queen St. S to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they ride down the street in their sleigh, accompanied by the Streetsville Pipes and Drums and the Legion’s Colour Party.

Saturday will be filled with family-friendly events including the Christmas market, pictures with Santa Claus, live entertainment, photo ops, activities for kids and more! Sunday’s activities will include the Christmas market, Santa Claus and live music.

🐶 2. Toronto Christmas Pet Show

The Toronto Christmas Pet Show is for the furry members of your family. Taking place at the International Centre in Mississauga, pet enthusiasts can expect to find a wide range of vendors and shows.

From celebrity pets to grooming demonstrations, Santa’s Village, Cat and Dog show, Reptile Zone, and a Kids Corner, there is so much to see and do at the Pet Show.

The Pet Show is also PET FRIENDLY!! Bring along your furry, feathery, or scaley friends, for 2 days of safe, interactive fun, pet-focused shopping, and all the holiday entertainment you can imagine.

🎁 3. Treats ‘n’ Treasures Christmas Marketplace

This small, community-based Christmas market is where you will find unique, hand-crafted items including jewelry, hand knits, fabric creations, fine art, books, chocolate, pottery, holiday décor, Christmas goodies, decorations and more.

Entrance to the market is $3 (children under 12 free), however, this includes a coffee and a muffin in the cafe, with all proceeds going to The Compass Food Bank & Outreach Centre.

You will also find plenty of free parking!

✨ 4. Holidays at illumi

If you love Holiday light displays, then head to illumi Mississauga for one of the largest light, sound, and multimedia shows on the planet. At illumi’s A Dazzling World of Lights, you will feel like you stepped straight into a storybook, with 14 magical universes to explore including the new Holiday Universe.

From snowmen to candy canes, reindeer, giant snowflakes, and more, you will watch as more than 20 million brilliant LED lights transform the night sky. As you explore illumi’s 600,000-square-foot site, enjoy delicious holiday-inspired treats, a red carpet, holiday tunes, and a magical walk under the stars.

🎁 5. Mississauga’s Holiday Night Market

Head back to Streetsville for their 1st annual Holiday Night Market. Celebrate the magic of Christmas at this FREE and unique holiday shopping experience for the whole family.

The Holiday Night Market will feature a variety of local vendors, artists and so much more. With FREE Christmas swag bags given to the first 30 guests, as well as the Largest Christmas Giveaway Basket which includes 1 item from every vendor, there is a lot going on at this unique market.

✨ 6. Christmas Light Show – Journey into Enchantment

Journey into Enchantment is an annual Christmas lights event for the whole family. Located in the parking lot of the Meadowvale GO Station, this drive-thru event offers a fun family-friendly twist to the Christmas season.

Filled with over 2 million lights and your favourite Christmas characters, Journey into Enchantment is home to a ton of large and unique light sculptures. Not only will you find Santa’s north pole, but you will also see the 12 days of Christmas, little elves, polar bears, penguins, moving flowers, 3D holiday displays and so much more!

🎄 7. Light Up the Square

The official kick-off to the winter season happens every year at Mississauga’s Celebration Square. Featuring the lighting of the Christmas Tree, live entertainment, ice skating, food trucks, and so much more, it’s a great place to get your family into the holiday spirit.

From the official opening of the City’s largest outdoor skating rink to the lighting of the Christmas Tree and trees around the Square, you are in for a magical evening filled with dazzling lights and incredible entertainment!

While you are there, be sure to snap a photo with Santa and the elves, explore the four glowing public art installations throughout the Square, or play one of the unique giant light-up games that the kids will definitely love.

And of course, taking part in all the festivities will surely work up an appetite. Be sure to grab a bite to eat or a hot beverage at one of the many food trucks located around the Square.

🎁 8. Holiday Antique Shopping Event

If you love to shop for antiques, then this holiday market is definitely for you! Once located in St. Lawrence Market, this iconic Toronto antique market has now moved to the historic Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga!

Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and antiques from the Victorian era to mid-century modern. And with over 80 vendors from Ontario and Quebec, you are sure to find a unique gift for someone on your Christmas list, or even the perfect treasure for yourself.

Christmas in Mississauga – Best Festive Events Starting in December

Below are all the festive events in Mississauga which begin in December.

🎄 9. Mississauga Festival of Trees

Located at the Small Arms Inspection Building, the Mississauga Festival of Trees transforms this space into a festive display of seasonal lights, artist-created tree and wood pile installations, artisan and food markets, performances and entertainment, and more.

The festival celebrates the joy of the winter season. Not only will you find wonderfully creative holiday displays, but you will also find artisan and culinary markets.

Featuring a collection of artisans from across Ontario, the market is filled with amazing and unique, handcrafted, and locally made gifts. The Culinary Market features an array of food and drink vendors, with fresh and take-home offerings available.

🎄 10. Meet The Elf On The Shelf

If you have younger children at home, chances are, you either have an Elf on the Shelf or are well acquainted with his/her antics.

Enjoy a fun day filled with activities, giveaways, as well as arts and crafts. And don’t forget to bring your camera, as you will even have an opportunity to take a sELFie with the elusive Elf on The Shelf!

🩰 11. The Nutcracker

Christmas is a wonderful time for making unforgettable memories with your family! And no matter what your age, The Nutcracker ballet is sure to become a favourite Christmas tradition.

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s rendition of this incredible holiday classic will transport you to a dazzling winter wonderland. Step into a magical world of toy soldiers and colourful characters, while Tchaikovsky’s beloved score enchants visitors both young and old.

Full of instantly recognizable music, including “Waltz of the Flowers,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” and more, The Nutcracker promises to be an unforgettable evening, one that the entire family will enjoy.

🎅🏻 12. Mississauga Santa Claus Parade

The Mississauga Santa Claus Parade is a community-based event sponsored by many local businesses. The parade features over 15 custom-designed floats and over 1,500 participants including marching bands, dancers, fitness and sports clubs, community groups and dignitaries.

The parade proudly supports many important local charities such as the Mississauga Food Bank, United Way of Peel Region, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, MADD, the Breakfast with Santa Fund and others. And with an expected crowd of over 30,000, you know it is pretty popular!

The parade route closes to traffic an hour before the festivities begin, so arrive early to get a prime viewing spot! And don’t forget to dress warmly, as it does tend to be chilly during this event.

🔔 13. 2022 Christmas Party

If it’s a kid’s Christmas party you are after, then head to the Amazing Adventures Playland in Mississauga. The 2022 Jolly Jingle Bells Christmas Party promises to be the favourite event of the season for kids up to 12 years old.

Each child will receive a holiday-themed postbox filled with Christmas nut-free treats and candies, as well as a Certificate of Attendance to take home. Throughout the event, kids can write a personalized letter to Santa Claus and mail it, listen to Holiday music, take part in the Costume Parade, enjoy Holiday crafts, play Holiday games, as well as burn off some energy on the play equipment.

🎶 14. Merry Little Christmas – Mississauga Symphony Orchestra

If you enjoy listening to classical Christmas music, then head to Hammerson Hall at the Living Arts Centre. There you will find the extremely popular, family-oriented annual Christmas concert performed by the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra.

Enjoy an evening immersed in all the holiday favourites. A Merry Little Christmas is sure to ignite the holiday spirit in everyone.

Best Christmas Events Near Mississauga

And if you still have room on your calendar for more festive events, then you can head just outside of Mississauga where you will also find some incredible holiday attractions.

🎄 15. Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Distillery Winter Village

If you are heading out of Mississauga in search of festive Holiday events, the Christmas season would definitely not be complete without a visit to one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets! The Distillery Winter Village (formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market), has been a staple for Torontonians for the last 12 years.

With more than 75 local merchants, restaurants, and cafés, as well as seasonal vendors and food cabins, you’re sure to find the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list!

Stroll through the fully-accessible, pedestrian-only market while enjoying the starlit canopies, a Grand Christmas Tree in Trinity Square, holiday photo opportunities, as well as festive music throughout.

And while you are visiting the Market, don’t forget to grab a selfie with Santa! Rather than sitting in his workshop this year, Santa and his team of elves will be roaming the cobblestone streets. You will also find an awesome line-up of buskers and carolers strolling through the Market.

Tickets are required for the tree lighting event on November 17th after 4:00 pm, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 4:00 pm. Tickets are also required between December 27th – December 31st after 4:00 pm.

At all other times, access is free of charge, and tickets are not required.

🎀 16. Mountsburg Christmas Town

Christmas would not be complete without a visit to the ever-popular Mountsburg Christmas Town. This annual family-friendly event is hosted by Conservation Halton, and sells out every year!

Located just a short drive outside of Mississauga, Mountsburg offers a scavenger hunt through the woods, Santa’s magic village, hot chocolate and cookies, and a Christmas craft. Finish off the day with a virtual Christmas storytime inside Mrs. Claus’ cabin kitchen.

Reservations are required and can be booked online using the Conservation Halton reservation system.

❄️ 17. WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland

Every year, Canada’s Wonderland transforms into a magical winter wonderland. WinterFest is a one-of-a-kind, immersive, family-friendly holiday event that you really don’t want to miss.

Not only do they have ice skating in front of the iconic mountain, but you can also enjoy select family rides that are open. There is also a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony, live holiday shows, a holiday market, and strolling performers.

Families can also enjoy interactive holiday attractions like cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus or writing letters to Santa at the North Pole Post Office. Enjoy festive food, visit with Santa, take part in Christmas crafts, or shop for seasonal merchandise.

🚜 18. Wagon Ride at Downey’s Farm

Especially popular with families who have younger children, Downey’s Christmas at the Farm is a wonderfully festive outdoor experience. Head over to the farm this season to see Santa and his Elves while spending the day enjoying all that Downey’s has to offer.

Enjoy a wagon ride scavenger hunt, visit with the farm animals, or warm up by the fire with a hot chocolate and cookie. Then round out your day with a visit to the Elves Workshop as well as the Reindeer Flight School.

Your admission fee also includes a private meet and greet, but socially distanced visit with Santa, as well as a gift from Santa for the kids.

Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Timed visits will be approximately 60 to 75 minutes in length.

🍪 19. Victorian Christmas Cooking Class at Dundurn Castle

Enjoy an authentic Victorian Christmas cooking experience at Dundurn Castle in Hamilton. Open to all ages, this really is a unique and festive culinary experience for the whole family to enjoy.

The Victorian Christmas Cooking Class takes place in Dundurn’s 19th-century kitchen. Here, costumed cooks will guide you through the process of preparing a variety of seasonal desserts.

The best part, of course, is that you get to take your creations home to enjoy later! This unique and entertaining experience is only open to a maximum of 10 people per workshop with up to two Dundurn cooks.

Your registration fee for the class also includes a guided tour of Dundurn decked out for the season.  

🏰 20. Holiday Lights Tour at Casa Loma

Why not experience the magic of the season at Casa Loma’s self-guided Holiday Lights Tour? This amazing attraction allows guests to stroll through the gardens and tunnels of the property while enjoying the spectacular decorations and outdoor lighting displays.

You can find the entrance for the Holiday Lights Tour on the southwest corner of the property at Davenport Rd. and Walmer Rd. Keep in mind, that although this event is family-friendly, it is primarily outdoors and requires walking approximately 2 kilometres, including various sets of stairs.

Christmas in Mississauga FAQs

Just a couple of additional tips from a local to anyone wanting to spend Christmas in Mississauga.

Final Thoughts on the Best Christmas Events in Mississauga

We hope that we have given you more than a few great ideas for spending Christmas in Mississauga with your family. Take it from us locals, you will have a hard time narrowing down which ones to fit into your busy holiday schedule!

What are your favourite ways to celebrate Christmas in Mississauga? Is there a favourite festive event that we have missed Drop us a line and let us know!

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