Christmas in Mississauga 2024 – 21 Best Festive Events for Families (From a Local)
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.
But having raised my own family in this incredible city, 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, that 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, a Reptile Zone, and a Kid’s 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. SnowBall Holiday Celebration 🎁
Join Elyse and her friends for an evening of live country music featuring Aaron Allen, Alessia Cohle, Kris Barclay, and Nicole Rayy.
Enjoy special performances, shop for handmade gifts, and take fun photos.
The Snowball Holiday Celebration supports Mississauga charities such as Breakfast with Santa Foundation, Food Banks Mississauga, Habitat for Humanity, and New Circles.
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. Family Holiday Photos with Santa 🎅🏻
Take the kids to see Santa in a unique and festive venue — The Bradley Museum.
Purchase a ticket for a 4 x 6 printed colour photo of your family with Santa taken by a professional photographer, or feel free to take your own.
Additional printed photos can be bought on-site for $5.00 each (cash only).
This event offers a chance to skip the mall lines while giving to a great cause. All proceeds from this event help to support educational museum programs through the Friends of the Museums of Mississauga.
6. 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 listen to the awesome live music.
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.
7. Tidings & Tinsel Community Market 🎁
Head to this unique indoor local pop-up at Clarkson Road Presbyterian Church.
The Market features 20 vendors, free gift bags for the first 20 guests, a scavenger hunt with prizes for everyone, a toy drive supporting a local charity, exciting raffle prizes, and much more.
This free event promises a fantastic shopping experience while providing you with the opportunity to support a worthy cause within the community.
8. In the Christmas Mood – The Glenn Miller 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 Christmas concert performed by the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Enjoy an afternoon immersed in all the holiday favourites. In the Christmas Mood is sure to ignite the holiday spirit in everyone.
Christmas in Mississauga – Best Festive Events Starting in December
Below are all the festive events in Mississauga which begin in December.
9. Enchanted Witches Holiday Night Market 🎁
Head back to Streetsville for their Enchanted Witches Holiday 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.
10. Cooksville’s Magical Holiday Season Celebration 🔔
Back by popular demand, the Holiday Magic Season Celebration in Cooksville is an awesome way to celebrate the season.
Join your neighbours for an unforgettable evening in Cooksville’s largest FREE holiday event.
Indulge in yummy Belgian waffles, sip hot chocolate, join in song, enjoy live music, and more as you warm up around the fire pits.
This event promises a heartwarming and festive experience for you to enjoy with your whole family.
11. Mississauga Brunch With Santa 🎅🏻
Bring the kids for a festive brunch with the man in red himself, Santa! The Streetsville Christmas Breakfast fundraiser is an annual tradition which helps to raise money for the Eden Food Bank.
This collaborative effort involves First Responders, Businesses, Frontline Workers, Local Artists, Service Organizations, Media, and the Public, all coming together in the spirit of giving.
100% of the money raised at this event goes directly to Eden Food for Change thanks to generous sponsorships and in-kind donations.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Cranberry Christmas Market 🎀
Looking for a unique gift for a special someone? Then head over to the Cranberry Christmas Market for a day of local holiday shopping and festive entertainment.
With 30 vendors on-site, you’ll have plenty of options to discover the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday list.
Simplify your holiday prep and have your gifts wrapped on-site by donation. All proceeds going to support Epilepsy South Central Ontario.
Admission to the event is FREE, but donations of nonperishable food items for The Compass Food Bank will be accepted at the door.
16. A Merry Little Christmas – Mississauga Symphony Orchestra 🎶
If listening to classical music at Christmas sounds like a great way to spend the afternoon, then head to Hammerson Hall at the Living Arts Centre.
There you will find the extremely popular, family-oriented Christmas concert performed by the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra.
Enjoy an afternoon (or evening) immersed in all the holiday favourites. A Merry Little Christmas is a great way to get everyone into the holiday spirit.
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.
17. 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. Its one of our favourite reasons to go into the city.
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.
18. 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 private family visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Reservations are required and can be booked online using the Conservation Halton reservation system.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
If you happen to be spending Christmas Eve in Mississauga, you will have plenty of options for keeping busy. Many of the festive attractions, holiday markets and local shops are still open for you to enjoy.
After hours, you may want to think about visiting a local church for their midnight mass which often includes a Christmas Eve concert. You don’t need to be part of the congregation (or religious for that matter), to be able to enjoy the wonderful music.
Aside from whatever family traditions you take part in on Christmas Day, there are also a few things you can do around Mississauga. You can go for a walk in Port Credit or Streetsville to see the Christmas decorations, go ice skating at Celebration Square, go tobogganing in one of Mississauga’s many incredible parks, or go for a drive around the city to see all the Christmas lights.
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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