This holiday season, Mississauga will host several magical festivals and events. This rundown of Christmas events in the city of Mississauga is ideal if you enjoy Christmas markets, art installations, and holiday lights. The Mississauga Santa Claus Parade and Light up the Square are two fantastic outdoor events that must be seen. Streetsville and Port Credit, two villages in Mississauga, are having celebrations. In addition, there are a ton of regional holiday markets where you can support local small artists and businesses if you want to do your holiday shopping locally.
Christmas Events in Mississauga 2024
In addition to this list of Mississauga’s top Christmas events, the blog will include additional ideas for top December activities in Mississauga. Here are the top Christmas events in Mississauga, listed in no particular order for you to have the best Christmas 2024 in Mississauga
Mississauga Christmas Events: Light Up the Square!
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- Venue: Celebration Square
- When: From 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on November 25, 2024
- Entry: Free admission
You must attend Light Up the Square, one of Mississauga’s best Christmas events. Numerous wonderful holiday events occur at Celebration Square, close to Square One in downtown Mississauga, including ice skating, food trucks, art installations, and dazzling Christmas lights.
This year, new interactive outdoor works of art will be on display, including Asli Alin’s Diaphanous Charms, Nate Nettleton’s Echoes, Weppler and Mahovsky’s Sugar Mountain, and Weppler and Mahovsky’s The Guest’s Shadow. A large skating rink will be available, and skates can be rented on-site. Celebration Square will also host a New Year’s Eve celebration with DJs, food trucks, and fireworks at midnight.
Run the World Holiday Market at Square One
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- Venue: Square One (2nd Floor, across from H&M)
- When: From November 24 to December 24, 2024
- Entry: Free admission
The World Holiday Christmas Market is back in Square One for a second time. While the mall is brimming with wonderful gift suggestions, you can support small, female-owned businesses at the holiday market. There are numerous other uncommon gifts available, including tea, loungewear, jewellery, bath products, and beauty products. One of the most effective Christmas shopping events in Mississauga is this one.
The Christmas market is bigger and better than ever this year, with 48 featured businesses that rotate throughout November and December. For everything you buy at RTW Holiday Market, there is a free gift-wrapping service for the holidays. The market is inside a storefront on the second floor, right across from the H&M store.
Mississauga Christmas Events: Festival of Trees
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- Venue: Small Arms Inspection Building
- When: From December 8 to 17, 2024
- Entry: Pay What You Can (PWYC)
The Festival of Trees will showcase holiday lighting displays, tree art installations by local artists, artisan markets (December 8-10), and culinary markets (December 15-17). Throughout the event, enjoy live entertainment and workshops.
WinterIN the Port: Mississauga Christmas Lights in Port Credit
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- Venue: Port Credit
- When: Mid-November 2024 to January 2025
- Entry: Free admission
WinterIN the Port will feature holiday lights along Port Credit’s Main Street and the annual lighthouse lighting ceremony in early December. The event includes Strolling Santa on Saturdays before Christmas and concludes with the Frosty Finale on January 29, 2025. Free parking is available from November to January to support local businesses. Holiday celebrations are held in WinterIN the Port in December and January. Christmas decorations and lighting are installed along Port Credit’s Main Street starting in mid-November (Lakeshore Road). There are illuminated trees, as well as beautifully lit reindeer and snowmen.
Early in December, there is a ceremony to light the lighthouse annually. The lighthouse stays illuminated throughout the holiday season after the ceremony. The small display at the lighthouse’s base contains some of Mississauga’s best holiday decorations. You could catch the “Strolling Santa” event on the Saturdays before Christmas. There will be numerous photo opportunities with Santa Claus as he strolls down Main Street.
Mississauga Christmas Lights at Journey Into Enchantment
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- Where: Meadowvale GO Station, Mississauga
- When: December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024
- Entry: Tickets range from $28.95 to $39.95 per vehicle
Journey Into Enchantment is one of the largest Christmas drive-through events in the Greater Toronto Area. For 2024, it’s taking place at the Meadowvale GO Station. Visitors will be treated to over 1.5 million twinkling lights, 3D interactive exhibits, and festive music that you can enjoy by tuning into their special radio station. One of the highlights is a mesmerising drive-through tunnel of lights, making this a memorable holiday experience for families. The entire drive-through spans 2 kilometres and lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This year, proceeds from the event will support charitable organisations like Toronto SickKids, making it a festive event with a purpose.
Mississauga Christmas Event: Christmas in the Village (Streetsville)
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- Venue: Streetsville Village Square
- Dates: November 17, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and November 18, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Entry: Free admission
This popular Christmas event in Streetsville returns with a variety of family-friendly activities. On Friday evening, the event kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony at 7:15 PM, selfies with Santa, live music by River North, and the opening of the Hello Local Christmas Market featuring over 30 vendors.
On Saturday, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, Polar Express Train, interactive ice activities, and a range of live music performances. Santa will be available for selfies throughout the day, with a break from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM for supper. Activities for kids include face painting and crafts, making it a great event for all ages
*This event will also feature free parking and will be accessible by public transit.
Mississauga Santa Claus Parade
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- Venue: Erin Mills Auto Centre
- When: Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Entry: Free admission
The Mississauga Santa Claus Parade will take place on December 1, 2024. This year, the parade will feature over 15 custom-designed floats, marching bands, dancers, sports clubs, community groups, and of course, Santa Claus himself. The parade route begins at the intersection of Dunwin Drive and Glen Erin Drive, proceeding southbound on Glen Erin, westbound onto Motorway Boulevard, and finishing on Woodchester Drive. The entire route spans 1.2 kilometres.
The parade route will open to the public at 11:00 a.m., so be sure to grab a spot early. Local businesses will provide hot chocolate, refreshments, and access to facilities, adding to the holiday spirit.
Road closures will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on various streets along the route.
Mississauga Christmas Markets
Mississauga has several exciting Christmas markets and fairs that feature handmade goods, local vendors, and festive entertainment this year. Here’s a list of notable markets:
Cranberry Christmas Market
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- Venue: Clarke Memorial Hall, 161 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga
- Date: December 7, 2024, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry: Free admission
- Featuring over 30 local vendors offering handcrafted gifts and festive treats, this curated market is a must-visit for holiday shoppers. Gift-wrapping services will be available, with proceeds going to Epilepsy South Central Ontario. Non-perishable food donations are encouraged for The Compass Food Bank.
Multicultural Holiday Market
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- Venue: Vic Johnston Community Centre
- Date: November 23, 2024
- Entry: Free admission
- This market celebrates cultural diversity with various local artisans, craft items, and food.
These markets provide a great opportunity to support local artisans and find unique gifts for your loved ones.
More Christmas things To Do in Mississauga in December 2024
Mississauga Steelheads Teddy Bear Toss
If you’re a hockey fan, don’t miss the Mississauga Steelheads’ 10th Annual Teddy Bear Toss Game on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre. Bring a stuffed toy to toss onto the ice when the Steelheads score their first goal. All toys are donated to support local kids through the Boys and Girls Club of Peel. It’s an exciting way to give back to the community while enjoying an OHL hockey game.
Explore Outdoors and Winter Hikes
If you prefer outdoor activities, Erindale Park is a fantastic destination for winter hikes and tobogganing. Located along the Credit River, the park offers scenic trails that are perfect for nature walks, even in the colder months. For a lakeside adventure, check out the Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, where boardwalk trails provide stunning views of Lake Ontario.
Where to Stay: The Waterside Inn
For accommodation, consider The Waterside Inn in Port Credit. This charming hotel is centrally located, making exploring Mississauga’s Christmas lights and holiday activities easy. With spacious rooms, full kitchens, and balconies overlooking Lake Ontario, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a festive holiday stay.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Mississauga hosts a variety of Christmas markets featuring local vendors and handmade crafts. Notable markets include the Cranberry Christmas Market at Clarke Memorial Hall on December 7, 2024, and the Multicultural Holiday Market at Vic Johnston Community Centre on November 23, 2024.
The Mississauga Festival of Trees Artisan Market will be open from December 8 to December 17, 2024 at the Small Arms Inspection Building. It features holiday lighting displays, local artisan markets, and culinary delights.
The Mississauga Santa Claus Parade will occur on Sunday, December 1, 2024, and begins at 12:00 p.m.
The parade spans a total distance of 1.2 km and typically lasts about 2-2.5 hours, depending on where you view the parade along its route . What’s famous at the Mississauga Christmas Market?
What is the duration of the Mississauga Festival of Trees?
What time is the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade?
How long does the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade last?