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.

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

Light Up the Square: Festive Season with a Glow

Mississauga Christmas Events: Light Up the Square
Credits : Justin Plus Lauren
    • Venue: Celebration Square
    • When: From 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on November 23, 2024 
    • Entry: Free admission

With the grand Christmas tree at the centre stage, the festive season kicked off with the annual Light Up the Square event. The event brought the community together for an evening of excitement and seasonal joy.

Event Highlights:

    • Surrounded by glimmering lights, visitors glided across the outdoor skating rink.
    • Captivating light displays and interactive installations, including the newly added Winter Whimsy Walk, were among the main attractions.
    • Live entertainment from local artists and DJs set a cheerful holiday mood.
    • Hot beverages and festive treats from food trucks provided the perfect way to stay warm on a chilly evening.

Run the World Holiday Market: Experience Unique Holiday 

    • Venue: Square One (2nd Floor, across from H&M)
    • When: From November 29th to December 24th, 2024 
    • Entry: Free admission

The Run the World Holiday Market returns to Square One. This unique market showcases an inspiring collection of small businesses led by talented women entrepreneurs, making it the ideal destination for thoughtful gift shopping.

What to Expect:

    • Discover handcrafted items such as jewellery, beauty products, bath essentials, and cosy loungewear.
    • Enjoy free gift-wrapping services, ensuring your presents are ready to go under the tree.
    • Weekends feature festive live performances to enhance the holiday atmosphere.
    • Vendors rotate throughout the month, offering fresh finds every visit.

Festival of Trees: An Artistic Christmas Celebration

Mississauga Christmas Events: Festival of Trees
Credits : National RR Museum
    • Venue: Small Arms Inspection Building
    • When: From December 5th to 15th, 2024 
    • Entry: Pay What You Can (PWYC)

The Festival of Trees celebrated art, creativity, and festive traditions. This unique event combined artistic tree displays with seasonal entertainment, creating a heartwarming holiday experience.

Event Highlights:

    • Visitors admired tree art installations created by local artists, each showcasing a unique interpretation of the holiday spirit.
    • The artisan market offered handmade gifts and festive decor for holiday shoppers.
    • Attendees indulged in delicious treats from the culinary market, perfect for holiday gatherings.
    • Interactive workshops, including cookie decorating and wreath-making, allowed guests to embrace the holiday spirit.

The event’s nostalgic theme, “Holiday Memories”, added a heartwarming touch to the immersive experience.

WinterIN the Port: Mississauga Christmas by the Waterfront

    • Venue: Port Credit
    • When:  30th November – Until December 2024 
    • Entry: Free admission

Port Credit transforms into a glowing winter village with stunning light displays and festive activities along its charming streets.

What to Expect:

    • See beautifully lit reindeer, snowmen, and trees adorning Lakeshore Road.
    • The annual lighthouse lighting ceremony started on December 5th, followed by music and carolling.
    • Experience the Friday night Holiday Light Projection Show, a creative display of seasonal visuals.
    • Spot Santa strolling the streets on Saturdays before Christmas, perfect for photos with the family.

Journey Into Enchantment: A Drive-Through Christmas Experience

    • Where: Meadowvale GO Station, Mississauga
    • When: December 1st, 2024, to January 7th, 2025
    • Entry: Tickets range from $35 to $42 per vehicle

This drive-through light experience is one of the season’s highlights. It offers breath-taking sights and a chance to give back to the community.

What to Expect:

    • Drive through a 2-kilometre trail filled with over 1.8 million lights and eye-catching displays.
    • Explore interactive exhibits like the enchanting Candy Cane Carousel.
    • Enjoy festive music through a dedicated radio station as you cruise through the lights.
    • Proceeds benefit local charities, including Toronto SickKids, combining festive fun with community impact.

Christmas in the Village: Streetsville’s Festive Celebration

Mississauga Christmas Event: Christmas in the Village (Streetsville)
Credits : The Exploring Family
    • Venue: Streetsville Village Square
    • Dates: From 22nd to 23rd November, 2024
    • Entry: Free admission

Streetsville shone brightly during the Christmas in the Village celebration, a two-day event filled with festive activities and holiday shopping.

Event Highlights:

    • The weekend kicked off with a tree-lighting ceremony and live music on Friday evening.
    • The Hello Local Christmas Market featured over 30 vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal items.
    • Families enjoyed activities like horse-drawn carriage rides, crafts, and face painting.
    • Local musicians and theatrical acts performed throughout the weekend, adding to the festive atmosphere.
    • Free parking and public transit access made the event convenient for all attendees.

Mississauga Santa Claus Parade: A Community Tradition

    • Venue: Erin Mills Auto Centre
    • When: Sunday, December 1st, 2024
    • Entry: Free admission

The Mississauga Santa Claus Parade delighted attendees with vibrant floats, marching bands, and an appearance by Santa himself.

Event Highlights:

    • Colourful floats and lively performances by dancers and musicians created an unforgettable spectacle.
    • Local businesses provided warm refreshments along the parade route, adding to the festive cheer.
    • The festive atmosphere made it a perfect day for creating cherished holiday memories with loved ones.

Explore Mississauga’s Christmas Markets

Mississauga’s Christmas markets offer a magical shopping experience where you can find unique gifts, enjoy festive treats, and support local artisans. Here’s a list of notable markets:

Cranberry Christmas Market

Cranberry Christmas Market
Credits : Heavy
    • Venue: Clarke Memorial Hall, 161 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga
    • Date: December 7th, 2024, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Entry: Free admission

The Cranberry Christmas Market was a charming event that brought together local vendors, holiday treats, and community spirit.

Event Highlights

    • Over 30 stalls featured handmade crafts, festive decor, and unique gifts.
    • Gift-wrapping services were available, with proceeds supporting Epilepsy in South Central Ontario.
    • A collection drive for non-perishable food items benefited The Compass Food Bank, adding a meaningful cause to the festivities.

Multicultural Holiday Market

    • Venue: Vic Johnston Community Centre
    • Date: November 23rd, 2024
    • Entry: Free admission

The Multicultural Holiday Market celebrated the rich diversity of Mississauga through its festive offerings. Event Highlights::

    • Vendors showcased handmade items, crafts, and holiday gifts inspired by different cultures.
    • Festive food stalls featured treats and delicacies from around the world.
    • A welcoming environment embraced Mississauga’s multicultural community.

Holiday Markers Market

    • Venue: Burnhamthorpe Community Centre
    • When: December 14th – 15th, 2024
    • Entry: Free

The Holiday Makers Market showcased the talents of local artisans in a cosy, festive setting.

Event Highlights

    • Handmade crafts and gifts, including holiday cards, ornaments, and candles, delighted visitors.
    • Attendees had the opportunity to meet the creators behind the products.
    • Warm beverages and snacks added to the joy as you browse.

More Christmas things To Do in Mississauga in December 2024

Here are a few more ideas if you’re looking for more Christmas things to do in the city of Mississauga in December. Despite the cold, December is a fantastic month to travel to Mississauga. In addition to Christmas events, the city offers a wide variety of sights and activities.

Mississauga Steelheads Teddy Bear Toss

    • Venue: Paramount Fine Foods Centre
    • When: Sunday, December 1, 2024

The 10th Annual Teddy Bear Toss combined the excitement of an OHL hockey game with a heartwarming charitable cause.

Event Highlights

    • Fans brought stuffed toys to toss onto the ice when the Mississauga Steelheads scored their first goal.
    • All donated toys were given to local children’s charities, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Peel, spreading holiday cheer to kids in need.

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 it easy to explore Mississauga’s Christmas lights and holiday activities. With spacious rooms, full kitchens, and balconies overlooking Lake Ontario, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a festive holiday stay​.

Merry Christmas!

With something special for every age and interest, Mississauga ensures a Christmas filled with joy, wonder, and community spirit. Immerse yourself in Mississauga’s holiday celebrations to make December 2024 truly unforgettable.

You May Also Read :

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Explore Toronto Christmas Market

Toronto Christmas Market

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s famous at the Mississauga Christmas Market?

The Cranberry Christmas Market that happened on December 7th, 2024, at Clarke Memorial Hall, and the Multicultural Holiday Market on November 23rd, 2024, at Vic Johnston Community Centre, are popular for their local crafts, festive treats, and unique holiday gifts.

What is the duration of the Mississauga Festival of Trees?

The Mississauga Festival of Trees Artisan Market occurred at the Small Arms Inspection Building from 6th to 15th December, 2024.

What time is the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade?

The Mississauga Santa Claus Parade occurred at noon on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

How long does the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade last?

The parade spans a total distance of 1.2 km and lasts about 2-2.5 hours, depending on where you view the parade along its route .