Free, Family-Friendly Holiday & Winter Activities in Mississauga

Food and living expenses continue to increase, but you can enjoy the festivities and other winter activities this holiday season with these FREE (or inexpensive) activities in Mississauga! Whether it’s ongoing free activities you can sign up for, holiday bazaars and markets, tree lightings, or Santa Claus parades – we’ve compiled a list for you to celebrate the holidays in Mississauga without spending anything (or very little).

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day (held on November 11) is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy as Canadians. The following ceremonies will take place across Mississauga:

• Sunday, November 8: Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph in St. John’s Dixie Cemetery at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 582 – Cooksville. There will be refreshments afterwards in the Branch Club Room.

• Wednesday, November 11: Remembrance Day parade and ceremony in the Streetsville Village Square from 10:15 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 11: A parade (starting at 10:20 a.m. from Port Credit Legion) and ceremony at Vimy Park Cenotaph in Port Credit
• Wednesday, November 11: A ceremony at the Mississauga Civic Centre Community Memorial (located on the upper portion of Celebration Square) at 10:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, November 11: A ceremony at Square One’s Grand Rotunda at 11 a.m.

 

Festive Events

Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21: Christmas in the Village (Streetsville)

Visit Mississauga’s charming community of Streetsville to experience the magic of the holidays! This free holiday event kicks off on Friday, November 20, with live music by Jeff Jones, a traditional tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., photo ops, and, rumour has it, Santa will be in town and available for photos from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.! On Saturday, November 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., there will be live entertainment, a Christmas market, toy collection, kids crafts, a petting zoo, pony rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, carnival rides, a Polar Express train, AND of course, Santa will be back for more selfies!

Saturday, November 21: Mississauga Santa Claus Parade

Head over to Celebration Square from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, for the official Mississauga Santa Claus parade, the opening of the outdoor ice rink, and the lighting of the Christmas tree! Food Banks Mississauga and our friends at Mitsubishi will be participating in the festivities and marching in the parade, so make sure you come by to see our mascot, Bowlina, in her full holiday spirit!

Wednesday, November 25: Community Connections – Christmas Edition!

Eden United Church is hosting a free event with coffee and treats, a craft, social time, and a presentation from Peel Regional Police Crime Prevention Services on frauds and scams. The event starts at 2 p.m. and runs until 4 p.m. Register here by November 23rd to reserve your spot!

Thursday, November 26: Christmas in the Village (Clarkson)

Save the date for Clarkson’s Christmas in the Village! Taking place on Thursday evening from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on the front lawn of Clarkson Community Church, there will be live music, a petting zoo, face painting, games and crafts, a visit from Santa, and lots of soup, hot chocolate, cookies, and candy canes!

Saturday, November 28: #LightUpThePort

Port Credit BIA is hosting #LightUpThePort on Saturday, November 28 in the Port Credit Memorial Park. The evening will include a tree lighting, caroling and music, skating, and family fun for all ages.

Saturday, November 28: Lighting Up Cooksville

Head to Cooksville Square on November 28 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. for a festive afternoon celebrating the spirit of community and the start of the holiday season. Bring your family, friends, and neighbours for a chance to meet Santa Claus, enjoy free hot chocolate, and soak up the sounds of festive music.

 

Holiday Bazaars & Markets

The following holiday bazaars and markets have no admission fee.

Saturday, November 7: Christmas Bazaar

This Christmas bazaar takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, at Sheridan United Church. Folks are encouraged to bring a shelf-stable food item for The Compass (a food bank in our network of 60+ food programs across Mississauga).

Saturday, November 14: Annual Christmas Bazaar & Marketplace

Eden United Church (Battleford) is hosting its annual Christmas Bazaar & Marketplace from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on November 14. Buy gifts for the holidays from local artisans and vendors, indulge in some delicious baking, pick up a used book, and treat yourself to a snack or lunch from the Christmas Cafe.

Saturday, November 14: Christmas Craft Sale

The Irish Club of Mississauga is hosting a Christmas Craft Sale from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. on November 14. This festive event will have a bake sale and unique gifts to stuff those Christmas stockings! Plus, door and raffle prizes!

Saturday, November 14: Merry Market

Stop by the 7th Annual Merry Market at the Small Arms Inspection Building on November 14 from 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. to buy handmade holidays gifts, join a workshop, and enjoy a coffee and a sweet bite. This event is hosted by hello happy, and costs $5 ($3 for early birds and free for kids under 16), in support of The Compass Food Bank (one of the food programs in our network of 60+ food programs across Mississauga).

Sunday, November 15: 3rd Annual Port Credit Christmas Market

Head to the Royal Canadian Legion in Port Credit for this event hosted by Vendors Market. From 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on November 15, shop unique holiday gifts from local vendors and enjoy some yummy holiday treats!

Saturday, November 21: Tidings & Tinsel Community Market

This holiday market takes place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, at Clarkson Road Presbyterian Church. There will be free gift bags for the first 20 guests, a scavenger hunt and prizes for all guests, and lots of local vendors to shop and experience.

Saturday, November 21: Frosty’s Frolic Christmas Bazaar

From 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on November 21, St. Andrew’s Memorial Presbyterian Church will be hosting its Christmas bazaar. There will be jewellery, crafts, and baking for sale as well as a lunch and silent auction.

Saturday, November 28: Holiday Market

Shop one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted gifts at the Arts on the Credit Christmas Market at the Unitarian Congregation Mississauga from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on November 28.

Saturday, November 28: Christmas Market

From 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. on November 28, PORTICO Church will be hosting its Christmas Market. All are welcome to come and enjoy fun, exciting shows and activities for the whole family!

Saturday, December 12: Cranberry Christmas Market

Mississauga Arts Council is hosting their annual curated Holiday Market at Mississauga Seniors’ Centre on December 12, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free, but there will be a collection for shelf-stable and personal care items for The Compass (a food bank in our network of 60+ food programs across Mississauga). Professional gift wrapping will also be available on-site by donation, with all proceeds supporting Epilepsy South Central Ontario.

Saturday, December 19: Port Credit Christmas Fest

The Mom Market Peel Region is hosting their annual holiday market at the Small Arms Inspection Buildings on November 19, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. With stalls from over 85 local businesses, this market will also feature a kids corner, face painting, photo opportunities, holiday music, food stands with seating, and grand prize draws.

 

Mississauga-Centred Activities

Friday, November 6 – Saturday, November 7: Mississauga Comic Expo

Enjoy workshops, panels, cosplay photoshoots, tabletop board game demos, video game free-play sessions, presentations, and more at the Hazel McCallion Central Library! The Mississauga Comic Expo is completely free and runs from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. All programs are drop-in and are first-come, first-served, but you can register to access regular updates.

Saturday, November 7: Guided Walk

Join this expert-led guided nature walk through Sugar Maple Woods from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 7. There are limited spaces available, and registration is required – so reserve your support now!

Friday, November 13: Mississauga Canadian Immigrant Fair

The Canadian Immigrant Fair returns to Mississauga from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 13 at the Living Arts Centre. This free event is for newcomers to connect and find information on jobs and education opportunities. Check out this event to find hiring employers and recruiters, inspirational immigrant speakers, career tips and coaching, a resumé clinic, practical workshops, immigration and settlement help, and much more!

Wednesday, November 18: Midday Melodies – French Elegance & Spanish Colours

Head over to the Hazel McCallion Central Library from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18 for a free, cozy midday concert!

Ongoing: Skate on the Square

Starting Saturday, November 21, the skating rink at Celebration Square will be open and ready for your spins, glides, and (maybe) the occasional slips! Bring your own skates and helmets, or rent them on site.

 

This article is a part of a seasonal series, so check back in the new year for a list of activities for the winter months! If you have a free, family-friendly activity to add to this list, email us at marketing@foodbanksmississauga.ca.