Holiday Events In The GTA

Despite our best intentions, the holidays are for many a season of stress, busy-ness, and a drain on one’s time and finances. It’s so easy to get caught up in the details and forget that the most important part of the holidays is spending time with your loved ones and making memories. To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a list of local holiday events, many of which are FREE!

Mississauga

Paws n’ Mr. Claus Pet Photos With Santa

Dec 1st 11:00 am

Cost:$15 for one 4 x 6 photo, $25 for two 4 x 6 photos, $5 for each additional photo, cash is preferred

What to expect: Did your family pet make the Nice List this year? Celebrate by having photos of your furry friends taken with Santa!Proceeds will be shared equally between Mississauga Animal Services Special Care & Resources Fund (S.C.A.R.F) and Friends of the Museums of Mississauga. Animal Services Staff will be there to help get the perfect picture and Clarkson’s Pet Valu will provide pet loot bags!

More info:https://bit.ly/2KHPIS9

Christmas At The Lighthouse

December 1st, 1:00pm

Cost: FREE with a non-perishable food item donation

What to expect: Make the most of the picturesque Port Credit neighbourhood with an afternoon of storytelling, interactive ice sculptures, family crafts, artisan vendors, and an appearance by Santa himself!

More info:https://bit.ly/2BHvqWd

Mississauga Santa Claus Parade

December 2nd, 12:30pm - 2:30pm

Cost: FREE

What to expect: An annual favourite not to be missed, the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade features an impressive lineup of 15 custom designed floats and over 1,500 participants including marching bands, dancers, community groups, dignitaries, and an expected crowd over 30,000 strong. Get there early to snag a good spot!

More info:https://bit.ly/2rem3aq

Family Holiday Photos With Santa

Dec. 2nd 11:00am

Cost:$15 for one 4 x 6 photo, $25 for two 4 x 6 photos, $5 for each additional photo, cash is preferred

What to expect: You won’t find a better backdrop for your holiday family photos than the historic log cabin at the Bradley Museum. Plus, not only will you avoid lineups at the mall, you’ll be supporting a great cause as proceeds will go to the Friends of the Museums of Mississauga.

More info:https://bit.ly/2DRCLnk

Historic Canadian Christmas

Dec. 8th 12:00pm

Cost: FREE with a non-perishable food item or winter clothing donation

What to expect: Have you ever wondered how people celebrated Christmas in the past, or how holiday traditions vary across the world? Experience a day of activities learning about just that! Featuring a craft market, carolers, family activities and crafts.

More info:https://bit.ly/2DOI5b0

The Gingerbread House: A Holiday Escape Room

Dec. 8th 10:30am - 2:15pm

What to expect:The Grinch has trapped you inside a Gingerbread House! Can you escape before time runs out and stop him from ruining Christmas?

More info:https://bit.ly/2SnCpJn

A Merry Little Christmas

Dec. 8th 10:30am - 2:15pm

Cost: $40 - $50

What to expect:This family-friendly concert featuring MSO and MSYO musicians will let you join in and belt out all of your holiday favourites including Sleigh Ride, Hockey Night In Canada, and holiday movie themes along with classics like Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and more. Sells out every year!

More info:https://bit.ly/2TUiG5D

Oakville

Glen Abbey United Church Christmas Market

Dec. 1st 9:00am - 2:30pm

Cost: FREE

What to expect: Visit over 30 vendors showcasing unique gifts and toys, holiday decor, knitted and crocheted goods, baked treats, skincare products, and much more! Take a browse or stay for a delicious lunch. Kids will have a chance to take a photo with Santa!

More info:https://bit.ly/2zxMdct

Santa Shuffle Fun Run and Elf Walk

Dec. 1st 10:00am - 1:00pm

Cost: FREE

What to expect: Don your most festive threads and raise funds for the Oakville Salvation Army’s family and community services! 5k and 1k options available for participants.

More info:www.santashuffle.ca

Tartan Terrors Christmas

Dec. 7th 10:00am - 1:00pm

Cost:$55 Regular Seating, $48 Big Ticket Members, $44 Big Ticket Plus Members

What to expect: A sonic mixture of classic pipes, drums, and signature guitar styles,Tartan Terrors give a fresh take on holiday classics.

More info:https://bit.ly/1RDuOmu

Carols In The Square

Dec. 24th 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Cost: FREE, a non-perishable food donation is encouraged

What to expect:All are welcome to bring their family, friends and neighbours to sing along and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies at Oakville’s town square.

More info:https://bit.ly/2B6sC20

Craft Tour at the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

Dec. 27th and Jan. 3rd, two daily sessions at 1:30pm - 2:30pm and 3:00pm -  4:00pm

Cost: $5.99 for children, FREE for adults

What to expect: Take a tour of the historic Oakville Museum and make a craft with your child!

More info:https://bit.ly/2zxm4L3

Burlington

St. Luke’s Christmas Market

Dec. 1st 9:00am - 2:00pm

Cost: FREE

What to expect: Start your holiday season off by taking in the festive atmosphere and unique creations by local vendors. Find that special something for everyone on your list and grab a treat for yourself.

More info:https://bit.ly/2AvueTQ

A Night At Ireland House

Dec. 7th 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Cost: $40

What to expect: Take a step back in time and enjoy a selection of seasonal fare prepared over a hearth and wood stove at the historic Ireland House. As you tour the estate, you will be serenaded by the “High Five” quartet.

More info:https://bit.ly/2TWoFGZ

CHCH Burlington Santa 5k Race

Dec. 8th 9:00am - 12:00pm

Cost: FREE

What to expect:Get moving with your squad and help raise funds for Easter Seals! The race course is flat and fast, and each participant will receive a Santa suit with registration!

More info:https://bit.ly/2TYtmjF

Milton

Merry Market

December 8th 10:00am - 6:00pm

Cost: FREE

What to expect: Take care of your holiday gift shopping in one fell swoop at this Christmas market featuring 15 vendors selling unique handmade goods!

More info:https://bit.ly/2AwTyZG

Sounds Of The Season

December 8th 7:00pm

Cost: $20 for kids, students, and seniors, $22 for adults

What to expect: The Milton Concert Band and director Dylan Maddix are back at it again! They blew the audience away after only six weeks of planning last year, this time around they’ve had a year and a half to plan a spectacular show. Not to be missed!

More info:https://bit.ly/2AwTyZG

Winterlude V: Home For The Holidays

December 15th 7:30pm

Cost: $29

What to expect: Milton’s own holiday tradition continues with beloved favourites and cultural holiday music to kick off the season. Make Winterlude part of your tradition every year!