Mississauga Celebration Square, in front of City Hall at 300 City Centre Drive, is Mississauga’s winter heart. Every holiday season it gets the City’s official Christmas tree and its largest outdoor ice rink, and in 2026 its big night is Saturday, November 21.
November 21, 2026: parade, tree lighting and rink opening
4 – 7 p.m. · Free
The Mississauga Santa Claus Parade winds through the City Centre and finishes at the square, where the evening brings the lighting of the Christmas tree and the opening of the outdoor rink for the season. This year’s theme is “Sauga’s Home for the Holidays.” In past seasons the square’s lighting night has also included a large seasonal art installation, heated patios and food vendors. Peel parades
Skating at Celebration Square
The rink stays open through the winter, weather permitting, and is free with your own skates. It’s surrounded by the towers of Mississauga’s City Centre and right beside Square One. Outdoor skating near Toronto
Celebration Square through the season
Mississauga Celebration Square is busy all winter, not just on parade night:
- Late November: the parade, the tree lighting and the rink’s opening night.
- December: skating under the lights, with the City’s tree as a backdrop, plus holiday programming on select dates.
- New Year’s Eve: the square has hosted Mississauga’s free New Year’s Eve celebration in recent years, with live music, skating and fireworks. New Year’s Eve near Toronto
- January and February: skating continues, weather permitting, with occasional winter events.
Check the City of Mississauga’s events calendar for the 2026–27 schedule.
Skating tips
- Bring your own skates to skate for free.
- Go at off-peak times, such as weekday afternoons, for more room on the ice.
- Wear a helmet if you’re learning, and bring warm gloves.
- Check the rink’s status before you go, as it can close for maintenance, warm weather or events.
Parade night tips
- Arrive by 3:30 p.m. to find a good spot along the parade route or near the stage.
- Take transit: MiWay and GO buses serve the City Centre Transit Terminal, a short walk from the square.
- Dress warmly; you’ll be outside after dark.
- Stay for the tree lighting and opening skate after the parade.
Around the square
Square One, one of Canada’s largest malls, is right next door, perfect for holiday shopping, Santa visits and warming up. The Living Arts Centre on the square’s edge hosts concerts and shows, and the surrounding City Centre has plenty of restaurants. See Mississauga Christmas events and Mississauga Christmas markets.
Celebration Square at Christmas: FAQ
Is skating at Celebration Square free? Yes, with your own skates.
When is the tree lighting? On parade night, Saturday, November 21, 2026.
Nearby
- Square One Shopping Centre for Santa and holiday shopping
- Living Arts Centre for The Nutcracker on November 28 and other holiday shows
- Streetsville’s Christmas in the Village on November 20 and 21
Getting there
MiWay buses connect to the City Centre Transit Terminal next to Square One, and GO buses serve the terminal from Toronto. By car, it’s 30 to 40 minutes from downtown Toronto via the Gardiner, QEW and Highway 10 or the 403.
More: Christmas in Peel Region
