Just west of Toronto, Peel Region (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon) celebrates Christmas with evening parades, a big tree lighting over an outdoor rink and plenty of community markets. Here’s what’s on in 2026 and how to plan a festive day or evening in Peel.
Peel Region Christmas highlights 2026
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Nov 21, 4 – 7 p.m. | Mississauga Santa Claus Parade, tree lighting and rink opening | Celebration Square, Mississauga |
| Sat, Nov 21, 5 p.m. | Brampton Nighttime Santa Claus Parade (32nd edition) | Bramalea Road to North Park Drive, Brampton |
| Sat – Sun, Nov 21 – 22 | Annual Brampton Christmas Market | Shoppers World Brampton |
| Sun, Nov 22, 12 – 4 p.m. | Holly Jolly Christmas Market | Bramalea Celtic Club, Brampton |
| Late Nov (TBA) | Tree Lighting and Miracle on Main Street | Ken Whillans Square, downtown Brampton |
| TBA | Bolton Santa Claus Parade | Highway 50, Bolton (Caledon) |
Community listings can change, so confirm with the organizer before you go.
Mississauga
Mississauga’s big night is Saturday, November 21, when the Santa Claus Parade lights up the City Centre and finishes at Celebration Square. The evening also brings the lighting of the City’s Christmas tree and the opening of Mississauga’s largest outdoor ice rink. Through the holidays the square becomes the city’s winter hub, with skating under the lights.
Read more: Mississauga Christmas events 2026 · Christmas at Celebration Square · Mississauga and Brampton Christmas markets
Brampton
Brampton’s 32nd Nighttime Santa Claus Parade, presented by Rotary, rolls out at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, from the Bramalea Road and Central Park Drive area to North Park Drive and Jordan Boulevard. Downtown, the City lights its Christmas tree at Ken Whillans Square with its Miracle on Main Street celebration in late November, and the Gage Park skating trail usually opens around the same time.
Read more: Brampton Christmas events 2026
Caledon
For small-town charm, head north to Caledon. Bolton’s Santa Claus Parade runs along Highway 50, and the area’s farms and villages are known for Christmas trees and country markets. Read more: Christmas in Caledon · Christmas tree farms near Toronto
Skating in Peel
- Celebration Square, Mississauga: the City’s largest outdoor rink, opening on parade night
- Gage Park skating trail, Brampton: a skating path through downtown’s historic park
- Chinguacousy Park skating trail, Brampton
- Gore Meadows covered rink, Brampton: often the first to open in November
Rinks open and close with the weather; check city websites before you go. See outdoor skating near Toronto.
A Christmas evening in Peel
On parade night (Saturday, November 21, 2026):
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 3 p.m. | Head to Mississauga’s City Centre; shop at Square One |
| 4 p.m. | Find a spot along the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade |
| After the parade | Tree lighting and skating at Celebration Square |
| Dinner | Restaurants around Square One and City Centre |
On other nights, visit Streetsville’s historic Main Street, skate at Celebration Square, or see Brampton’s downtown lights. See Celebration Square at Christmas and Mississauga Christmas events.
Peel for families
- Evening parades that are perfect for kids who love lights. Peel parades
- Free outdoor skating at Celebration Square and Brampton’s parks.
- Santa visits at Square One, Bramalea City Centre and community events. Santa photos near Toronto
- Tobogganing and winter walks in Caledon’s hills and conservation areas.
Holiday shopping in Peel
Square One is one of Canada’s largest malls, Shoppers World Brampton hosts a holiday market, and Streetsville’s village shops are perfect for unique gifts. See Mississauga Christmas markets.
A diverse holiday season
Peel is one of the most diverse regions in Canada, so December brings a wide range of celebrations alongside Christmas. Look out for community concerts, cultural markets and New Year’s events across Mississauga and Brampton. See New Year’s Eve near Toronto.
Christmas in Peel Region: FAQ
What’s the biggest Christmas event in Peel? Parade night on November 21, with both the Mississauga and Brampton evening parades plus Mississauga’s tree lighting.
Is Celebration Square skating free? Yes, with your own skates, weather permitting.
Getting to Peel from Toronto
- GO Transit: the Lakeshore West and Milton lines serve Mississauga, and the Kitchener line serves Brampton.
- Local transit: MiWay (Mississauga) and Brampton Transit, both with detours on parade nights.
- Driving: 30 to 45 minutes from downtown Toronto via the Gardiner/QEW, the 401 or the 410, depending on traffic.
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