Once November rolls around, Christmas events starting popping up all over the place. We’ve created this guide to let you know what events you shouldn’t miss if you’re looking for a little holiday magic.
Brampton Board of Trade Santa Claus Parade
Date: November 18, 2017
Time: 5 PM
Location: Downtown Brampton
Every year, this parade gets bigger and better as participants try to outshine last year’s floats. The audience keeps growing too, and reached an all-time high of 170,000 people in 2014.
Photo credit: InBrampton
“Best in Canada”
According to an interview with the Brampton Board of Trade Santa Claus Parade media spokesman Ahkil Mooken in 2016, there’s a reason they get well over 100,000 spectators each year.
“A few years ago, we were voted the best community parade in Canada by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. That goes to show you the size and quality of our floats,” Mooken explained.
Features
This parade features:
- A Family Fun Zone – you’ll have to attend to find out what’s there!
- Elaborate floats with lights displays, and colourful costumes
- Santa and his sleigh
“The parade is successful because of the commitment from our volunteers as well as the dedication of the residents who support us,” Mooken added. “The smiles we see on the faces of both children and adults makes it worthwhile to us each year.”
This year’s parade will be no exception, filled with many fantastic floats you’ll want front row seats to see. In fact, we recommend finding a spot along the parade route before 5 PM so that you can see it all!
We also recommend dressing for the appropriate weather, because Santa’s sleigh will arrive come rain or shine.
Have more questions about the Brampton Santa Claus Parade? Visit their FAQs page >
What did Santa Have to Say?
According to St. Nick himself, the Brampton Santa Claus Parade is his favourite. “The smiles lighting up the children’s eyes and faces is what makes this so special,” he told The Brampton Guardian in 2016. “It’s for the children, but parents have fun too…”
We’re sure he feels the same way about the 2017 parade, which sounds like it will be better than ever.
Downtown Brampton Christmas Market
Date: Starts November 17, 2017
Time: Starts 6 PM
Location: Garden Square Brampton
What’s Christmas in Brampton without a market to go to? The Downtown Brampton BIA is putting on the 5th annual Christmas Market, and everyone is invited!
If you can think of it, chances are the Christmas Market will have it. Garden Square will be playing host to food vendors, craft booths, and a donation centre for Brampton Food Bank and Peel regional Police Toys for Tots.
Features
This event includes:
- The Annual Tree Lighting
- Letters to Santa – keep an eye out for Brampton Guardian letter carriers to make sure Santa gets your letter!
- Cookie decorating – anything goes, and it all tastes good.
- A Mistletoe patio
- Carriage rides
- A carousel
Perfect Event for Getting into the Holiday Spirit
It isn’t just the hosts of the event that feel the Christmas magic. “The Christmas market is a great place for me to bring my family, I think it’s getting everyone into the holiday spirit,” said Brampton resident Harpreet Singh about last year’s festivities.
Bigger Than Ever Before
According to the Bramptonist, this year’s market is extending beyond Garden Square to the Daily Times Square in front of the new city hall.
This will serve to make the whole event just that much better. “It’s a magical time of the year to see downtown Brampton all lit up with beautiful decorations and window displays,“ Suzy Godefroy of the Downtown Brampton BIA told the Sheridan Sun in 2016.
So if you’re looking for tons of holiday spirit, downtown Brampton has plenty to go around.
Streetsville Christmas in the Village
Date: November 25 – November 26, 2017
Time: 2PM – 9PM/11AM – 4PM
Location: Streetsville, Mississauga
The Streetsville BIA is ready to dive head first into Christmas if you are! This year will the 2nd annual Christmas in the Village. You’re sure to be dazzled by the sight of Streetsville decked out in its Christmas finest.
A New Holiday Tradition
Christmas in the Village started only last year, and visitors were thrilled with the festive atmosphere.
“My family and I went for the Christmas celebration. The town square was set up beautifully with Santa and vendors all in the town square… it was excellent,” said one reviewer on the popular review site TripAdvisor.
Features
Christmas in the Village will feature:
- A hospitality lounge, complete with mulled wine and live entertainment
- A Children’s Tent to keep your kids creatively active
- Santa’s Village
- Reindeer Ridge, a prime place for holiday photos
- Polar Express Train – you have to see it to believe it!
View the entire event schedule >
The Bolton Santa Claus Parade
Date: December 2, 2017
Time: TBA
Location: Highway 50
This is a parade that keeps getting bigger every year. As the number of colourful, elaborate floats go up, so does the Christmas fun. You’ll want to nab a front row sidewalk so you won’t miss a minute.
The Whole Community Participates
John Stegeman, active member of the Kinsmen Club, says the Santa Parade is a staple event. “I think in this town everyone knows that on the first Saturday of December, Santa will come to see the community of Bolton,” he told the Caledon Enterprise.
The parade is planned over the course of the year, and floats are submitted by businesses, groups, and individuals alike. Then, on the first Saturday of December, thousands of people of all ages line up on Highway 50 to watch, waiting eagerly to catch a glimpse of Santa.
“We’re a growing town but we have small town values and a Santa Parade brings the community together. The kids love it and mom and dad know that once Santa comes, it’s just about time to put the lights and the tree up.”
Don’t Miss These Other Festive Events
There’s so much to do in the Peel region over the holiday season; we don’t want you to miss something!
Lunch with Santa
Date: Recurring
Location: Downey’s Farm Market
This one of a kind event lets you sit down with Santa in a unique and festive environment. Reservations are required.
Holiday Open House
Date: November 19 – November 19, 2017
Location: Alton Mill Arts Centre
Looking for local handmade gifts, fine art, and the rarely seen Grinch (who could be persuade to take a photo with you?) Look no further than the Holiday Open House at Alton Mill Arts Centre.
Family Jingle and Mingle
Date: December 9, 2017
Location: International Centre, Mississauga
The quintessential Christmas party, only on a much larger scale. There’s entertainment, great food, and all proceeds are donated to charity.
Light Up the Square
Date: November 25, 2017
Location: Celebration Square, Mississauga
Celebration Square will be lit with festive colours, and we encourage you to grab your skates and join in on the fun.
Explore Peel and All of It’s Christmas Spirit
You don’t have far to go if you’re looking for some Christmas fun in the Peel region. We hope you enjoy the season, and Happy Holidays from the Dr. HVAC family!