Mississauga is welcoming the holiday season with a festive, European-inspired outdoor Christmas market set to light up Lakeview this weekend. The Mississauga Ward 1 Outdoor Christmas Market, hosted by Coun. Stephen Dasko, will run Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22, transforming the Army Navy Air Force Veterans Club at 765 Third St. into a sparkling winter wonderland.
The two-day celebration will feature twinkling lights, a towering 15-foot illuminated tree, live entertainment, more than 30 vendors, and a cozy outdoor cocktail and beer garden serving a specialty winter wonderland drink. “I envision this event as a European-inspired market that caters to people of all ages, accessible and family-friendly,” Dasko said.
Visitors can explore dazzling ice sculptures, including a live carving demonstration on Saturday at 2 p.m., while children express their creativity in the Kids Cool Canvas Activity, painting murals and joining in fun games like ring toss. Families will also be able to snap photos with Sawmill Sid’s giant snowflake, the whimsical Hobbit House, and roaming characters including a Snow Queen, Elf and Santa Claus—who will be greeting visitors from his sleigh from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The Artisan Market will offer a curated selection of handcrafted jewellery, festive urns, toys, clothing, home décor, and specialty foods, alongside a silent auction. Christmas trees will also be available for purchase.
Entertainment throughout the weekend includes performances by Carla Gonzalez Latin Train, NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir, and the Mississauga Chinese Arts Organization, as well as a full schedule of local talent. Guests can enjoy food trucks, sampling stations, and a barbecue hosted by the Army Navy Air Force Veterans Club, along with a bake sale and the outdoor beer garden.
A special Christmas Memory Tree will provide a heartfelt way for families to honour loved ones who have passed. Visitors can write a personal message on a card to hang on the tree and will receive a decorated ornament in return.
Non-perishable food donations will be collected on-site for The Compass Food Bank and Outreach Centre, giving attendees an opportunity to support local families in need during the holiday season.
The outdoor market will run 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. More details can be found on the event’s social media pages.
Lead photo: Gary Spears