Lunar New Year arrives on Tuesday, Feb. 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse. In Mississauga, many Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Southeast Asian families have spent the past two weeks preparing, with cleaning, decorating, shopping for gifts and planning big family dinners.
Here is what's happening around the city, and what the City of Mississauga wants residents to keep in mind as they celebrate.
Tet celebration at Sheridan's downtown campus
Vietnamese Lunar New Year, known as Tet, gets its own celebration on Sunday, Feb. 15. Tết Sum Vầy 2026 takes over Sheridan College's Hazel McCallion Campus at 4180 Duke of York Blvd., near Square One.
Organizers describe a day of traditional festivities, food and live performances, and say the event is returning by popular demand. Tickets are sold through the organizer's online event page and are non-refundable, so check availability before heading out.
Backyard fireworks: Tuesday, 6 to 10 p.m.
Lunar New Year is one of five holidays when Mississauga residents can set off consumer fireworks on their own property without a permit. This year, fireworks are allowed at home on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 6 to 10 p.m.
Council tightened the fireworks bylaw in 2025. The added restrictions include:
Roman candles can no longer be used or sold in the city.
Stores may sell fireworks only during the 10 days before a holiday, and not on the holiday itself.
The city no longer issues permits for consumer fireworks; only display or professional shows can get one.
Fireworks are still banned in parks, parking lots, on streets and sidewalks, and on any property you don't own.
The city asks residents not to call 911 about fireworks unless someone is hurt or there is a fire risk. Complaints can be filed online at mississauga.ca/fireworks or by calling 311.
Keep the celebration safe
The city suggests keeping candles in sturdy holders on heat-resistant surfaces, away from curtains, lanterns and decorations, and out of reach of children and pets. Portable gas stoves and grills are meant for outdoor use only, and no one should cook or barbecue in a garage.
Hosting a crowd? The noise bylaw applies from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 11 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday. On-street parking is limited to five hours unless signs say otherwise, and guests staying longer will need a temporary parking permit. Driveways and sidewalks must stay clear.
Cheer on Canada downtown
If the holiday week has you downtown, Mississauga Celebration Square is screening select events from the 2026 Winter Games on its big screens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 22. Viewing is free, though the city notes that not every competition is shown and the schedule works around other programming on the square. Dress for the weather.
