Santa is coming back to downtown Mississauga. The Mississauga Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, Nov. 21, stepping off at 6 p.m. and finishing with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Celebration Square.
The evening parade, themed "'Sauga's Home for the Holidays," will kick off the city's holiday season and celebrate the people, stories, cultures and traditions that make Mississauga feel like home, a City of Mississauga news release said.
The route runs through the downtown core around 300 City Centre Dr., where Celebration Square hosts the post-parade festivities. Attendees can expect glowing floats, marching bands and Santa's grand arrival to light the Christmas tree.
Free activities start at 4 p.m.
The celebration is free and open to all ages. The city is encouraging spectators to arrive early to secure a viewing spot and take in free activities at Celebration Square starting at 4 p.m., two hours before the parade begins.
The evening promises dazzling lights and festive tunes, according to the city, with plenty of what organizers describe as magical memories to launch the season.
Road closures and transit impacts
Downtown drivers and transit riders should plan ahead. The full parade route and related road closures are listed on the City of Mississauga's event calendar page.
MiWay service will also be affected by the event. Riders can find details about detours and schedule changes on the MiWay service updates page on the city's website.
The parade marks the unofficial start of the holiday calendar in Mississauga, drawing families from across the city — and from neighbouring Brampton and Caledon — to the downtown core each year.
