This year the holidays might look a little different so along with all the other changes to our traditions, company and celebrations – we might also need to change our perspective.
Approach the holiday season through a slightly different lens and experience things differently this year.
We’re still a community and technology enables us to still be together, while safely apart.
We’ll still see each other’s faces, smiles and holiday joy.
We'll share moments of happiness, create new memories and embrace in old and new traditions.  

Despite all the restrictions, there are still plenty of places to enjoy the holidays in our city as you safely social distance and adhere to the conditions of the provincially mandated Lockdown 2.0.

Charge your smartphones and cameras, get your hashtags pre-written, bundle up in layers, grab a hot drink from your favourite Mississauga Made coffee spot and check out these cool festive spots throughout our city.

#Celebration Square
Mississauga’s holiday spirit was celebrated virtually this year, through the online lighting of its annual Christmas tree at Celebration Square. The festive tree, powered by Alectra, is a sight to see and stands 35ft. tall and features 18,000 dazzling lights. Starting now, and into the New Year, YMCS has been transformed into the Great Bright North with vibrant sights and festive lighting throughout the Square. Guests planning to walk-through the Square must keep within their household groups and maintain a safe physical distance of two metres at all times.

#Chimes
If you visit the Square, be sure to check out the “Chimes” installation on the lawn. Every movement of the central wind chime triggers a unique light and sound reaction throughout the 7,000 sq. ft. piece of art. Chimes is a creation of Collectif Blackbox and a coproduction of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and Spectra (Illuminart). It was created for the Fête des Lumières of Lyon in 2017 and is being displayed for the first time in the GTA at Celebration Square.

#PhotoOpps
In addition to the tree and the chimes, start trending on social with these equally great selfie-spots located across #celebrationsquare.

1.       Northern Lightbox presented by TD
A three-sided infinity room-style lightbox will immerse you in the wonder of the Northern Lights.

2.       Freeze Frame presented by Bell
The perfect backdrop for winter portraits.

Pro Tip: Stand on the steps leading up to the outdoor ice rink for a chic shot of the tree with the City Centre condos in the background.
Bonus Pro Tip: Take a picture standing in front of the wind chimes, so you’ll get the Christmas tree and City Hall in the background.

#Streetsville
The quaint “Village In The City” is brimming with charm during the Holidays. Several storefronts have been tastefully decorated, street lamps have been adorned with warm Christmas lights and in the heart of the village, is the massive and beautiful Christmas tree. Leading up to the tree on Main St in the Village Square, you’ll find the trees lined with lights that are best appreciated once the sun descends.
Duck down side streets to enjoy the lesser seen but equally wonderful décor. Stroll the Queen St. strip with a locally brewed hot beverage, and jot down the names of local stores where you can shop online for one-of-a-kind gifts, all while you safely social distance and enjoy the walkability of Streetsville.

Pro Tip: The best spot for a Christmas Tree picture is standing beside the north entrance to Butter Chicken Roti.
Bonus Pro Tip: After you’ve taken all your photos, place your order with Butter Chicken Roti to-go or any of the wonderful Streetsville restaurants who need our support.

#Malton
The “much closer than it actually seems” community of Malton not only puts on a stellar Canada Day celebration, they also do the holidays right.
The only neighbourhood in Mississauga to have its name in huge, 14 foot high illuminated letters, park your car at Paul Coffey Park and take the short, two-minute westward walk to reach the letters, CF-100 display and of course, the six massive and lit up Christmas trees.
With the “O” in Malton being heart shaped, it’s a superb selfie spot.
As you head back to the park, enjoy the seasonal lights and inflatables that add to the festive ambiance of in Malton. The Castle Playground will also be decorated for the holidays, making it a great daytime spot for families. Shooting Stars along Goreway Drive will point your way to the shopping district there.

Driving on Airport Road between Derry Road and Thamesgate Drive you’ll also see the new public art bike installations along the median, which are also picture-worthy. A great reason to stop and get some local take-out at one of the many restaurants along the way!

Add in the multitude of businesses that have gotten into the Holiday spirit and you’ll develop a new found appreciation for Canada’s home of aviation.

Pro Tip: Stand about 50 feet away from the illuminated “M” in Malton and shoot diagonally to capture the letters, tree and CF-100 in one shot.

#PortCredit
There’s simply something special about winter by the water that’s unlike anything else.
Local businesses on Lakeshore and surrounding side streets having their storefronts decked in Holiday style, the festive feeling on the streets and of course, the lighthouse.
With free parking in December, it’s even easier to saunter the strip and fill your camera with holiday pictures.
Remember to head south and enjoy the lakefront parks, which allow a beautiful view of the water. Yes, it’s not traditional “holiday” themed but were’ one of the few cities in Canada that have a waterfront, so may as well enjoy it year round.
Make sure you stop by the lighthouse and stand on the landing, aptly named the Queen Bea Lookout, for beautiful views of Port Credit .

Pro Tip: Stand at either Lakeshore and Hurontario facing west, or at the lighthouse facing east for great shots of the length of lakeshore with the local shops bookending the streetscape.

#Clarkson
For a village that’s over 200 years old, Clarkson sure does look lovely, especially over the Holidays.
Even without the fanfare of the annual Christmas tree lighting at the Clarkson Community Church, it’ll still be lit up and a fun spot to safely (from a distance, of course) take pictures this year.
There’s free metered parking until January 15th (please try and keep it to an hour so others can utilize this program) so you can check out how Clarkson’s local businesses  and restaurants have embraced the Holiday spirit during this out of the ordinary year.
There’s also some extraordinary views via the parks, namely Jack Darling, where you might not get Christmas-esque pictures but you will get some truly stunning winter shots.

Pro Tip: Jack Darling Park has some of the best nature views in the city, hands down – but it is a popular spot, so please remember to keep your distance (or wear your mask to keep safe and warm).
Bonus Pro Tip: The drive on Orr Road during or just after a snowfall is beyond magnificent

No matter where you go, think #MississaugaMade

Of all the things to see and do across our beautiful city the most important things to remember are to stay safe, stay positive and support our local communities, businesses and local shops. We all need to do our part, and every little bit counts.

In an effort to encourage people to shop local, Tourism Mississauga has launched a contest called “Shop Local for the WIN with #MississaugaMade!” On now until December 30th, if you buy, shop or order from a local Mississauga business, you could WIN a $100 VISA gift card. All you need to do is support local, keep your receipt and enter online. Mississaugamade.ca/LocalForTheWin

We’ve got a wonderful city filled with great local gems, and even though Mississauga isn’t what we’re used to this time of year, we can still safely enjoy it, explore it, and keep it alive.