The City of Brampton wants residents to enjoy a flurry of holiday spirit at Brampton’s Winter Lights Festival. However, they caution that year’s festival will look different than usual, due of course to COVID-19.

Top billing goes to the new drive-thru light experience, which is unfortunately booked up with no further spots available as of this writing. For those who have an appointment though, it takes place in Gage Park on Friday, November 20; Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22 from 6 to 10 p.m​. Registered participants will get to drive through Gage Park and see it shine with more light installations than ever before.

As always, there is the annual tree lighting powered by Alectra Utilities. The event does not happen in person this year, but you can join in online Friday, November 20 at 5:30 p.m. Go to this page and at the bottom there is a heading called “Entertainment” and the link will be live at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 20. Viewers will see Mayor Patrick Brown light over 10,000 Christmas lights on the city’s 60-foot spruce tree in Ken Whillans Square.

The Brampton Santa Claus Parade, which is presented by the Rotary Club of Brampton, happens virtually this year as well. Be ready for it on Saturday, November 21 at 5 p.m.
When the time comes, head over to the Santa Claus Parade Facebook page. The presentation features highlights from past years and new footage of Santa as he travels through Brampton. Visit bramptonsantaclausparade.com for more information.​​​

Bramptonist is sad to report that the annual Christmas Market is cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. You can learn more about the decision to cancel the market here.

The city asks that residents stay home when possible and avoid gathering with those outside their household. They acknowledge that it’s difficult during special times such as these, but they tell us that “these sacrifices will help save lives”.​