Looking to make the most of the holiday season this year? Looking for the best Insta-moments and memorable experiences?
We’ve put together a list, so get your hot chocolate ready, bundle up with your favourite scarves, and pull those loved ones closer as you experience these top ten Christmassy things to do this season in and around Brampton.
Skating under the stars:
Gage Park is the gem of downtown Brampton. It is a picturesque outdoor ice circuit, with skating rentals, food truck, music, and now has a light tunnel walkway. There are a number of other skating locations in Brampton, outdoor ice rinks and trails, including the covered Gore Meadows rink as well as fully indoor rinks. Gore meadows and the indoor rinks often have skating classes where you can learn from professionals, many of which begin in December.
Skiing at Ching Park
Chinguacousy Ski Hill brings a portion of a ski mountain right to Brampton. You don’t need to make a long day trip to don skis or rip through powered snow on a snowboard or even a tube. The location has rentals and a lift, and classes for beginners.
Wonderland’s Winterfest, Vaughan
Canada’s Wonderland, the GTA’s own theme park, transforms into a winter festival this season. Winterfest features festive shows, an ice rink and select amusement park rides. Children get to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and hang out with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang.
The Nutcracker Ballet, Toronto
The Nutcracker is performed by the National Canadian Ballet, and is a classic fairy-tale story enjoyed time and time again during Christmastime. The story features two young children, brother and sister, as they go on a dreamlike adventure into a winter wonderland, with the Nutcracker, their toy who had transformed into a life-size soldier, as their magical steward.
Christmas markets and winter fairs, in and around Brampton
Check out the number of Christmas markets and winter fairs in and around Brampton which run this season. There’s the Brampton Big Bazaar; Brampton Winter Fair, Craft and Vendor Show; Aurora Winter Festival, and Toronto Christmas Market and Festival.
Skating at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
The skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square is a total Instagram-worthy destination for you and your family. This beautiful outdoor ice rink surrounded by historical and modern architecture is sure to create memories.
Religious events:
Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are celebrated as religious holidays by some of the diverse communities in Brampton and in the rest of the GTA.
- The Christmas Story (Toronto): December brings the spirit of the holiday season: joy, open hearts, kindness, and hope – and a reminder of our shared humanity. The Church of the Holy Trinity near Eaton Centre invites the public to join them for the 80th season of The Christmas Story, playing through December 22.
- Hanukkah celebration with the Har Tikvah congregation: with most Jewish individuals and families in Brampton, Caledon and nearby areas belonging to the Har Tikvah congregation, the synagogue is open for the celebration of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights that takes place from December 8 to December 17, with food and songs of worship.
- Kwanzaa in Canada: Kwanzaa is a pan-African celebration to honour African heritage in African-American culture in North America. It is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in gift-giving and a feast.