​BRAMPTON, ON – Winter in the City of Brampton is a season built for community. As the days get colder, the City is rolling out a full lineup of events and activities, bringing people together and make the most of the season. This year’s celebrations begin with the Winter Lights Festival presented by Fieldgate Developments in November, followed by expanded recreation and entertainment through Winter in the City.

Here is your guide for an enjoyable winter in the city 2025. 

Winter Lights Festival 

November kicks off with familiar favourites and new opportunities to experience Brampton at its brightest. ​

Brampton Santa Claus Parade presented by the Rotary Club of Brampton 

Date: Saturday, November 15

Time: 5 pm

Location: Begins at Central Park Drive and Bramalea Road

For more information, visit bramptonsantaclausparade.com​.

Brampton Winter Artist Market presented by the Brampton Arts Organization

Date: Saturday, November 22

Time: 11 am to 4 pm

Location: Springdale Library, 10705 Bramalea Rd., Brampton, ON

Holiday shoppers can explore handcrafted items and seasonal treats from local makers at the Brampton Winter Artist Market. Visit this website​ for more information and a full list of vendors. ​

Christmas Tree Lighting and Miracle on Main Street

Date: Saturday, November 29

Time: 4 pm to 8 pm

Location: Downtown Brampton

Families can enjoy free photos with Santa, live performances and festive activities throughout downtown. Visitors can also skate beneath the lights along the Winter Lights Skating Trail in Gage Park. Give back this season and bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to Miracle on Main Street in support of local families through the Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation.

Official Tree Lighting Ceremony

Time: 6:45 pm

Location: Ken Whillans Square

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Brampton’s official tree lighting ceremony. In Ken Whillans Square, residents are invited to experience the 60-foot spruce tree coming to life with more than 10,000 lights.

Parking 

Parking is free for the first two hours on weekdays, and free on weekends, holidays and weekday evenings after 7 pm at nearby garages:

• City Hall Parking Garage – 2 Wellington St. W.
• West Tower Parking Garage – 41 George St.
• John Street Parking Garage – 16 John St.
• Market Square Parking Garage – 1 Theatre Ln.
• Nelson Square Parking Garage and George Street North Surface Parking Lot - 2 Diplock Ln.
  

The City thanks Fieldgate Developments, Rafat, TD and Tim Hortons for their support of the Winter Lights Festival.

Winter Lights Festival details are available at brampton.ca/winterlights​.

Outdoor Skating Rinks

Outdoor rinks and skating trails will open for the season, starting with Gore Meadows Covered Outdoor Skating Rink on November 15, weather permitting. Other outdoor rinks will open shortly thereafter, once the weather permits. Rinks may temporarily close due to weather or maintenance requirements. Residents are encouraged to check rink hours and status updates at brampton.ca/outdoorskating​ prior to visiting.

Free winter break indoor skating presented by Capital Power

This winter break from December 21 through January 4, Brampton residents can enjoy free indoor skating, presented by Capital Power, at select arenas across the city. Whether you are a novice skater or seasoned on the ice, this family-friendly activity offers a fun way to stay active and enjoy time together, no matter the weather. Thanks to the generous support of Capital Power, skaters of all ages can lace up and glide across the rink at no cost, making it easier for the community to enjoy this activity. Visit brampton.ca/freeskates for a full schedule and a list of locations.

Brampton Food and Toy Drive

Be a part of the season of giving in a meaningful way! Starting December 1 to 15, drop off non-perishable food items, new unwrapped toys and gift cards at City Hall and select community centres and libraries. All items will be donated to the Knights Table in Brampton to support local families. In 2024, the community contributed more than 5,000 pounds of donations, reflecting the generosity and strong community spirit of Brampton residents. Learn more at brampton.ca/foodandtoydrive​. 

Winter walks and nature trails

For those who love the outdoors, Brampton’s parks and most recreational trails are open and maintained year-round. Take in the beauty of winter in the city with nature walks and stay active throughout the season. Physical activity is important for everyone’s health and well-being! Visit brampton.ca/parks to discover our parks and recreational trails. ​

Brampton Library

Holiday time at Brampton Library begins with our 12 Days of Creativity and the return of the Brampton Artis Organization's Winter Artist Market at Springdale Branch on November 22. Twelve days of fun continue with festive workshops and exciting DIY programs from November 22 to December 3. Learn how to make a snow globe, wrapping paper, holiday cards, ornaments, and more. Get your picture taken with Santa on November 30 and meet much-loved author Terry Fallis on December 6. New to Brampton? Our Newcomer Bus Tours in partnership with Brampton Transit and Toronto Pearson on December 4 and 9 are a great way to see the beautiful holiday lights and learn more about the City. Looking for free art and craft classes on demand? Head to our website and check out Creativebug's online platform with your free Brampton Library card. Details are available at bramptonlibrary.ca​. ​

Catch a show at The Rose

This festive season, The Rose invites residents and visitors to celebrate with a lineup of inspiring performances. The holiday program begins in November with Jann Arden Christmas Tour (November 19) and A Big Band Christmas featuring the B-Jazzed Orchestra (November 27), followed by a heartwarming December lineup including Christmas at The Rose with Brampton Concert Band (December 6), The Rose Orchestra: Winter Carnival (December 13), The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition from Ballet Jörgen (December 17 and 18), High Priest Reggae Fest Ft. Exco Levi (December 20) and Re-Imagined: A Holiday Affair featuring Divine Brown (December 21). Visitors can also enjoy special appearances from Santa at The Rose throughout December, adding extra magic to the holiday experience. For tickets and details, visit bramptononstage.ca.

Explore the full schedule

For a full schedule of events, visit experiencebrampton.ca​.

Quote

“By working with dedicated partners and our vibrant community, Brampton continues to deliver winter experiences everyone can enjoy. Winter in Brampton and Winter Lights Festival creates opportunities for families, visitors and businesses to experience our city in exciting new ways, while staying active, staying connected and celebrating what makes our city special.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton