35-foot Christmas tree will be lit up in downtown Mississauga

Mississauga is turning Celebration Square in the downtown core into a Christmas winter wonderland this weekend, and residents of all ages are invited to take part in the holiday fun.

Taking centre stage will be Saturday night’s annual lighting of the huge Christmas tree, which this year checks in at 35-feet tall, according to City of Mississauga officials staging the Light Up the Square event.

“There’s nothing quite like the magic of the holiday season. Mississauga Celebration Square is gearing up to become a technicolour wonderland at its Light Up the Square event this Saturday,” city officials said in a news release.

Organizers say the celebration will serve as a kickoff to holiday and winter activities in Mississauga. Weather permitting, Saturday will also mark the seasonal opening of the Celebration Square ice rink, Mississauga’s largest outdoor skating surface.

Free photos with Santa Claus, live music, artisans, food vendors and much more are also on tap, according to organizers.

During the event, they add, guests are encouraged to visit Biolumen by Radha Chaddah x RAW Design, “a spectacular display of 10 luminescent pillars that will cast ever-changing patterns of light and sound across the square.”

The display is co-produced by the City of Mississauga, Quartier Des Spectacles and the City of Shawinigan, and distributed by QDSinternational that will make its world premiere this weekend at Celebration Square, city officials note.

Additionally, six glowing outdoor public art installations will be featured at the square and the Living Arts Centre, located across the street.

The event begins Nov. 25 at 5 p.m., with the tree lighting to take place at 7 p.m. Acting Mayor Chris Fonseca, other dignitaries and Santa Claus will help light the tree.

Live entertainment starts at 7:30 p.m. and the event concludes at 10 p.m.

Admission is free.