Brampton is Reinventing its Downtown This Holiday Season

Brampton’s downtown core is always stunning this time of year.

Brampton’s downtown core is always stunning this time of year. Full of spectacular lights, sights and sounds, the neighbourhood attracts people from both in and outside of the city and this year, the Downtown Brampton BIA is upping the festive ante with a brand new theme and a very fun Christmas tree decorating competition.

“This year’s theme is Sparkle, Shop & Dine in Downtown Brampton because we are showcasing all the magical attractions this downtown has to offer for the season,”  says Andrea Magana, Marketing and Events Specialist with the BIA. “From the magical lights, to the hidden shopping gems, to the delicious dining, downtown has a hidden sparkle for everyone to discover and enjoy.”

The new theme, which highlights the area’s gourmet dining scene and popular shops, was inspired by what a beautiful place downtown Brampton becomes during the holiday season.

More specifically, the BIA is hoping residents will be compelled to discover what makes them sparkle at Christmas time, whether that’s an amazing jewellery find or a family photo taken downtown (perhaps during a horse and carriage ride). 

So, what can people expect in the downtown core?

“Downtown has over 40 culinary options to discover and several perfect holiday party destinations,” says Magana. “Shopping is a hidden gem in Downtown Brampton with perfect locations to find your holiday dress, gift basket, jewellery needs and so much more.”

“Downtown is a great place to bring family and friends for that special holiday dinner, a magical carriage ride with a loved one and even a skate in Gage Park.   The downtown core is truly magical during this time of the year and over 340 businesses in the downtown core, you are sure to find some one of a kind gifts for loved ones.    Our businesses offer  unique products and are eager to help you find that special something – you will surely find that special something downtown.” Suzy Godefroy, Executive Director at the Downtown Brampton BIA.

To make things even more special, the BIA will be launching a special Christmas tree decorating competition for the first time ever. The competition involves over 40 four foot tall wooden trees that will be distributed throughout the city and decorated by eight local schools.

Each school will receive artistic recognition and the finished trees will be placed in local businesses downtown for display.

Residents also have the chance to choose their favourite tree, as a ballot box will be placed in each business that hosts a tree. Schools and the public will able to come downtown and vote on their trees for a chance to win $1,200 for their school.

The schools involved include Cardinal Leger Secondary School, Sacred Heart Elementary School, Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School, St. Roch Secondary School, Turner Fenton Secondary School, Brampton Centennial Secondary School, St. Anne’s Elementary School and Parkholme School.

The decorated trees will sit in Sunset Grill, Brampton Academy of Martial Arts, Hobby Studio, Baci Gifts, Stephan’s Furs, Fanzorelli’s, Dolcezza Custom Cakes, Wee Smoke Shop, UPS Store, Starbucks, Custodio’s Photography, Nom Nom’s Yogurt Bar and Café/J Red Xpress, Beaux-Arts Brampton, Brampton Denture Clinic and Wellness Centre, Downtown Reimagined, Dress People, David-Andrew Gentlemen Clothiers, Wendel Clark’s, Flowertown Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaners, Cyclepath, Joey’s Deli and Track’s Brew Pub.

The winner will be unveiled the week of January 2, 2018.

So if you plan on visiting downtown Brampton this holiday season, expect to be wow’d by the lights, the food, the shopping and, of course, the city’s many talented students.

Cover photo courtesy of Herman Custodio