Lighting up at Celebration Square

STORY AND PHOTOS BY TYLER REYNOLDS

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays in Mississauga.

The city held its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Celebration Square on Nov. 23.

“We’ve had the event going along with the city for several years now,” said Karen Ferreira, supervisor of events and promotion for Celebration Square. “With the redevelopment of Celebration Square in 2010, this is our third year on Celebration Square.”

This year’s ceremony had a musical performance by Matt Dusk, horse and carriage rides and dozens of food trucks, as well as a chance for kids to meet Santa.

“What we’ve really tried to do this year is to make it an iconic holiday event,” said Ferreira. “That’s why we went with the crooner vibe and we had a lot of fun with it, and we’re really excited with the lighting of the tree and how everything will become more festive. “

One of the many traditions that the tree lighting brings is the opening of Mississauga City Hall’s outdoor skating rink.

“Something that a lot of people are excited for is the official opening of our skating rink for the winter season,” said Ferreira. “So many people have fun on that skating rink, and have been asking surprisingly since September when we’re going to open it.”

Members of the community skating around the outdoor Mississauga rink at Celebration Square.

The event was kept on schedule by several volunteers.

“I think it’s important to keep this tradition going because it does give the city of Mississauga a name, and more of an identity,” said volunteer Larissa Defilippis. “It also allows everyone to get together in one space, both physically and metaphorically.”