Mississauga’s Port Credit gets festive with WinterINThePort

The cold weather may be upon us, but that shouldn’t stop Mississauga residents from enjoying activities that will get them into the holiday spirit from now until January 21, 2023.

Cue: #WinterINThePort, a holiday-themed festival in Mississauga’s beautiful lakeside community of Port Credit, features everything residents need to kick the winter blues and embrace winter festivities with other members of the community.

Unique Holiday Theme

The unique theme of #WinterINThePort can be seen throughout the Village with stunning holiday décor that flows along the main street. Visitors can expect to see dazzling lights wrapped around light poles and trees; guiding visitors along their journey through this magical holiday experience.

This year’s event theme is “The Nutcracker,” so visitors will be enthralled with décor that reflects the beloved tale of a girl who dreams of a nutcracker prince. The traditional ballet comes to life to transport guests to a fantasy world of toy soldiers and colourful characters.

As a result, the event will feature various Nutcrackers standing “on guard” throughout the village along with whimsical twinkly lights and more winter and holiday décor along the main street.

The Annual Lighthouse Tradition

The #WinterINThePort festivities that happened on December 3rd included the event’s annual tradition of Lighting of the Lighthouse, where visitors were transported to the Kingdom of Sweets.

The lighting of the lighthouse gathers visitors, dignitaries, and community members each year, who all kicked off the winter festivities and holiday season in Port Credit. This year, visitors that took part in the event were surrounded by two 6 ft Nutcrackers standing tall at the lighthouse.

Following the Lighting of the Lighthouse, visitors were graced by the music of a five-piece band playing familiar favourites, a strolling LED light-up Sugar Plum Ballerina a stilt-walking Nutcracker, holiday stories, cookie decorating and more.

Holiday Movie-Worthy Décor

The holiday festivities continue from now until January 21, 2023, and feature Victorian carollers that will have visitors feeling like they have been transported back to their favourite traditional Christmas movies, all while taking in the Nutcracker-themed winter décor.

The community will raise their voices together to sing holiday theme carols on December 19, 2022, for #CarollingINThePort which will take place at the Port Street Market Square.

So, make sure you familiarize yourself with those old-time tunes, so you can help the carollers spread some holiday cheer.

The stunningly stoic Nutcrackers help illuminate the Port with their own lights and music. Visitors are invited to stroll through the idyllic village to find all 16 of the Nutcrackers and participate in the #NameThatNutcracker contest.

In January 2023, visitors to Port Credit will experience an interactive performance of the Nutcracker throughout the Port as well and many more inspired performances and installations.

Festive Photo Ops

All this and more will make for Insta-worthy holiday photos, so be sure to snap a few by the festive decorations and some holiday décor at the Port Credit Lighthouse and Port Street Market Square. #WinterINThePort provides the scenic backdrop that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the city.

With Port Credit being one of the city’s best shopping and tourism destinations all year round, it goes without saying that visitors walking through the Port will have a chance to start (or finish!) their holiday shopping and support local by checking out some of the shops whose storefronts have been decked out for the holidays.

Regardless of who you’re shopping for this holiday season, make sure to treat yourself to a meal or warm up with a hot chocolate at one of their restaurants or cafes, so you can brace yourself to step out into the wither wonderland again and continue enjoying the festive vibes.

Free Parking

With Port Credit GO station conveniently located in Port Credit, visitors will have the option to leave their cars at home and enjoy the winter festivities stress-free.

However, for those who prefer to drive, they’ll be happy to know that the Port Credit BIA in partnership with the City of Mississauga, is offering free parking to support their small businesses from now until Jan. 15, 2023, along Lakeshore, from Maple Ave. to Beechwood Ave. Public parking can also be found in the underground parking at 80 Port Street, the Elmwood Parking lot, the Port Credit Lighthouse, and by the Port Credit Library.

So, no need to worry about parking meters or time limits, simply arrive, enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays with family or friends, enjoy some tasty festive snacks and beverages, support local businesses, and help the community spread some holiday cheer at #WinterINThePort.