Mississauga Festival of Trees returns this December at the Small Arms Inspection Building

MISSISSAUGA, Nov. 14, 2023 – Get revved up for the Holiday season as CreativeHub 1352 has just announced the return of the Mississauga Festival of Trees from December 8 to December 17, 2023. A celebration of the holiday spirit and a significant highlight in the west GTA cultural calendar, the festival features stunning tree installations created by Ontarian artists, under a magical canopy of festive lights. There is a whole lot more happening at this spiritous event including a Christmas market with 80+ local artisanal and culinary vendors, live entertainment, workshops, and more.

Admission is Pay What You Can

For a pay-what-you-can admission fee, attendees are welcomed to experience art, culture, and holiday magic at the remarkable heritage site, the Small Arms Inspection Building, located just 20 minutes from downtown Toronto on the border of Etobicoke and Mississauga.

Exquisite new takes on Christmas trees, Talented artisans, a Christmas market and much more

“The Mississauga Festival of Trees will showcase a diverse array of talented artists, artisans, culinary vendors, and an exciting new range of commissioned art installations from emerging and established Ontario-based artists.” says Meredith Wood, Executive Director of CreativeHub 1352. “We’re thrilled to return for our 3rd annual Festival of Trees, with a renewed dedication to reconnecting our community. This year, we’re recommitting to our ‘Pay What You Can’ approach, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities.”

Multi-day Artisan Market

The Festival of Trees will span from Friday, December 8 to Sunday, December 17. All the magic begins with a multi-day Artisan Market from December 8 to December 10, featuring upwards of 40 artisan vendors with handcrafted, locally made goods. The following weekend, December 15 to 17, the Festival will feature a Culinary Market with 30+ vendors showcasing festive holiday eats and drinks, for enjoyment at the event and for taking home. Incredible art installations and canopies of lights will be on display throughout the entire Festival.

Live Music all weekend

Live music from local musicians will run throughout the event, including performances from Wilson & The Cast Aways, Jazz Plazma, Troubador, and more.

Drop-in Workshop Series

A series of drop-in workshops will run throughout the festival. On December 9, attendees are welcomed to join Toronto Region Conservation Authority for Life of a Tree to discover the contributions trees make to our world, uncover the secrets of their life cycle, and learn how to identify trees in your own neighbourhood. Birdwatching 101 with Toronto Region Conservation Authority on December 9 will cover binocular basics, tips for identifying bird species, and more. Explore Nature, an outdoor nature walk December 12 with Credit Valley Conservation will focus on the benefits of native trees, climate change, and ways residents can actively contribute to positive change in your community.

Don’t miss out on the great workshop by Visual Arts Mississauga on December 16, with drop in option, to create custom gift wrapping for the holidays! Join their 30-minute sessions to create unique gift wrapping. Design your own stamp and print a pattern to make a sheet of wrapping paper and matching gift tag. Suggested donation $5. Cash only. Reserve your spot here

More information on the Festival of Trees, including a full lineup of events: www.creativehub1352.ca/festival-of-trees

Fully licensed event

The event is fully licensed, and wheelchair accessible. 

“Whether you’re looking for a perfect family outing, a romantic date night, a place to shop local and support our community’s makers and producers, or simply somewhere festive to have a cocktail or beer with friends, the Mississauga Festival of Trees is a must-visit this December.” says Jessica Haggeman, the Festival’s Event Lead. “We can’t wait to see you!”

More information about the Festival is available at: www.creativehub1352.ca/festival-of-trees

As you walk through the doors at the Mississauga Festival of Trees you are transported to a magical space emanating the spirit of the Holiday season. Its worth the drive (or bike, walk or transit ride) to Mississauga for one of the city’s most anticipated Holiday events!

Where is the Small Arms Inspection Building

The Small Arms Inspection Building is located at 1352 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga, only a 20-minute drive from Toronto’s downtown core, or a 12-minute walk from the Long Branch Go Station.

by Terry Lankstead with notes from CreativeHub 1352

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