Thanksgiving Weekend in Mississauga: Markets, Feasts, and Family Fun
Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and if you’re lucky, you might have a couple extra days to fill your time with family and friends. Need some ideas for what to do? Mississauga’s got you covered. Here are lots of ideas on how you can get the most of this holiday, plus an itinerary so that you don’t have to add planning to your list of things to do.
Take a Fall Hike
Mississauga has plenty of parks and conservation areas with trails waiting to be explored. They make for a great way to start the day or get some late afternoon energy out. Here are some ‘Sauga favourites for you to catch the crisp fall air and changing leaves:
Enjoy Diwali Celebrations
Don’t miss out on the Diwali RazzMatazz that runs throughout the weekend at Celebration Square. Your schedule might change depending on who you are most excited to see, but no matter which day you choose to go, you’ll gain the benefit of engaging performances, colourful fashion, and rich culture.
Celebrate Thanksgiving by Not Having to Cook
Don’t feel like cooking Thanksgiving dinner? Check out Cuchulainn’s restaurant in Streetsville for a delicious Irish Thanksgiving turkey dinner. This option is open from Friday to Monday, but be sure to reserve your table ahead of time.
Unleash Kids’ Desire to Play
Kids will want to visit Erin Mills Town Centre for the Kids Craft & Play free event running from October 10 to October 11 from 9:30 am until 7:00 pm. So, if you can’t make it out on Saturday, you’ll still have time to visit on Sunday. Shop the local vendors while the kids play some games, bowl, do some arts and crafts, colour, and more. But don’t forget to register your spot. Note: The arts and crafts station opens at 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm.
Shop Local Vendors’ Produce and Artisanal Goods
Head on over to the Small Arms Inspection Building Sunday at 9:00 am for the Lakeview Artisan Market and the Lakeview Farmers’ Market; a great option to grab some fresh local produce for your main feast.
Your Thanksgiving Weekend Itinerary
Not sure how to fit it all in? Here’s a sample schedule to help you plan your long weekend, Friday through Monday.
Friday, October 9
Morning: Lace up your boots and head to Sawmill Valley Trail for a crisp autumn walk. The trail is free, family-friendly, and packed with vibrant fall foliage — perfect for snapping that family photo with the colourful canopy as your backdrop.
Evening: Kick off the weekend at Diwali RazzMatazz at Celebration Square. This free festival runs all weekend, so Friday night is a great time to catch the opening energy of Bollywood performances, vibrant fashion, live music, and festive food stalls.
Saturday, October 10
Morning: Diwali RazzMatazz continues at Celebration Square. Check the schedule for Saturday’s performances and plan around whoever you’re most excited to see.
Afternoon: Bring the kids to Kids Craft & Play at Erin Mills Town Centre (9:30 am – 7:00 pm). Remember, admission is free, but register your spot in advance.
Evening: Treat the family to an early Thanksgiving dinner at Cuchulainn’s in Streetsville, serving up a delicious Irish-style Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Open Friday through Monday — but reservations are a must, so book ahead.
Sunday, October 11
Morning: Head to the Small Arms Inspection Building for the Lakeview Artisan Market and Lakeview Farmers’ Market, opening at 9:00 am. It’s the perfect stop to pick up fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisan finds for your Thanksgiving feast — or just a great way to browse and support local makers.
Afternoon: If you’re in the Port Credit area, swing by Craig’s Cookies and bring a non-perishable food donation to receive 10% off your cookie order. A sweet treat and a good cause in one stop.
Late Afternoon: Wind down with a peaceful walk at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area. The famous boardwalk trail is easy for all ages — from toddlers to grandparents — and the marsh offers some of the best peak fall foliage views in the city.
Monday, October 12 — Thanksgiving Day
Morning: Enjoy a slow start. If you’re cooking at home, put those farmers’ market finds to work. If not, Cuchulainn’s is open one last day for their Thanksgiving turkey dinner; your last chance to let someone else do the cooking.
Afternoon: Take a final stroll through a neighbourhood trail or park you haven’t explored yet, or head back to Celebration Square for one last round of Diwali RazzMatazz festivities before the weekend wraps up.
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