Beat the winter blues: Exciting things to do in Mississauga this season!

In the winter months, it can take a little more motivation to be active and engaged – especially after prepping for the holidays and indulging in social gatherings. This season, make a commitment to your well-being by prioritizing your self care and leisure.

While winter can be full of joy, it’s also a time when there can be added pressure during the holidays on people of all ages – from parents, the elderly, caregivers, teens and even children. The City of Mississauga has plenty of activities to keep families busy and feeling positive throughout these chilly months. Even if you’re healthy and mentally at ease, there are things you can to do reduce the risk of developing seasonal mental health challenges, such as the “winter blues” or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The City encourages you to get outside or find time to enjoy a fun indoor activity over the next few months.

Skate away

Almost everyone knows about the skate rentals and ice rink at Celebration Square, but did you know you can also skate outdoors at Port Credit Memorial Park Ice Skate Path, Woodhurst Heights Park Outdoor Skating Rink and at the brand-new outdoor rink at Gulleden Park. Weather permitting, Mississauga will also operate many natural ice rinks as well. Each rink is complete with rink boards and community volunteers who maintain the natural ice surface.

Our community centres also offer hockey and skating programs for all ages and skill levels. If you’re looking to save some money this season, take advantage of the Free Fun Skates taking place during the December winter break at various rinks across the city, courtesy of local Canadian Tire stores in the Mississauga area.

Please note that a Canadian Standards Association-approved hockey helmet is strongly recommended and that food and beverages are not permitted on the ice.

Downhill thrills

Every snowfall helps build the perfect conditions for tobogganing or sledding. Mississauga has six toboggan hills for your family to enjoy. Find a tobogganing hill near you:

• Birchwood Park
• Castlegreen Meadows
• Max Ward Memorial Park
• Erindale Park
• Jack Darling Memorial Park
• Union Park

When heading downhill, remember to keep arms and legs tucked in, and sit face-forward (going down the hill face-first can lead to a serious head injury). Never attempt to stand on a sled either, as sleds are not an alternative for snowboarding. Do not build snow jumps or obstacles – keep it simple and use the hill safely.

Get active. Move your body, mind and soul!

If getting more active or working on your strength is one of your New Year’s resolutions, you don’t need to wait until January to get started on improving your health.

Explore drop-ins and programs on Active Mississauga and try something new. You can also participate in Virtual Fitness classes. It’s an easy, convenient way to participate at your own comfort level, right from home. Choose from 20 weekly classes with a variety of formats to help support your well-being in a way that fits your schedule and space.

With the holiday season approaching, consider gifting your friends and family a Mississauga Recreation gift card. The gift card is prepaid and can be used for program registrations, memberships, passes, concessions, retail items and more.

Gift cards can be used at community centres, arenas, Iceland Arena, Paramount Fine Foods Centre and Sportsplex and museums. Golf courses also accept gift cards for lessons and programs.

Learn more about where you can purchase the gift card: mississauga.ca/recreation-and-sports/gift-cards/

‘Tis the season for entertainment

Looking for entertainment? Check out one of these fun activities in December:

Broadsway: The Most Wonderful Time…Maybe!

Treat your ears to four of Canada’s finest musical theatre, jazz and cabaret artists for an evening of Yuletide classics and seasonal gems, all put together in unique arrangements with musicality and humour. Buy tickets for Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Family fun at the museums

Saturday Family Fun at Bradley Museum and Sunday Family Fun at Benares Historic House: Drop in for a relaxed afternoon of crafts and games that are perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s all about fun, creativity, and connection—no lessons, no stress, just a great way to spend the day together. Adult supervision is required, but no pre-registration is needed—just drop in and let the fun begin!

Winter solstice celebration

Gather round the fire on the longest night of the year! Enjoy a warm drink with a snack and make a solstice decoration to take home. Register for free and attend on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

For more entertainment, arts and culture-related events and programs, visit the saugaLIVE website and stay up to date on the latest. Always remember, it doesn’t matter how you stay engaged and busy throughout the season – as long as you take care yourself and those around you. The City makes it easier for people across all ages and abilities to keep heir body moving in these cold winter months.

Tags

• Recreation and Sports