Christmas Ideas and Events in Mission, BC, 2026

Mission at Christmas is, above all, one big night: the Candlelight Parade on First Avenue. Alongside it are a tree lighting at Centennial Park, a holiday event at the Leisure Centre, and Christmas shows at Clarke Theatre.

Christmas markets

No Mission Christmas market with a confirmed 2026 date and venue is listed. Check the Mission Arts Council and downtown Mission listings for a 2026 market announcement.

Light displays and tours

Downtown Mission is lit for the Candlelight Parade night, with lighted floats, trucks, and bands along First Avenue. No separate Mission light display or light tour with a confirmed 2026 date was found, so none is given here.

Tree lightings

Lights On Centennial, Centennial Park Tree Lighting

Lights On Centennial takes place on Friday, November 20, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm, at Centennial Park, 11th Avenue, with the tree at Grand Street and 11th Avenue. Live music, hot chocolate and crafts are listed, rain or shine. Nominations for a child Chief Lighting Officer run until November 13.

Santa photos and parades

Mission Candlelight Parade

The Mission Candlelight Parade takes place on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 6 pm to 9 pm. It is presented by the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, with support from the City of Mission, and is described as the largest nighttime Christmas parade in BC. It is the parade's 40th annual edition. Expect themed floats, marching bands, illuminated trucks, and live entertainment, with Santa and Mrs. Claus closing the parade. Spectator admission is not stated on the organizer page; third-party listings describe it as free. The parade runs along First Avenue through Historic Downtown Mission. The chamber listing gives the route from Horne westbound to Haig, with road closures from 3 pm to 10 pm, but another guide says the 2026 route is not confirmed, so only First Avenue and downtown Mission are given here; check the chamber or city page before treating the Horne to Haig endpoints as firm.

Arrive early for a spot along First Avenue. Dress for a long evening standing outside in December.

Shows and other events

Holiday Magic

Holiday Magic takes place on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm, at Mission Leisure Centre, 7650 Grand Street, free.

A Holly Jolly Jill Barber Christmas

A Holly Jolly Jill Barber Christmas takes place on Friday, November 27, 2026, 7:30 to 8:30 pm, at Clarke Theatre, 33700 Prentis Avenue, $39.

Buddy's Holly Jolly Christmas

Buddy's Holly Jolly Christmas takes place on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 pm, at Clarke Theatre, 33700 Prentis Avenue.

The later sections cover shows, Santa photos, and practical notes for getting around, so this is a good place to pause and plan the rest of an evening out.

Practical notes

First Avenue closes to traffic from 3 pm to 10 pm on parade day, so plan parking and walking routes in advance. With crowds on one street, claim a curb spot early, and bring a chair or blanket for children.