Your 2025 Festive Events Guide
The holiday season is here, and Burlington and Oakville are sparkling with festive fun! From dazzling light displays and tree lightings to holiday markets, concerts, and family-friendly performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to shop for unique gifts, meet Santa, or simply soak up the seasonal spirit, our 2025 guide has all the must-see events to make your holidays magical.
BURLINGTON
1) Aldershot Village Tree Lighting
When: November 22 | 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Where: Aldershot Village
Celebrate the start of the season with a festive tree lighting, outdoor vendors, hot chocolate, complimentary hot dogs, and a visit from Santa. Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the community food drive.
2) Arts Burlington Holiday Sale
When: November 22 & 23 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Art Gallery of Burlington
Browse a wide selection of handmade works from local artists, including pottery, fine art, photography, woodcraft, and more. It’s the perfect spot to find unique gifts or enjoy an inspiring day of creativity.
3) The Nutcracker – A Canadian Tradition
When: November 25 & 26 | 7:30 pm
Where: Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Experience the holiday classic as Ballet Jörgen brings The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition to life with beautiful choreography and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. A timeless favourite that captures the magic of the season.
4) Winter Wonders
When: November 27 – January 4 | 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens
Hendrie Park comes alive with dazzling lights, festive displays, and seasonal music during RBG’s Winter Wonders. Enjoy interactive art installations, warm treats, and an expanded craft market featuring unique handmade gifts.
5) Candlelit Stroll
When: November 28 | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Downtown Burlington
Kick off the winter season with a festive evening in downtown Burlington. Start at Civic Square for the Tree of Hope lighting, then enjoy a self-guided stroll filled with bright lights, local activities, popcorn, and a holiday movie at Centro Garden. A free community favourite.
6) Burlington Festival of Lights
When: November 28 – January 7 | 5:00 pm – 11:59 pm
Where: Spencer Smith Park
Celebrate 30 years of holiday magic as Spencer Smith Park transforms into a glowing winter wonderland. Enjoy more than 60 illuminated displays along the waterfront, perfect for a festive stroll, drive, or photo op with family and friends.
7) Leahy: Celtic Roots & Christmas Cheer
When: December 5 | 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Enjoy an energetic and heartwarming holiday performance as Leahy blends original music with Celtic, Canadian, and classic Christmas favourites. Expect incredible musicianship, lively step-dancing, and festive spirit throughout the night.
8) Santa's Brunch
When: December 6, 7, 13 & 14 | 9:30 am & 1:00 pm
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens
Enjoy a festive buffet brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus, complete with table-side visits and perfect photo moments. After your meal, explore the Botanical Train for even more holiday fun. A family tradition in the making.
9) OG Santa Run
When: December 7 | 1:00 pm
Where: Downtown Burlington
Join Canada’s original Santa race with a festive 3.5K run or walk to kick off the Burlington Santa Parade. Participants don full Santa suits and receive a magical Christmas medal at the finish line. A fun, spirited event for all ages!
10) Santa Claus Parade
When: December 7 | 2:00 pm
Where: Downtown Burlington
Celebrate the season at Burlington’s festive Santa Claus Parade, featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, and costumed characters. Santa will make the grand finale, and children can bring letters for him along the route. Donations for local charities are welcome.
11) The Burlington Christmas Market
When: December 11 – 14 | 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Downtown Burlington
Step into a twinkling winter village with over 30 artisan vendors, seasonal treats, live music, and festive entertainment. Enjoy shopping, sipping, and celebrating the holidays in the heart of downtown Burlington.
12) The Foster Festival: A Niagara Christmas Carol
When: December 18 – 21 | 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Where: Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Experience a uniquely Canadian adaptation of Dickens’ classic, adapted by Jamie Williams and set in 19th-century St. Catharines. This world premiere blends local history with the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge, celebrating the holiday season with heart and heritage.
13) Sultans of String: Christmas Caravan
When: December 19 | 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Celebrate the season with Canada’s Sultans of String in their Christmas Caravan show. Enjoy a vibrant mix of original tunes, world-music inspired classics, and holiday favourites performed with their signature global flair.
14) A Whitehorse Winter Classic
When: December 20 | 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Join Whitehorse for a festive holiday concert and fundraiser supporting Ladybird Animal Sanctuary. Enjoy holiday favourites, hits from their acclaimed catalogue, and special guest performances in this seasonal celebration.
15) Christmas Town
When: Tuesdays to Sundays until December 23 | 9:30 am – 7:00 pm
Where: Mountsberg Conservation Area
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in a magical woodland setting. Enjoy a guided wagon ride, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, a scavenger hunt, and play areas including Elf Academy and the Gingerbread Room, plus farm animals and resident raptors.
OAKVILLE
1) Jann Arden Christmas Tour
When: November 21 – 23 | 8:00 pm
Where: Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Celebrate the season with Jann Arden as she performs her holiday favourites from A Jann Arden Christmas. Enjoy her signature voice and heartfelt renditions in a festive evening of music.
2) Visit with Santa
When: November 22 | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Where: Oakville Museum
Bring the kids for a festive visit with Santa at the Oakville Museum. Write letters, explore the beautifully decorated Erchless Estate, and enjoy holiday activities before meeting Santa in his cozy sitting room.
3) At Home in Bronte for the Holidays
When: November 22 | 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Bronte Market Square
Celebrate the season in Bronte Market Square with festive lights, music, and community cheer. Bundle up and enjoy a merry afternoon with friends, neighbours, and holiday spirit.
4) Local Love Christmas Market
When: November 27 | 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Verace Restaurant
When: December 3 | 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Tabule Restaurant
Shop and support local women entrepreneurs at this festive market, featuring unique gifts, services, and self-care finds. Connect with the community and celebrate creativity in a welcoming holiday atmosphere.
5) The Nutcracker
When: November 28 – 30 | Various times
Where: Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Join Clara and her Nutcracker in a festive journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets. This family-friendly production by the Oakville School of Classical Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life.
6) Kerr Village Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
When: November 29 | 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where: Westwood Park
Celebrate over 30 years of holiday tradition in Kerr Village with a festive tree lighting, live music, and a holiday market. Enjoy visits from Santa and the Grinch, letter drop-offs, and seasonal entertainment for the whole family.
7) St. Andrew's Christmas House Tour
When: December 5 & 6 | 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Various Homes in Oakville
Tour beautifully decorated Oakville homes and enjoy festive designs by local decorators. This long-standing tradition offers holiday inspiration and a chance to soak up the season’s spirit.
8) Oakville Christmas Market
When: December 6 & 7 | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Where: Bronte Market Square
Celebrate the holidays in Bronte Village with Santa, festive gifts, live entertainment, and over 20 vendors offering treats, crafts, and boutique finds. Enjoy a full day of shopping, fun, and holiday cheer.
9) Balletomane Presents Neige
When: December 7 | 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Where: Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Enjoy a festive dance celebration with ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop performances. Neige brings holiday magic to life with sparkling winter scenes, elegant choreography, and high-energy seasonal fun.
10) Hometown Holiday
When: December 6, 13 & 20 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Towne Square
Celebrate the season in Downtown Oakville with horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, candy cane carollers, and hot cocoa. A festive, family-friendly way to enjoy the holidays.
11) Family Holiday Concert
When: December 14 | 1:30 pm
Where: Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Enjoy a festive one-hour concert featuring the Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra and Oakville Choir. Perfect for families to celebrate the season with music and holiday cheer.
12) Snow White & The Secret Vault: A Holiday Pantomime
When: December 19 – 28 | 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Where: Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Join Snow White on a hilarious holiday adventure with Gen Z sidekicks and surprising new friends. Filled with laughter, music, and festive fun, this pantomime is a must-see.
13) Winter Wonderland of Lights
When: Now until January 2026 | 7:00 pm
Where: Centennial Square
Enjoy a festive stroll through Downtown Oakville’s dazzling light displays from Towne Square to Centennial Square. A perfect seasonal outing for the whole family.
14) The Courage Polar Bear Dip
When: January 1 | 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Coronation Park
Kick off the New Year with a splash! Join participants braving the icy waters of Lake Ontario to support clean water initiatives through World Vision Canada. A daring and charitable way to start 2026.
