Here’s how you can support small businesses in Burlington this holiday season

Published November 30, 2020 at 3:17 pm

This year for the holiday season, there are a ton of things happening in downtown Burlington that aim to support small businesses.

40 years ago, the small business community in Burlington’s downtown core came together to create the first Burlington Downtown Business Association aimed to create a space that would welcome patrons to their shops, restaurants and other professional businesses.

Throughout the last 40 years, downtown Burlington has become the heartbeat of the city and the backdrop for memories among many residents and visitors.

Here are a few things that small businesses can take part in and residents can enjoy this holiday season.

The City is currently encouraging residents to share their favourite memories of Burlington Downtown for a chance to win one of three grand-prize overnight visits to the beautiful downtown core.

Residents are encouraged to add photos as it may earn submission extra points.

Three grand prize winners will be selected by a panel of judges based on creativity, originality and sincerity and each of the 3 grand prizes includes a one night stay at the Waterfront Hotel, a $100.00 gift card to the Burlington Downtown restaurant of the winner’s choice and two $50.00 gift certificates to two Burlington Downtown retail shops of the winner’s choice.

This holiday season, residents can also enjoy the 25^th annual Burlington Festival of Lights is the City’s longest-running festival that lights up the beautiful waterfront from now until Jan. 8.

The displays will be modified this year to keep the community safe and healthy during the pandemic by centralizing the displays to allow for better drive-by viewing and placing physical distancing reminder signs throughout the park.

As Halton is now in the red zone, restaurants are limited to 10 people inside. While some are still offering heated patios, many are depending on take-out orders.

To continue to support local restaurants during this time, Tourism Burlington is asking the community to #TakeOutToHelpOut. By using this hashtag, you could win random gift card prizes for Burlington restaurants.

Lastly, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre will be hosting the 4^th annual Festival of Trees from Nov 26-Dec 22.

Local businesses have sponsored and generously decorated pre-lit artificial tries which will light up the lobby for four weeks until their silent auction “winners” take them home for the holidays.

Residents will have the opportunity to take home one of the 10 decorated trees (including the decorations) by entering the auction and placing a bid by 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec 21.

The minimum bid for one of these trees is $10.00 and all proceeds will go towards supporting the Centre’s Live & Local Artist Development Initiative which provides performance opportunities and support for Burlington-based artists.

These are just a few ways the public is being encouraged to support local businesses this holiday season.

For more information on how you can help, visit the City of Burlington’s website.

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