Things to do this weekend in Burlington, Milton and Oakville: Dec. 6 to Dec. 8
Published December 6, 2024 at 7:00 am
This weekend, the festive season shines across Halton. Burlington’s dazzling light displays and holiday markets create a magical atmosphere. Oakville blends history, art and holiday cheer with unique tours and cozy brunches. Milton celebrates with tree lightings and seasonal train rides. Each city offers its own holiday magic, perfect for creating memorable moments.
December 6
Burlington:
BPAC Festival of Trees (Nov. 20 – Dec. 15)
Step into the holiday spirit at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s 8th Annual Festival of Trees. Enjoy the glow of 30 beautifully decorated Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses, all displayed in the lobby and mezzanine. You can also participate in the silent auction for a chance to take one of these festive trees home! All proceeds support the arts centre.
Where: 440 Locust St. (Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Silent Auction Info:
- Minimum bid: $50
- Auction ends on Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.
- Winners will be contacted by email or phone and can pick up their tree on Dec. 16 or 17.
Calvary Burlington Christmas Lunch
Celebrate the season with a delicious home-cooked turkey dinner and all the fixings at Calvary Burlington. Enjoy coffee and tea before the program begins and spread joy and hope this Christmas.
Where: 2458 St. Frances Dr.
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free (no RSVP needed).
Santa’s Outdoor Market – TERRA Burlington
Celebrate the magic of the season at this enchanting outdoor Christmas market under a canopy of twinkling lights. Enjoy local vendors offering festive snacks, sweet treats, exclusive Christmas décor, and unique gifts.
Where: 2273 Dundas St.(Terra Greenhouses)
Time:
- Dec. 5 and 6—4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Dec. 7 and 8—12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Winter Wonders
Experience the magic of the season at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Winter Wonders! Hendrie Park transforms into a stunning winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights, festive installations, and enchanting displays.
Where: 680 Plains Rd. W. (Royal Botanical Gardens)
Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $0 – $20
A Night at Ireland House
Step back in time and celebrate the holidays during A Night at Ireland House! Guests will enjoy sampling traditional Victorian foods prepared on the hearth and woodstove while touring the historic house. The evening also features local wine and craft beer tastings, carolers and chestnut roasting on an open fire.
Where: 2168 Guelph Line (Ireland House Museum)
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $57
Oakville:
Downtown Oakville Art Hop
Stroll through participating galleries, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages and connect with local artists for an inspiring evening.
Where:
- Summer & Grace Gallery: 350 Lakeshore Rd. E.
- Oakville Galleries: 1306 Lakeshore Rd.E. and 120 Navy St.
- Artspace: 128 Reynolds St.
- Towne Square/Native Galleries: 94 George St. Unit 4
When: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
December 7
Burlington:
Burlington Handmade Market – Holiday Edition
Kick off the holiday season with over 60+ vendors offering handmade jewelry, crochet clothing, plushies, baked goods, blankets, bath and body care, pottery, crafts and more.
Where: Corpus Christi High School 5150 Upper Middle Rd. (Corpus Christi High School)
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Candlelight Concert & Art Exhibition
Part of the Art is Life series, this event hosted by Laureate College features an opening vernissage and concert.
Where: 1921 Snake Rd. (Laureate College)
Time: 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person.
Christmas Town
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Mountsberg Conservation Area. Take a guided wagon ride through the woods to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in their woodland hideaway and enjoy fun activities like cookie decorating, crafting and a holiday scavenger hunt.
Where: 2259 Millburough Line, Campbellville
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Adults: $39; Child/Senior: $35 (plus applicable taxes)
Milton:
Miracle on Main Street in Downtown Milton
The Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation in partnership with The Downtown Milton BIA and Halton Regional Police Service, presents the 16th annual Miracle on Main Street! This free event features amusement rides, vendors, stage performances, a petting zoo, pony rides and more. Donations of new unwrapped toys are encouraged.
Where: 251 Main Street (Downtown Milton)
Time: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Pearl Jam Tribute at The Eighth Note
Experience a night of grunge nostalgia as 5 Against One – A Tribute to Pearl Jam makes their debut performance in Milton. Enjoy iconic Pearl Jam hits and more in this electrifying live show.
Where: The Eighth Note Local Eatery and Live Music Bar, 243 Main St. E, Milton, Ontario
When: 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified
Christmas on the Rails (Dec. 7 to Dec. 15)
Ride into the holiday season with the Halton County Radial Railway Museum! Experience vintage streetcars gliding through snowy woods, accompanied by Christmas carols and a visit from Santa, who might even take the wheel for a magical ride to the North Pole. The grounds are decorated for the holidays, and guests can enjoy cider, hot chocolate, coffee and cookies while exploring the festive setting.
Where: 13629 Guelph Line (Halton County Radial Railway Museum)
When: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost:
- Adults: $24.00
- Seniors (65+): $22.00
- Youth (10-17): $18.00
- Children (4-9): $12.00
- Under 4 & Over 90: FREE
- Family Pass (Max. 2 Adults & 2 Children): $70.00
Oakville:
Visit with Santa
Meet Santa in his cozy cottage at Centennial Square for a magical holiday experience. Don’t forget your camera to capture the moment!
Where: 120 Navy St. (Centennial Square)
When: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Details:
- First-come, first-served visits: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Reserved appointments: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost:
- Suggested donation of $10 or more to the United Way (payable by tap at Santa’s Cottage).
Breakfast with Santa at Dave and Buster’s
Santa Claus is coming to Dave & Buster’s in Oakville! Enjoy a festive morning filled with fun, games and a special meet-and-greet with Santa. S
Where: 2021 Winston Park Drive
When: Starting at 9:00 a.m.
Details:
- Exclusive early access to the store.
- Games and a photo with Santa.
- First 25 guests to purchase tickets receive a free swag bag (notified at check-in).
- An adult must accompany children at all times.
Cost: $31.99 per ticket.
Brunch with Santa at The Fire Hall Restaurant in Bronte
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive brunch and a visit from Santa at The Fire Hall Restaurant in Bronte.
Where: 2390 Lakeshore Rd. W.
When: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified (reservations are required to attend)
Oakville Museum Christmas Tour and Treat
Step back in time this holiday season at the historic Erchless Estate, adorned for an 1800s Christmas. Explore beautifully decorated rooms featuring vintage fashions, antique toys and dazzling light displays. Complete your tour with a festive treat and a hot beverage.
Where: Oakville Museum, 8 Navy St, Oakville, ON
When: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
December 8
Burlington:
Oven 360 Burlington Pizza Making Classes
Learn to make authentic Italian pizza in a hands-on class! From hand-stretching dough to topping and cooking signature pizzas, this event is perfect for food enthusiasts. Enjoy gelato samples to top off the experience.
Where: 3121 Appleby Line
Time:10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $22.63
Burlington Symphony Orchestra: Christmas is for Kids
Enjoy a light, one-hour performance perfect for young children and their guests. Sing along to holiday favourites and celebrate the season with this family-friendly concert.
Where: 440 Locust St. (Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 2 p.m.
Cost: $10–$20
Milton:
Glass Tiger
Discover the enduring legacy of Glass Tiger, one of Canada’s most iconic bands. Known for hits like “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone),” the band has shared stages with legends such as Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams.
Where: 1010 Main Street E. (FirstOntario Arts Centre – Mattamy Theatre)
When: 8 p.m.
Cost: $85 (Taxes and fees included)
A Swingin’ Christmas with Toronto All-Star Big Band
Experience the holiday season with the Toronto All-Star Big Band as they present A Swingin’ Christmas. Enjoy lively renditions of seasonal classics and timeless hits from the “Golden Age of Swing.”
Where: 1010 Main St. E. (FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton)
When: 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $59 (includes fees + tax). Tickets required for all attendees.
Santa at the Fairgrounds (Dec. 7 to Dec. 22)
The Halton Agricultural Society invites guests to the 3rd annual Santa at the Fairgrounds event! Visit Santa Morgan, shop local vendors, and enjoy festive activities at the Milton Fairgrounds.
Where: 136 Robert St.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost:
- Event entry: Free
- Photos with Santa: $15 (emailed after the weekend)
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