Things to do this weekend in Burlington, Milton and Oakville: Nov. 15 to Nov. 17

As the holiday season begins to sparkle across southern Ontario, Burlington, Milton and Oakville are buzzing with festive markets, concerts and cherished community traditions. From Santa Claus parades and artisan markets to tree lighting ceremonies and live entertainment, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the magic of the season. Here’s what’s happening this weekend:

November 15

Oakville Museum Christmas Guided Tour & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the season with a visit to the historic Erchless Estate, adorned for a 19th-century Christmas. Admire festive trees, vintage decorations, antique toys and Victorian-themed displays. End the evening with the annual tree lighting ceremony in downtown Oakville.

Where: 8 Navy St.
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. and 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Oakville: 

Light Up the Night 2024

Celebrate the season as Downtown Oakville’s holiday lighting shines bright! This festive evening features live entertainment, holiday activities and shopping opportunities to kick-start the holidays. Don’t miss the official tree lighting in Towne Square at 6:30 p.m.

Where: 94 George St.
Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free

November 16

Burlington:

Arts Burlington Holiday Sale

Discover and purchase unique artworks from over 100 artists at the Arts Burlington Holiday Sale. Browse pottery, photography, fine art, mixed media, hooking craft, sculpture, woodcraft, weaving and spinning—perfect for everyone on your gift list.

Where:  1333 Lakeshore Rd. (Art Gallery of Burlington)
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified

Story Time with Santa (Nov. 16 and Nov. 17) 

Enjoy the magic of Christmas Town at Mountsberg Conservation Area with a self-guided experience at Storytime with Santa. The event includes:

• A group story reading with Santa, with special appearances by Mrs. Claus
• Cookie decorating and hot chocolate
• An engaging scavenger hunt to help Piper the Elf find lost tools
• Craft-making activities
• Visits to the Elf Academy and Gingerbread play areas
• A peek into Mrs. Claus’ kitchen
• Opportunities to visit Mountsberg’s raptors (daytime only) and barn animals
• Playtime at the natural playground

Please note: This program does not include a wagon ride or private visit/photo time with Santa.

Where: 2259 Millburough Line, Campbellville, ON (Mountsberg Conservation Area)
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Adults: $27 +HST; Child/Senior: $23 +HST

Visit with Santa

Families can enjoy a special visit with Santa at the Joseph Brant Museum. Henry’s Camera will be on-site, providing professional photos, including one digital image and a voucher for a free instant 8×10 print. Parents are also welcome to use their own cameras. Each ticket includes a 10-minute timeslot with Santa, family admission to the museum, a holiday craft to take home and a bag of popcorn.

Where: 1240 North Shore Blvd.E.
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $50

Yuletide Bazaar

Stroll through a festive Yuletide bazaar filled with holiday gift-giving goodies. Enjoy a warm, holiday atmosphere and browse through a variety of unique items for everyone on your list!

Where: 549 Plains Rd. W.
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free admission

Social Tango Project

Experience the passion of tango with the Social Tango Project, a captivating performance that explores the social value of dance and celebrates the tango community through music, film and movement.

Where:  440 Locust St. (Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $59.50 – $79.50

Milton: 

Milton Farmers’ Market

Over 40 farmers, vendors, florists, and artisans will bring fresh, local products to the heart of downtown Milton. Discover a variety of offerings, including fruits, produce meats, homemade sauces, baked goods, flowers and more.

Where: Main St. E., downtown Milton (between James St. and Martin St.)
Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission and Parking

Always ABBA Tribute

Experience ABBA’s timeless music and energy with Canada’s premier ABBA tribute band, ALWAYS ABBA. Featuring impeccable vocals and stellar musicianship, this tribute performance brings ABBA’s greatest hits to life.

Where: 1010 Main St. E. (FirstOntario Arts Centre)
Time: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $55 (taxes and fees included)

Oakville: 

Oakville Santa Claus Parade
Celebrate the season as Santa Claus brings his sleigh to Oakville in this cherished community parade, which has brought joy to audiences for over 70 years. Join in as Oakville residents line the streets to welcome Santa, rain or shine, for this heartwarming holiday tradition.

Where: 146 Lakeshore Rd. E.
Time: 9 a.m.
Cost: Free
Parade Route: Lakeshore Road to Church Street

Oakville Arts Council Handmade Market
Discover unique handcrafted creations by local artists at this one-day market featuring art, ceramics, jewelry and literary fiction.

Where:  2489 Lakeshore Rd.W. (Walton United Memorial Church)
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission

St. Luke’s Christmas Bazaar
Get a head start on holiday shopping at St. Luke’s annual Christmas Bazaar, which will feature unique handcrafted gifts, including clothes, jewelry, baked goods and preserves.

Where: 3114 Dundas St. W. (St. Luke’s Anglican Church)
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified

Christmas Market and Tea Room
Celebrate the holiday season at the festive Christmas Market and cozy Tea Room! With 14 vendors, a silent auction, a bake table, and a gift basket raffle, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the tea room.

Where: 1240 Old Abbey Ln. (Church of the Incarnation)
Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified

November 17

Burlington:

Burlington Christmas Market

Join the Burlington Lions Club for a joyful day of shopping, delicious food and holiday cheer.

Where:  471 Pearl St. (Burlington Lions Club Hall)
Time:

• Nov. 16—10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Nov. 17—10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: Free admission

Milton: 

Country Heritage Holiday Market and Halton Buttertart Festival

Browse a variety of vendors, savour delicious butter tarts, and enjoy food trucks alongside engaging activities for all ages.

Where: 8560 Tremaine Rd. (Country Heritage Park)
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission

2024 Milton Santa Claus Parade

Check out the Milton Santa Claus Parade, where the theme “Christmas through the Decades” brings the magic of holidays past and present to life. From the Roaring Twenties to the Groovy Sixties, celebrate cherished traditions and unforgettable holiday moments as Milton’s streets light up with seasonal cheer.

Where: Scott Boulevard & Main Street West
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Route: Starting at Main Street West and Whitmer, proceeding east on Main Street, ending at the Milton GO Station.

—Cover photo via Oakville.ca