Things to do this weekend in Burlington, Milton and Oakville: Nov. 22 to Nov. 24

Many indoor and outdoor festivities are happening this weekend across Burlington, Milton and Oakville to welcome the holiday season. From tree lightings and markets to musicals, plays and photo ops with Santa, there’s no shortage of fun to be had! Here’s a look at some events you might want to check out from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24:

November 22

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: $10
• 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.

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)

Children’s Play – Santa the Panto

Watch as Beatrix the Bad tries to ruin Christmas by kidnapping Santa and it’s up to Mrs. Claus, Barbie, Ken, and the “Elf on a Shelf” to save the day!

Where: 2311 New St.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15

Music & Rhythm Storytime

Enjoy listening to a story, singing, dancing, and exploring musical instruments with your little ones. This activity is perfect for children aged 1 to 5 and requires adult caregiver participation.

Where: 2255 Brant St. (Brant Hills Library Branch)
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Free

Photos with Santa

Get your festive photos ready and make holiday memories with your pup! For a $20 donation to the Dogtopia Foundation, your dog will receive a keepsake photo with Santa and a special cookie. Pre-booking is required as space is limited.

Where: 2020 Appleby Line Unit #B8
Time: All day
Cost: $20 donation (includes keepsake photo and Santa cookie)

Village Theatre Waterdown: A Christmas Carol

Experience the magic of Charles Dickens’ classic ghost tale brought to life with stunning costumes, traditional carols and special effects.

Where: 440 Locust St. (Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 – $25

Oakville:

Oakville Museum – Visit with Santa (Parented)

Join Santa at the Oakville Museum for a magical holiday experience! Write a letter to Santa, explore the decorated Erchless Estate and create festive crafts before meeting Santa in his cozy sitting room.

Where: 8 Navy St. (Oakville Museum)
Time: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (30-minute sessions)
Cost: Unspecified

November 23

Burlington: 

The Killin’ Time Band: KTB Matinee

Catch The Killin’ Time Band for a lively afternoon of rock, reggae, funk, and country at Carrigan Arms.

Where: 2025 Upper Middle Rd.#23 (Carrigan Arms)
Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified

Theatre Smith-Gilmour Acting Workshop

This hands-on workshop will teach you how to embody a character through improvisation and movement to create your own theatre. All levels of experience are welcome.

Where: 440 Locust Street (Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $50

The Art of Tea Leaf Reading: A Day of Tea and Intuition with Amy Taylor

Discover the ancient practice of Tasseomancy in this hands-on tea leaf reading course with Amy Taylor. Learn the symbols, patterns, and techniques used in divination and gain the skills to read tea leaves effectively.

Where: 2285 New St. (The Mystic Tree)
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $335 (includes 8 hours of training, course notes, tea, book and more)
Note: Space is limited to 8 participants; a $100 deposit is required to register.

Aldershot Village Tree Lighting 2024

Join the Aldershot community to celebrate the annual Aldershot Village Tree Lighting, featuring musical entertainment, choirs, the Jr. Redcoats, hot dogs, hot chocolate, a vendor market, new activations and of course, Santa!

Where: 355 Plains R. E. (Sun Country Plaza), Burlington
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Shantero Productions Presents Murray McLauchlan: Hourglass
Experience the legendary Murray McLauchlan live in concert as he blends classic hits with his new music from his critically acclaimed album Hourglass.

Where: 440 Locust St. (Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $79.10

PU SONGLING: Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio

Experience the haunting and mystical stories of 17th-century Chinese writer Pu Songling in this captivating performance. Through a blend of myth and reality, the play brings to life strange and surreal tales that criticize the dark side of society, featuring ghosts, foxes and eerie transformations.

Where: 440 Locust Street (Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: $20 – $39.50

Milton:

Holly Jolly Vendor Market

Drop by this festive shopping event for unique gifts, handmade crafts and delicious treats from local vendors.

Where: 55 Ontario St. S. (Milton Mall – Ontario Street South)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free

The Nutcracker Holiday Spectacular

Celebrate the holiday season with a magical Act II of The Nutcracker performance and a selection of holiday favourites featuring some of Halton Region’s finest talent.

Where: 1010 Main St. E. (FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton)
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost:

• Adult: $42
• Child (1-13): $35

Oakville:

Puppy Yoga Oakville

Join us for 75 minutes of puppy yoga. Meet adorable Red Mini Poodles & Doodles, including Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe, Bonnie and Clyde.

Where: 3410 Semenyk Court Unit #7
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $65.23

Appleby College Parents’ Association Holiday Market

Enjoy a festive atmosphere with holiday music, a photo opportunity with Santa & Mrs. Claus and delicious treats.

Where:  540 Lakeshore Rd. W. (Appleby College)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free

At Home in Bronte for the Holidays 

Guests will enjoy a variety of holiday activities, including photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, skating on a synthetic rink, live music, carolling and a holiday market with over 20 vendors. Plus, don’t miss the official tree lighting and the chance to donate to Safetynet.

Where: 2445 Lakeshore Rd. W. (Bronte Market Square)
Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free

Taste of Colombia Pop-Up Christmas Market

Discover unique gift ideas for your holiday shopping and enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with Colombian flavours and gifts.

Where: 67 Bronte Rd.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free

November 24

Burlington: 

Burlington Record Show

At the Burlington Record Show, you can explore a huge selection of new, used and imported vinyl records, CDs, magazines, posters and collectibles.

Where: 2285 New St.
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Admission is $3 per person

Light Heavy Light

Join Burlington’s JJ Dance Arts for a heartfelt three-act performance combining dance, song and multimedia. This show encourages the audience to reflect on the power of shifting perspective, compassion, joy and gratitude. All proceeds support Lighthouse for Grieving Children and Families, which offers peer grief support to children and their families.

Where: 440 Locust Street (Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: $40 – $100

Milton:

Scott Woods presents “Yee Haw”

Join Canadian Fiddle Champion Scott Woods and his band for a fun-filled, family-friendly show featuring old-time fiddle tunes, country classics and lively entertainment.

Where: 170 Main St. E. (Knox Presbyterian Church)
Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $45

Oakville:

Movie Night

Enjoy an unforgettable movie night with the Intrada Brass, showcasing some of the most beloved film music in cinema. Hear your favourite scores played live by a talented brass band in a celebration of music and storytelling.

Where: 454 Rebecca St. (St. Paul’s United Church)
Time: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost:

• General Admission: $20
• Student/Senior: $15
• Children under 12: Free

Family Dance Workshop: The Descendants Edition

Get ready to dance, sing and unleash your inner VK (Villain Kid) in this high-energy family dance workshop inspired by the hit Disney movie Descendants! Perfect for all ages and skill levels. Dress up as your favourite character, or come ready to move and have a blast with your family.

Where: 2630 Bristol Cir. Unit #100 (City Dance Corps)
Time: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Participants 9 years and over are $25; Participants 8 years and under are $12

Shifa Gala 2024

Celebrate a night of community, joy and giving back at the Shifa Gala 2024. Enjoy a memorable evening with delicious food, live entertainment and inspiring speakers, all while supporting a great cause.

Where: 1173 North Service Rd. E. (Oakville Legacy Banquet Hall)
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: $150

—Cover photo via miton.ca