Things to do this weekend in Burlington, Milton and Oakville: Nov. 29 to Dec. 1

As the holiday season sparkles to life, Burlington, Milton, and Oakville transform into festive hubs of activity, bringing a magical mix that makes everything feel merry and bright. From dazzling light displays to pop-up markets perfect for early Christmas shopping, the weekend also features enchanting performances to delight all ages. Here’s what’s happening from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1:

November 29

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.

Beyond Pottery Holiday Market (Nov. 29–30)

Browse handmade pottery creations from talented artisans, including mugs, bowls, vases, and ornaments, perfect for gifting or adding charm to your home.

Where: 3228 S Service Rd.
Time:

• Nov. 29 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Nov. 30 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free admission

State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: Swan Lake

Experience the timeless beauty of Swan Lake performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. Follow the enchanting tale of Prince Siegfried and Odette, a princess cursed by the magician Rothbart to live as a swan by day and a human by night. Only true love can break the spell in this captivating ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

Where:  440 Locust St.(Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $69.50–$89.50

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)

Burlington Festival of Lights (Nov. 29–Jan. 8)

Celebrate the holiday season at the 29th annual Festival of Lights, illuminating Burlington’s waterfront with magical displays. Stroll through the park with family and friends or view the themed displays while driving along Lakeshore Road.

Where: 1400 Lakeshore Rd. (Burlington Waterfront)
Time: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Cost: Free

Lights from the Rooftop (Nov. 29, Dec. 5, Dec. 19, Jan. 2)

Enjoy a stunning view of the Burlington Festival of Lights from the Rooftop Terrace at Joseph Brant Museum during this year’s Candlelit Stroll. Warm up with free hot chocolate and popcorn while supporting the Burlington Food Bank with donations.

Where: 1240 North Shore Blvd. E.
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free; donations welcome

Candlelit Stroll 

Join Burlington Downtown for the return of the annual Candlelit Stroll, a festive evening of cheer to welcome the winter season. The event begins at Civic Square with the lighting of the Tree of Hope, accompanied by a performance from the Burlington Teen Tour Band. From there, enjoy a self-led stroll through a winter wonderland in Downtown Burlington featuring music, food, giveaways and more.

Where: Civic Square to Downtown Burlington
Time: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

WELCOME Christmas 

Get into the festive spirit with the Burlington Welsh Ladies Chorus and St. Matthew on-the-Plains at WELCOME Christmas.

Where: 126 Plains Rd. E.
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25; youth under 12, $10

Milton: 

Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny

FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton presents a special school performance of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny. Goodnight Moon celebrates familiar bedtime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny explores the playful tale of leaving home and returning to a loving parent.

Where: 1010 Main St. E. (FirstOntario Arts Centre)
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 (includes fees and tax); ticket required for all attendees

Wicked Truth Band at Ned Devine’s 

Experience the award-winning, high-energy concert of Wicked Truth at Ned Devine’s Irish Pub. Known for their engaging tributes to Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Van Halen, the band also delivers unforgettable renditions of Queen, Amy Winehouse, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash and more.

Where: 575 Ontario St. S. (Ned Devine’s Irish Pub)
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified

Oakville:

Square Treats Art Show (Nov. 29–Dec. 1)

Explore a unique collection of small original artworks at the Square Treats Art Show in Downtown Oakville. Featuring over 20 artists and more than 100 pieces, this independent show offers works sized 12×12″ or smaller, all priced at $300 or less.

Where: 334 Lakeshore Rd. E.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Cost: Free admission; artwork available for purchase

November 30

Burlington:

Breakfast with Santa (Nov. 30)

Enjoy a festive morning with Santa and his elves at this fun-filled breakfast event. The menu includes pancakes, bacon, juice boxes, fruit cups, and coffee. Activities for children include coloring, crafts, and a visit with Santa. Proceeds from the event support local youth activities. Please note that tickets are required for entry.

Where: 196 Kenwood Ave. (St. Patrick’s Catholic Church)
Time: 9 a.m. to 10:15 (with a second seating from 10:45 to 12 p.m.)
Cost: $12.50 per person

Milton: 

The Mom Market x Milton Mall (Nov. 30–Dec. 1)

This magical shopping experience is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit and find something special for everyone on your list.

Where: 55 Ontario St. S.
Time:

• Nov. 30— 9:30 to 6 p.m.
• Dec. 1 —11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free admission

Christmas Choral Concert 

Experience the beauty of Messe de Minuit pour Noël by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, composed in 1690 that blends ten traditional French carols with the concertante style. The Milton Choristers will also perform a selection of favourite Christmas choral works, creating a sacred and festive musical experience.

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

Winter Wonderland & Market at Woodbine Mohawk Park 

Celebrate the holidays at the 2nd annual Winter Wonderland & Market at Mohawk Park. Browse 40+ displays featuring homemade crafts, art and food from local vendors, perfect for holiday gifts. Enjoy kid-friendly activities, a magician show, roaming characters, face painting, letters to Santa and photos with Santa.

Where: 9430 Guelph Line (Woodbine Mohawk Park)
Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free admission and parking

Oakville:

Free Hot Cocoa and Fire Pits 

Enjoy a cozy afternoon in Downtown Oakville! Stop by the vintage airstream in Towne Square to grab a free hot cocoa and warm up by the fire pits.

Where: 334 Lakeshore Rd. E.
Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free

December 1

Burlington:

Eaton Santa Parade Race 

Celebrate the holiday season at Canada’s first-ever Santa Race in Burlington! Join this untimed 3K festive run, which takes place ahead of the Santa Parade. The race starts at the YMCA building on Drury Lane and finishes at Baldwin Street in front of Central High School.

Where: 500 Drury Ln. to Baldwin St.
Time: Starts at 12 p.m.
Cost: Starting from $70

Christmas Sip & Shop 

Get into the festive spirit with an afternoon of shopping and supporting local vendors. Enjoy wine and food specials offered by Uptown Social House while browsing through a variety of unique items.

Where: 1900 Walkers Line
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified

Santa Claus Parade

Santa Claus is coming to town with a brand-new parade route for 2024!

The festive procession begins at Blairholme Avenue, travels down Drury Lane, turns onto New Street, continues along James Street and concludes on Brant Street, passing through Central Park.

Where: Blairholme Ave. to Brant St., Burlington
Time: 2 p.m.
Cost: Free; donations welcome.

Holiday Traditions (Dec. 1–22)

Step back in time and experience Victorian Christmas traditions with a guided tour of Ireland House Museum. Each Sunday features a unique activity, including crafting Christmas cards, sampling freshly baked sugar cookies, creating thaumatrope toys and exploring old-fashioned toys and games.

Where: 2168 Guelph Line (Ireland House Museum)
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Christmas Cards: Dec. 1
• Christmas Cookies: Dec. 8
• Christmas Thaumatropes: Dec. 15
• Christmas Toys and Games: Dec. 22

Cost: $30 family rate (includes up to two adults and four children); activities included with admission. Pre-register online or walk in (space permitting).

Burlington Rapé Circle

Explore the sacred practice of Rapé, a nostril-administered shamanic medicine used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples of the Amazon. This guided session offers a safe, welcoming environment to experience the healing and cleansing medicine. The event includes guided breathing and meditation practices to help participants connect deeply with themselves and their intentions. Optional potluck follows the session—bring snacks to share if you wish.

Where: Spruce Ave. (address provided upon registration)
Time: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $59.91

—Cover photo via burlingtondowntown.ca