November Happenings in Burlington

Hang on to Fall a bit longer but get ready for early Winter fun – both indoors and outdoors – and keep an eye out for Santa making visits to Burlington this month.

Coming Soon

Santa Claus & Hundreds of Clones Coming to Town

Both the Santa Claus Parade and the Santa Parade Race return to downtown Burlington on Sunday, December 1. Start the day in your velour Santa suit and beard – free with registration – and run or walk the 3.5km fun run along the parade route. Then stay for the parade itself. Make a weekend of it with great rates through race hotel partners. Deals end November 15.

Featured Events

Storytime with Santa

Walk through the twinkling sugarbush trail on your way to Christmas Town and enjoy a cozy storytime with Santa November 16-17 and November 30-December 1 at Mountsberg Conservation Area. Storytime includes craft making, scavenger hunts, a visit to Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and private family visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Tickets for sale

8th Annual Festival of Trees

Step into the lobby of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre downtown November 20-December 12 and admire the creative talents of local companies that have donated and decorated dozens of trees in clever themes. Vote for your favourite or take a tree home by bidding through a silent auction. Viewing times: Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-4pm.

Aldershot Village Tree Lighting

On Saturday, November 23 head to Aldershot in west Burlington to kick off the holiday season with the annual Village Tree Lighting from 3:30-6:30pm (lights go on at 6pm) in the Downsview Plaza at 355 Plains Rd. E. Take in the music, vendors, hot chocolate, snacks, face painting and Santa and friends.

Downtown Candlelit Stroll

The holiday season officially kicks off with the Candlelit Stroll brought to you by the businesses of downtown. Start at Civic Square (City Hall) for the Tree of Hope lighting, then enjoy a leisurely candlelit self-led stroll through downtown to take in the lights and festive season celebrations. Perfect for kids, adults and pets.

Burlington Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights illuminates Burlington’s waterfront throughout the holiday season from November 29 through January 8. Wander through Spencer Smith Park - strollers, wheelchairs and walkers are all welcome – to view the themed displays from 4pm-midnight. Free parking after 6pm and all weekend at the Waterfront Parkade directly across the street. Transit terminal just 1 block away. Grab dinner or a hot treat at a local business nearby.

Art & Culture in Burlington

Art Gallery of Burlington

Home to the largest collection of Canadian ceramics, the Art Gallery of Burlington is free to visit for creators and culture lovers of all ages Tuesdays - Sundays. Check out artist David Harper’s Midnight exhibit before it closes in January or gather some friends for the annual Soup Bowl lunch on December 12. Visit the AGB Shop for unique gift ideas.

Burlington Performing Arts

Located conveniently downtown near the waterfront, hotels, restaurants and local shops, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre hosts experiences that inspire from music, magic, theatre, to grand spectacles. Make a night of it with a dinner and a show.

November 21: Rhapsody in Blue

November 30: State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: The Nutcracker

December 10: The Debaters Live on Tour

Museums of Burlington

Dive into the rich history, perspectives and stories that make up Burlington at two locations with fun, thoughtful and interactive displays and events for all ages.

Joseph Brant Museum

Through April 2025: Refuge Canada

November 29-January 2: Lights from the Rooftop

Ireland House

December 6: A Night at Ireland House (19+ event)

Royal Botanical Gardens

The world-famous Royal Botanical Gardens hosts events year-round from holiday celebrations, concerts, festivals and in-garden dining experiences – in addition to the gardens themselves. Watch the website for upcoming holiday events and check details before planning a visit as most special events require tickets.

December-January: Let’s Go Birding!

Great Hotel Rates for Taylor Swift Dates

Hotel rooms at reasonable rates are still available in Burlington for the Taylor Swift November concert dates. Stay at one of our 19 hotels and simply take the 50-minute GO Train ride from one of three Burlington stations directly to Union Station in downtown Toronto, a short walk to the stadium.

Book your stay now.

Events Calendar

Turn your weekend into a vacation! Check out our 19 hotels.

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