Experience the magic of the season at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Winter Wonders! Hendrie Park transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring dazzling lights, festive installations, and enchanting displays. Stroll the scenic pathways to the soundtrack of festive music while savouring warm holiday treats.

New this year, enjoy interactive art installations by Canadian artists that invite you to touch, explore, and play, adding a hands-on element where you create the magic! Browse an expanded selection of craft vendors offering unique, handmade gifts perfect for the season.

Indoors, discover seasonal décor and vibrant plant displays in the Mediterranean Garden and Breezeway, enjoy the whimsical Botanical Train Display, and browse unique treasures in the Gift Shop. Winter Wonders offers a full celebration of the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season!

Timed-tickets required. *Date exceptions apply. This is a time-ticketed experience. Upon registration you will be required to select an entry time.

November 27 to January 4 (Thursdays to Sundays)*

• In Hendrie Park (680 Plains Rd. W. Burlington ON)

• 5:30 to 10 p.m. (time-ticketed)

Get your tickets here!

Celebrating 30 Years of Magic 

Visit from November 28, 2025 to January 7, 2026 as we celebrate 30 years of holiday magic at the Burlington Festival of Lights. Experience the waterfront transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland with more than 60 glowing displays, festive events, and photo-worthy moments. Bring family, friends, and even your pets to stroll, drive, and delight in Burlington’s most enchanting holiday tradition. 

Learn more here! 

Ride the RBG Express

All Aboard! Don’t miss a ride on the RBG Express during your day visit the Gardens. Purchase tickets at the door to take a round-trip train ride through beautiful Hendrie Park to round out your RBG experience.

• $10 per train car (+HST) for a maximum of 4 people per car.

• This is an add-on experience. Garden Admission or Membership also applies for entry to RBG Centre / Hendrie Park.

• Purchase your train tickets upon arrival to RBG Centre.

Schedule

• First train is at 10:15 a.m., last train is at 2:45 p.m. Trains depart every 15 minutes.

• Train availability subject to weather conditions.

• Please note: The RBG Express is not available at Winter Wonders. 

Dates

• Available Nov 27 to Jan 4*

• *Date exceptions: December 24, 25, 26, January 1.

• *December 31: final train 2:15 p.m. (RBG closing 3 p.m.)

Learn More

Book Now

Eat, drink and be merry! Step back in time and celebrate the holidays during “A Night At Ireland House.” Guests will spend the evening sampling traditional Victorian foods served from the hearth and woodstove while touring the historic house. There will also be the opportunity to sip local wine and craft beer along the way while listening to carolers and roasting chestnuts on an open fire.

There are two time slots available to book, 6pm & 7:30pm. Tickets are $57/person ($54/members) and must be purchased in advance, tax is included in the price. Please dress for the weather as a portion of your experience will take place outdoors. Ticket includes wine and beer sampling, food sampling, and historic home tour. This is a 19+ event.

Thank you to our sponsors:

COBS Bakery Headon Forest
Drummond Farms
Nickel Brook
13th Street Winery

Burlington Performing Arts Centre: Holiday Performances That Spark Joy 

Get into the holiday spirit with a lineup of spectacular live shows at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. From timeless classics to festive concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season! 

Ballet Jörgen – The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition 

Dates: Nov 25–26, 2025 | 7:30 PM 

A beloved holiday classic returns! Experience the beauty of The Nutcracker brought to life by Ballet Jörgen in this uniquely Canadian retelling. 

Tickets: $64.50–$84.50 | Members $59.50–$79.50 

Southern Ontario Lyric Opera – Sounds of the Season and More! 

Date: Dec 4, 2025 | 7:30 PM 

An evening of sacred, secular, and operatic favourites featuring the SOLO Orchestra and Chorus — a heartwarming concert sure to lift your holiday spirit. 

Tickets: Regular $59 | Seniors $49 | 30 & Under $25 | 16 & Under $10 

TVB Productions – The Wonderful World of Christmas: Graceland Edition 

Date: Dec 12, 2025 | 8 PM 

Celebrate over 25 years of Elvis magic with world champion tribute artist Steve Michaels. Enjoy festive favourites and Elvis classics in this dazzling Graceland-inspired show. 

Tickets: $57.50–$67.50 | Group and Member discounts available 

A Very Charlie Brown Concert 

Date: Dec 13, 2025 | 7 PM 

A charming performance inspired by the beloved Peanuts classic — perfect for families and fans of nostalgic holiday tunes. 

Tickets: $29.50–$49.50 | Members $24.50–$44.50 

Burlington Symphony Orchestra – Christmas is for Kids & A Christmas Spectacular 

Dates: Dec 14, 2025 | 1:30 PM & 4 PM 

Enjoy a magical afternoon of music! Start with the family-friendly Christmas is for Kids, then stay for the full-length A Christmas Spectacular featuring sing-alongs and seasonal favourites. 

Tickets: From $10–$55 (discounts for youth, seniors, and groups) 

Serena Ryder – Merry Myths Tour

Dates: Dec 17, 2025 | 7:30 PM

This holiday season, acclaimed Canadian artist Serena Ryder, invites you on a musical journey into the heart of the season’s most beloved traditions with Merry Myths – a festive concert inspired by the folklore, stories, and symbols that shape our ideas of the holiday season.

Tickets: From $69.50–$94.50 (discounts for youth, seniors, and groups)

The Foster Festival – A Niagara Christmas Carol 

Dates: Dec 18–21, 2025 

Experience a heartwarming Canadian twist on the Dickens classic in this adaptation by Jamie Williams — a perfect way to close out the holiday season. 

Tickets: $34.50–$39.50 

For more shows and ticket info, visit burlingtonpac.ca/events 

Learn More

Burlington's Santa Claus parade will feature a festive mix of floats, and community groups, the Burlington Teen Tour Band, Junior Redcoats and other marching bands. As always, Santa will be the grand finale of the parade.

The parade begins at 2 p.m. at the corner of Drury Lane and New Street and will make its way downtown along New Street. The parade then travels north on Brant Street and finishes at St. John the Baptist Church on Brant Street at Blairholm Avenue.

Roads will close at varying times along the route and will re-open shortly after the final float has moved through and a clean-up has been completed. For the most updated information including the full parade route visit, the road closure page, details will be posted 1 week prior to the event date.

Residents living in the parade area are encouraged to plan ahead as detours and delays are expected.

Children are encouraged to bring their letters for Santa. Letter carriers from Canada Post will collect them along the parade route, or they can be dropped into any Canada Post mailbox. 

The Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters will be collecting non-perishable food and Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Club will be collecting monetary donations in support of the Burlington Food Bank.

Learn More

Burlington’s most joyful event of the season!

Everybody Who Orders A Santa Suit Will Receives This Velour Suit And Luscious Beard. These Santa Suit May Be Worn Many Times.

(This is a all Santa race so everybody is required to wear a Santa suit)

Truly magical Christmas medals will be waiting at the finish line!

Race Starts at 1:00 PM, before the Santa Parade.

See the Magic Behind the Carve! Ever wondered how ice sculptures are made? Watch as professional carvers transform giant blocks of ice into stunning frozen works of art—live and in real time.

Time & Location

Dec 07, 2025, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Lions Club Hall, 471 Pearl St, Burlington, ON L7R 4M4, Canada

Learn More

Shop unique gifts, handmade treasures, and festive treats from local vendors, the perfect stop for holiday cheer and one-of-a-kind finds!

Time & Location

Dec 06, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Lions Club Hall, 471 Pearl St, Burlington, ON L7R 4M4, Canada

This year's list of vendors include:

The Jones

Lounge Lazza

Precious Revelations in Wood

Pixies

Treasures Trove

Creek View Acres Nursery & Orchard

Celeste Flames

Dream Crumb True

Mohawk Soap Company

Dirty Beverage CoL

CG Crafting604 Designs

Natures Magic

The Treat Trolley

Linwood textiles.tallylys

Uday Food Factory Inc

Val's Greeting Cards

Beaded Creations by CJRock Paper Pretty

Styled with Kare

Teresa Pascos Art

Red Canoe Creations

Hair Clawset

Missin Piecez

Wick'd Shoppe

✨Burlington’s Christmas Winter Village✨

Eat • Sip • Shop
🗓️Dec 11-14, 2025
⏰ 12pm - 8pm daily
📍2030 Caroline St, Burlington
🎄Celebrate the season!

Learn More

Kick up your boots at our Holiday Hoedown! This festive line dancing event mixes seasonal cheer with country flair, perfect for a fun and lively night out. Featuring: The Urban Cowboy.

Time & Location

Dec 20, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Lions Club Hall, 471 Pearl St, Burlington, ON L7R 4M4, Canada

Admission Fee

$15 cash at the door

Learn More

Add some whimsy to your winter nights and plan your visit to Mountsberg’s award-winning display of outdoor lights at Winterlit. Enjoy a moonlit stroll along two different trails featuring sustainably sourced, illuminated art installations.

This unique evening out is a celebration of nature, winter, and community.

Winterlit runs every evening from December 31, 2025 to January 4, 2026 and select dates between January 10 and February 16, 2026.

Exceptions include December 31, 2025 and February 14, 2026 for Enchanted Evenings.

Over the Family Day long weekend, kids 14 and under can enjoy the wonders of Winterlit for FREE!

All bookings are non-refundable or transferable.

Please contact our Visitor Services team at 905-878-5011 ext. 1272 or visitorservices@hrca.on.ca if you need assistance.

Winter hiking at Mount Nemo Conservation Area offers a peaceful escape along its 5 km network of scenic trails. The popular North and South Loop Trails provide breathtaking escarpment views and are ideal for winter adventurers — including snowshoers.

Be prepared for snowy and icy conditions, as the trails are not treated. Wear sturdy winter footwear, and consider using crampons or spikes for safer footing.

Learn more about Mount Nemo here, and discover additional hiking options across the city through our Burlington hiking guide.

Tobogganing is a popular family activity during the winter months, and LaSalle Park offers one of Burlington’s favourite spots. The designated hill east of the parking lot provides plenty of room for snowy fun. Situated on Burlington’s lakefront in the Aldershot community, LaSalle Park features picturesque waterfront views, scenic trails, open green space, public washrooms, and free parking.

Find more hills and parks for tobogganing here

Safety Tips

Follow these tips to help make tobogganing safer:

• Avoid icy or bare hills

• Always sit down and face forward on a toboggan

• Avoid tobogganing in the dark

• Avoid wearing scarves or any clothing that could get caught in a toboggan

• Check hills for obstacles

• Do not build jumps or other obstacles on the toboggan hill

• Wear a helmet designed for winter sports

• Use a toboggan that is in good shape and has brakes and steering

• Walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for others coming down the hill

Skate at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond

Looking for a great spot to lace up indoors or out? Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond offers a fantastic place for families to enjoy skating in a welcoming community setting. Enjoy Burlington’s waterfront while skating for free with family and friends all throughout the winter season.

Skating on the Cogeco Neighbourhood Rinks 

Enjoy winter fun close to home at our Cogeco Neighbourhood Rinks! These community rinks are free to use and open to everyone from dawn to dusk, or until 10 p.m. where City or approved lighting is available. 

Please note: as natural ice rinks, surfaces may be uneven compared to artificial or indoor rinks. 

Skating Safety: 

To keep everyone safe and having fun, please follow these rules and tips: 

• Helmets are recommended and required for children six and under in arenas and on artificial outdoor rinks. 

• Hockey nets, sticks, pucks, and balls are not permitted on the outdoor or artificial ice surfaces. 

• No pets, food, or drinks on the ice. 

• Only skates may be worn on the ice — boots or other footwear are not allowed. 

• Keep skate blades on or close to the ice surface to ensure safe gliding. 

• Skate aids are welcome for beginners. 

• Strollers are not permitted on the ice surface. 

• Private lessons or coaching are not allowed during drop-in programs. 

Skate Lending 

Don’t have skates? No problem! 
Borrow a pair from the Skate Hub at: 
📍 Appleby Ice Centre, Arena A, 1201 Appleby Line 

• Skates are available first come, first served, and sizes vary. 

• No sign-out required — simply borrow a pair and skate for as long as you need. 

Skate Donations 

Help everyone experience the joy of skating! 
Donate your gently used skates in the red bins located near the Customer Service counters at City facilities. Your donation helps ensure everyone in Burlington can get out and enjoy the ice this winter. 

More Ways to Skate 

From cozy indoor arenas to outdoor community rinks, Burlington has plenty of places to skate all winter long. 
👉 Find more skating locations and schedules here. 

For Burlington winter hiking, Kelso offers a stunning snowy escape with scenic trails winding through frosted forests and along the escarpment. Enjoy panoramic views of the snow-covered valley, peaceful walks around the reservoir, and a touch of adventure on trails suited for every skill level — a perfect winter outing for hikers and nature lovers alike.

Glen Eden Ski & Snowboard Centre

Located just outside Burlington, Glen Eden is a favourite winter destination for skiers, snowboarders, and families alike. With 12 runs, 5 lifts, a terrain park, and a tubing hill, there’s something for every skill level. The resort offers equipment rentals, lessons, and a cozy chalet with a cafeteria and lounge — perfect for warming up after a day on the slopes. Just a short drive from Burlington, Hamilton, and Toronto, Glen Eden is your go-to spot for winter fun and adventure close to home.

Skate at Skyway Community Centre and Park 

Looking for a great spot to lace up indoors or out? Skyway Community Centre and Park offers a fantastic place for families to enjoy skating in a welcoming community setting. Whether you’re perfecting your stride on the rink or warming up inside, it’s the perfect place to embrace the season. 

More indoor skating arenas listed here

Skating on the Cogeco Neighbourhood Rinks 

Enjoy winter fun close to home at our Cogeco Neighbourhood Rinks! These community rinks are free to use and open to everyone from dawn to dusk, or until 10 p.m. where City or approved lighting is available. 

Please note: as natural ice rinks, surfaces may be uneven compared to artificial or indoor rinks. 

Skating Safety: 

To keep everyone safe and having fun, please follow these rules and tips: 

• Helmets are recommended and required for children six and under in arenas and on artificial outdoor rinks. 

• Hockey nets, sticks, pucks, and balls are not permitted on the outdoor or artificial ice surfaces. 

• No pets, food, or drinks on the ice. 

• Only skates may be worn on the ice — boots or other footwear are not allowed. 

• Keep skate blades on or close to the ice surface to ensure safe gliding. 

• Skate aids are welcome for beginners. 

• Strollers are not permitted on the ice surface. 

• Private lessons or coaching are not allowed during drop-in programs. 

Skate Lending 

Don’t have skates? No problem! 
Borrow a pair from the Skate Hub at: 
📍 Appleby Ice Centre, Arena A, 1201 Appleby Line 

• Skates are available first come, first served, and sizes vary. 

• No sign-out required — simply borrow a pair and skate for as long as you need. 

Skate Donations 

Help everyone experience the joy of skating! 
Donate your gently used skates in the red bins located near the Customer Service counters at City facilities. Your donation helps ensure everyone in Burlington can get out and enjoy the ice this winter. 

More Ways to Skate 

From cozy indoor arenas to outdoor community rinks, Burlington has plenty of places to skate all winter long. 
👉 Find more skating locations and schedules here.