Burlington’s Holiday Magic: Your Perfect Week Between Christmas and New Year’s
December 19, 2025
That in between week after Christmas can feel a little uncertain. Family and friends are visiting, the big celebrations have wrapped up, and you are left wondering what to plan next. Burlington makes it easy. If you are looking for things to do in Burlington after Christmas, this is the perfect time to enjoy festive experiences, easy outings, and low-pressure plans that everyone can enjoy.
The city still feels bright, welcoming, and full of energy, without the holiday rush. It is the kind of week that invites you to say yes to simple plans and enjoy being together.
Table of Contents
1. Holiday Fun That Keeps the Sparkle Going
If you are hosting guests and not sure where to take them, Burlington’s seasonal events and activities are an easy place to start.
RBG Winter Wonders
Take a magical stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens as thousands of lights transform Hendrie Park into a glowing winter experience. It is a festive outing that works just as well for families as it does for couples or visiting friends who love a little holiday sparkle.
Burlington Festival of Lights at Spencer Smith Park
Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate from a downtown café, and enjoy a waterfront walk as glowing displays light up the shoreline. With Lake Ontario as the backdrop, it is an easy and cheerful way to spend an evening together.
See Details Here
Winterlit at Mountsberg Conservation Area
Step into a glowing forest at Winterlit, where illuminated trails and interactive light displays turn a nighttime walk into a memorable holiday experience. It is a great option for families and groups looking for something festive and a little different. Winterlit will be hosting special Enchanted Evenings with a licensed bar, additional live music, entertainment, and activities like candle making on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 and Saturday, February 14, 2026. Add an Enchanted Evening to your reservation to celebrate these memorable holidays with the ones you love!
Holiday Performances at BPAC
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre brings the season to life with festive concerts, musicals, and holiday shows. It is a perfect way to add live entertainment to your holiday plans and give visiting guests a night out they will remember.
See Upcoming Performances Here
Outdoor Winter Fun
Fresh air and winter scenery make getting outside part of the fun. Take a waterfront walk at Spencer Smith Park, enjoy skating at Rotary Centennial Pond, or visit one of Burlington’s popular tobogganing hills. For official skating and tobogganing locations, Check the City of Burlington website.
Explore More with the Burlington Festive Experiences Pass
Discover the magic of the season with the Festive Burlington Experiences Pass, a free mobile pass that gathers Burlington’s most festive activities in one place. Guests can check in at attractions and explore light displays, BPAC holiday performances, winter trails, skating, skiing at Glen Eden, and tobogganing. There is something for every visitor to enjoy this holiday season.
*Please note: The Burlington Festive Experiences Pass highlights events and experiences but does not serve as an admission ticket. Regular entry fees (if applicable) and ticket rates still apply.
Get the Festive Burlington Experiences Pass and start exploring!
2. New Year’s Eve Dining in Burlington
Planning New Year’s Eve does not have to be complicated. Burlington’s restaurants make it easy to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the night with family and friends.
The Port House offers a lively New Year’s Eve party by the lake, bringing great food and festive energy together for a fun group celebration. Event details and tickets available here.
At Spencer’s at the Waterfront, guests can start the evening with A New Year’s Eve to Savour, featuring a 5 pm à la carte dinner and bubbly for $50 per person, or keep the celebration going later with A Lakeside Party in The Observatory from 9 pm to 1 am.
A true holiday favourite, The Lord Nelson Fine Dining has been a GTA staple for over 50 years. Known for incredible food, standout service, and a dining room filled with 10,000 Christmas ornaments, it is a festive spot for lunch or dinner on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve.
For a joyful group setting, Pepe and Lela’s is ideal for family gatherings and celebrations. With group menus available and reservations for larger parties, the team takes care of the details so you can enjoy the moment.
Prefer to celebrate at home? Explore more seasonal recommendations for easy takeout and catering ideas that keep New Year’s Eve stress free.
3. Cozy Games, Good Food and Easy Gatherings
When you are entertaining guests for a few days, having go to activities makes all the difference.
Nostalgia Games Café is perfect for casual drop in fun, especially when you want something everyone can enjoy together. Game Over Escape Rooms offers a high energy group activity that gets everyone involved, while GameTime Social blends games, food, and drinks into one easy night out. For something classic and always fun, Splitsville Burlington adds bowling, arcade games, and food in one place, making it an easy win for groups of all ages.
Staying in is just as fun. Board games, movie nights, and themed trivia keep things light and social. The Ultimate Burlington Hosting Guide offers ideas for local food, drinks, and décor that make hosting feel effortless and enjoyable.
4. Make It a Mini Getaway
The days after Christmas are a great time to extend a visit or plan a short stay. If your home is feeling a little full with family and friends, Burlington has you covered.
Local hotels offer comfortable, convenient spaces for visiting loved ones, holiday reunions, or an easy staycation close to home. Booking a nearby stay gives everyone room to relax, recharge, and enjoy time together without feeling crowded.
Getting to Burlington is simple with GO Transit, making it an easy choice for guests arriving for the week. It also makes getting around the city convenient and stress free throughout the winter season.
Book your stay in Burlington and give everyone a little extra space to enjoy the holidays.
5. Boxing Week Shopping Around the City
Looking for an easy daytime activity? Shopping is always a win during Boxing Week!
Browse seasonal sales at Mapleview Shopping Centre, explore local shops and cafés in Downtown Burlington using a Downtown Burlington Gift Card, or stop by Burlington Centre to cover all the basics. Shopping during this week feels more relaxed and gives visitors a chance to explore different parts of the city.
For curated ideas and local favourites, see Discover Julia’s Faves Shopping Guide for festive finds and inspiration.
6. End the Year on a High Note in Burlington
If you are hosting guests or simply not sure how to fill the days between Christmas and New Year’s, Burlington offers plenty of things to do after Christmas that feel fun, welcoming, and easy to plan. With festive events, group activities, shopping, and great places to eat, the city makes it simple to enjoy time together without overthinking it.
Discover more Burlington winter activities and upcoming Burlington holiday events on the Events Calendar and keep the holiday spirit going a little longer.
