What’s Up in December: Top Burlington Events You Can’t Miss
November 27, 2025
December in Burlington is full of festive energy, glowing waterfront views, cozy markets, and lively performances that fill the city with holiday cheer. This list highlights Burlington’s top 10 December events based on attendance, community buzz, and local favourites. It is designed to help you plan family outings, holiday shopping, date nights, or simply a winter walk under sparkling lights.
Table of Contents
1. Burlington Festival of Lights
Date: November 28 – January 7
Address: Spencer Smith Park
Ticket Details: Free
Website: Learn more
The Festival of Lights brings Spencer Smith Park to life with more than sixty bright and colourful installations that reflect across the lake. Visitors stroll the waterfront after sunset and enjoy the peaceful glow of the displays along the shoreline. This long-standing tradition attracts residents and visitors who return each year to experience the beauty of the park during the holidays.
2. Santa Claus Parade
Date: December 7 | 2PM
Address: Brant St. (Blairholm → Drury Lane)
Ticket Details: Free
Website: Learn more
The Santa Claus Parade brings the community together for an afternoon of floats, marching bands, local performers, and classic holiday characters. Families line Brant Street early to find a good viewing spot and wave to Santa as he arrives at the end of the route. This long-running event has become a seasonal tradition for many Burlington households.
3. Winter Wonders at the Royal Botanical Gardens
Date: November 27 – January 4 (Thursday to Sunday)
Address: 680 Plains Rd W – Hendrie Park, Royal Botanical Gardens
Ticket Details: Ticketed
Website: Learn more
Winter Wonders transforms Hendrie Park into a glowing nighttime experience with artistic light installations, soft musical elements, and illuminated walkways that wind through the gardens. Visitors explore at their own pace and stop to enjoy the warm atmosphere created by lights among the trees. The peaceful setting makes this a popular evening outing throughout December.
4. Burlington Christmas Market
Date: December 11-14 | 12PM – 8PM Daily
Address: 2030 Caroline St
Ticket Details: Free
Website: Learn more
The Burlington Christmas Market brings European-inspired charm to the downtown core. Visitors shop for handmade gifts, try seasonal treats, listen to live entertainment, and enjoy the warm glow of string lights above the vendors. The market continues to grow each year as more local creators and food makers join the lineup.
5. Serena Ryder: Merry Myths Tour
Date: December 17 | 7:30PM
Address: 440 Locust St – Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Ticket Details: Ticketed
Website: Learn more
Serena Ryder brings her acclaimed Merry Myths Tour to Burlington with a mix of soulful holiday music and engaging storytelling. The Burlington Performing Arts Centre offers a warm and intimate setting that allows guests to feel close to the performance from any seat in the theatre. This concert is one of the most anticipated December shows at BPAC each year.
6. A Night at Ireland House
Date: December 5 | 6PM
Address: 2168 Guelph Line – Ireland House Museum
Ticket Details: Ticketed
Website: Learn more
A Night at Ireland House invites guests to explore one of Burlington’s most historic homes during a festive evening of heritage demonstrations, live music, and holiday traditions from the 1800s. Costumed interpreters share stories of early Burlington life and visitors enjoy the warm atmosphere inside the preserved Victorian home.
7. VR Pro Santa Race
Date: December 7 | 1PM
Address: 500 Drury Lane
Ticket Details: Ticketed
Website: Learn more
The VR Pro Santa Race fills the streets with runners dressed head-to-toe in red suits, creating one of the most cheerful scenes of the season. Participants and spectators enjoy the upbeat mood as the crowd moves along the route, and families gather to cheer along the way. The race is a fun tradition for both seasoned runners and newcomers.
8. Chisel & Chill
Date: December 7 | 3PM – 6PM
Address: 471 Pearl St – Lions Club Hall
Ticket Details: Ticketed
Website: Learn more
Chisel & Chill gives guests the chance to carve their own ice sculpture with help from professional ice artists. The event combines creativity with winter fun as participants learn carving techniques and shape blocks of ice into festive designs. It is a relaxed and social afternoon activity that appeals to beginners and returning artists.
9. Jingle Beats Silent Disco
Date: December 21 | 6PM – 10PM
Address: 471 Pearl St – Lions Club Hall
Ticket Details: Ticketed
Website: Learn more
Jingle Beats Silent Disco creates a lively holiday dance floor with wireless headphones and three channels of music that guests can switch between at any time. The glowing headphones light up in different colours that change with the music, which creates a vibrant scene throughout the room. This event is a fun option for groups looking for something different during the holidays.
10. Bonus: Festive Burlington Experiences Pass
Discover the magic of the season with the Festive Burlington Experiences Pass, your guide to Burlington’s top holiday activities in one place. Explore dazzling light displays at RBG Winter Wondersand the Festival of Lights, enjoy festive shows at BPAC, and embrace winter fun with scenic trails, indoor and outdoor skating, skiing, and tobogganing. There’s something for every guest to enjoy.
Make your holidays shine — download the pass today!
Please note: The pass highlights experiences but is not an admission ticket. Regular entry fees (if applicable) still apply.
Plan Your December in Burlington
Burlington shines in December with festive lights, local celebrations, and seasonal events that bring the community together. Find even more to enjoy in the city by visiting the Events Calendar, which highlights performances, markets, winter activities, and family-friendly outings throughout the month.
Getting Here Is Easy with GO Transit
Travel to Burlington with ease by taking GO Transit. The ride is comfortable and convenient and brings you close to downtown restaurants, shops, and the waterfront. It is a simple way to enjoy a full day or evening of holiday fun in the city.
