Things to do this weekend in Burlington, Milton and Oakville: Dec. 20 to Dec. 22
Published December 20, 2024 at 11:17 am
With Christmas just a few days away, Burlington, Oakville and Milton are hosting spectacular holiday events to get you into the festive spirit. From enchanting light displays and heartwarming concerts to craft workshops and lively holiday markets, there’s plenty of magic to discover. Here’s a look at what’s happening across these regions from Dec. 20 to Dec. 22:
December 20
Burlington:
Refuge Canada Exhibition
Explore Canada’s role in the global refugee crisis through the powerful “Refuge Canada” exhibition. Featuring images, soundscapes, first-person accounts, and artifacts, this thought-provoking exhibit begins with the sentiment: “No one wants to be a refugee, anyone could become a refugee.”
Where: 1240 North Shore Blvd. E. (Joseph Brant Museum)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified
A Very Charlie Brown Concert Featuring Enchorus Children’s Choir
Experience the magic of A Charlie Brown Christmas, an Emmy Award-winning holiday tradition. Enjoy timeless Vince Guaraldi hits like “Christmas Time is Here,” performed live by the Enchorus Children’s Choir.
Where: 440 Locust St. (The Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Regular: $39.50 – $59.50; Member: $34.50 – $54.50
Optimist Club Euchre
Join the Optimist Club of Burlington for their monthly progressive Euchre night, held on the third Friday of every month.
Where: 1201 Appleby Line (Appleby Ice Centre Community Room 1)
Time: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $10
Lakeside Festival of Lights
Stroll through Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park and enjoy over 60 magical lighting displays as part of the 29th annual Lakeside Festival of Lights.
Where: 1400 Lakeshore Rd. (Spencer Smith Park)
Time: 4 p.m. to midnight daily
Cost: Free
Milton:
Celebrate the Season Exhibition
Explore the annual art exhibition “Celebrate the Season,” presented by the Fine Arts Society of Milton. Discover a variety of beautiful works in different mediums created by talented local artists.
Where: 1010 Main St. E. (Holcim Gallery, FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton)
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
An Afternoon at the Movies
Join the Milton Public Library for an enjoyable Friday afternoon watching a feature film. Open to seniors 55+, this event does not require registration—just bring a friend and enjoy the show!
Where: 945 Fourth Line (Milton Public Library – Beaty Branch)
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Casual Friday Magic: The Gathering
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this is a great opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts and grow the Magic community. Plus, enjoy promo giveaways for all attendees!
Where: 363 Main St. E. (The Dragon Milton)
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
December 21
Burlington:
Tim Hortons Free Holiday Skating
Enjoy free skating sessions this holiday season, courtesy of Tim Hortons. Skating is available at arenas across Burlington from Dec. 21, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025, excluding Dec. 24 to 26. Sessions are first-come, first-served until capacity is reached.
Where: .Various arenas across Burlington. Check the full schedule here
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Dec. 21; times vary by date)
Cost: Free
A Whitehorse Winter Classic
Experience the prolific partnership of Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet, collectively known as Whitehorse. With their guitar-heavy, harmony-rich, and lyrically deft performances, Whitehorse delivers a signature sound that is bold, adventurous and captivating.
Where: 440 Locust St. (The Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: Regular: $49.50 – $69.50, Member: $44.50 – $64.50
Winter Wonders
Experience the magic of the season at the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Winter Wonders, where Hendrie Park transforms into a winter wonderland of dazzling lights, festive installations and enchanting displays.
Where: 680 Plains Rd. W. (Royal Botanical Gardens – Hendrie Park)
Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Thursdays to Sundays)
Cost: $0–$20 (plus applicable taxes)
Milton:
Santa at the Fairgrounds
Bring the family to the Milton Fairgrounds to visit Santa Morgan, shop local vendors, and enjoy festive activities like roasting marshmallows at outdoor fire pits.
Where: 136 Robert St. (Milton Fairgrounds)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free entry; $15 per photo with Santa
Photos will be emailed after the weekend. Donations for Milton Community Resource Center’s Fill a Crib campaign are encouraged.
Milton Philharmonic Orchestra: Winterlude XI
Celebrate the holiday season with an evening of classical Christmas music performed by the Milton Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring 30+ talented musicians in their 11th annual winter tradition.
Where: 1010 Main St. E. (FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton)
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Adults $30; Seniors (65+) $25; Youth (14-17) $15
The Three Sisters Exhibit
Explore the importance of agriculture to the Haudenosaunee peoples—past and present—at the Three Sisters Exhibit. Hosted by Conservation Halton at Crawford Lake Conservation Area, this exhibit features stunning art pieces and stories by Tuscarora artist Raymond R. Skye.
Where: 3115 Conservation Rd. (Crawford Lake Conservation Area)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Included with park admission
Ugly Christmas Extravaganza, Turkey & Ham Roll, That Band Party
Celebrate the holidays with your Legion friends and family! Enjoy the last Turkey & Ham roll of the year, don your ugliest Christmas sweater and revel in festive music by That Band.
Where: 21 Charles St. (Royal Canadian Legion Branch #136)
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Association of Nigerian Community in Milton 2024 Christmas Party
Celebrate the holiday season with the Association of Nigerian Community in Milton. Enjoy delicious food, lively music and a chance to connect with fellow community members at this festive event.
Where: 121 Chisholm Dr. (Connect Centre – Home of Milton Bible Church)
Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Adults (18+): $50; Children (4-17): $20; Babies (0-3): Free
Oakville:
Free Hot Cocoa and Fire Pits
Warm up with free hot cocoa and cozy fire pits in Downtown Oakville’s Towne Square.
Where: Towne Square
Time: Hot cocoa starts at 2 p.m. (while supplies last); fire pits lit from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Pics & Cookies with Santa
Children can enjoy a cookie decorating workshop and take photos with Santa, leaving with a 4×6 keepsake photo.
Where: 1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd. E. (Joshua Farm Gallery)
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: $25+HST per child
Note: By reservation only; limited spots are available.
December 22
Burlington:
Holiday Traditions at Ireland House Museum
Enjoy family-friendly activities and explore Victorian Christmas traditions through a guided tour of the Ireland House Museum.
Where: 2168 Guelph Line (Ireland House Museum)
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Included with regular admission
Culinary Kids Club | Taste of Canada
Kids will explore culinary skills at this drop-off program for children ages 8 to 12. Each month, participants create delicious dishes inspired by different regions, learning cooking techniques along the way. To-go containers are recommended for bringing home their culinary creations. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited.
Where: 2168 Guelph Line (Ireland House Museum)
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $30 per child
A Family Christmas with Pavlo & John McDermott
Join Pavlo and John McDermott for an evening that blends the rich traditions of Celtic music with the sun-soaked sounds of the Mediterranean.
Where: 440 Locust St. (The Burlington Performing Arts Centre)
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Regular: $39.50–$59.50; Member: $34.50–$54.50
Milton:
Elvis’ Wonderful World of Christmas – Graceland Edition
Enjoy a Yuletide spectacular inspired by the music of Elvis Presley. Hosted by Steve Michaels, this show celebrates the season with Christmas classics and Elvis’ holiday favourites in a Graceland-themed celebration.
Where: 1010 Main St. E. (FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton)
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $56.50
Oakville:
Victorian Christmas at Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Step back in time and enjoy a Victorian Christmas celebration with your family during the school holiday.
Where: 1219 Burloak Dr. (Bronte Creek Provincial Park)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Regular park admission fees apply.