Things to do this weekend in Burlington, Milton and Oakville: Dec. 27 to Dec. 29
Published December 27, 2024 at 12:58 pm
As the holiday season winds down and the New Year approaches, Burlington, Milton and Oakville remain lively with events to keep the festive spirit flowing. From dazzling light displays and artistic exhibitions to historical celebrations and concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy before settling back into the regular routine.
Here’s what’s happening from Dec. 27 to Dec. 29:
December 27
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
Winter Wonders
Experience the magic of the season as Hendrie Park transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland. Indoors, explore vibrant seasonal décor, the rejuvenated Mediterranean Garden, and the whimsical Botanical Train Display featuring Canadian landmarks. Don’t forget to visit the Gift Shop for unique seasonal finds.
Where: 680 Plains Rd. W. (Royal Botanical Gardens)
Time: December 27, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: From $20.
Milton:
Festive Fun Camp Junior (ages 4–5)
Participants will enjoy a day filled with active and quiet games, crafts, and sports. Please note that children must be 4 years of age at the start of the program and proof of age may be requested.
Where: 605 Santa Maria Blvd. (Milton Sports Centre)
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $52.14.
Festive Fun Camp Senior (ages 6–12)
Participants will enjoy a day filled with active and quiet games, crafts, and sports. Please note that children must be 6 years of age at the start of the program and proof of age may be requested.
Where: 605 Santa Maria Blvd. (Milton Sports Centre)
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $52.14.
Celebrate the Season Member Exhibition 2024
Explore stunning works from local artists at the Holcim Gallery, with special holiday hours.
Where: 1010 Main St. E. (FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton)
Time: December 27, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Oakville:
The Home Team Wins: Oakville’s Hockey Clubs (May 2024 to April 2025)
Explore over 100 years of hockey history in Oakville, from frozen ponds and local waterways to competitive leagues representing the community on provincial and national levels. This exhibit highlights the evolution of Oakville’s hockey teams, with a special focus on the Oakville Blades Junior C team as they compete for the Centennial Cup national title starting May 9, 2024.
Where: 3070 Neyagawa Blvd. (Sixteen Mile Sports Complex)
Time:
Cost: Unspecified
Holiday Lights by the Lake 2024
This family-friendly event transforms Coronation Park into a dazzling winter wonderland. With over 90 trees adorned in 130,000 lights, 100 light displays along illuminated paths and 13 spotlight and laser displays, it’s a must-visit holiday destination.
Where: 1426 Lakeshore Rd. W. (Coronation Park)
Time: 5 p.m. (Until Feb. 1, 2025)
Cost: Unspecified
December 28
Burlington:
Wild Immersion VR (Dec. 4 – Jan. 5, 2025)
Embark on a 360° virtual reality journey around the globe and discover some of the planet’s rarest and most iconic species.
Where: 680 Plains Rd. W. (Royal Botanical Gardens)
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Visit Royal Botanical Gardens for ticket information.
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. 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.
Cost: Free
Milton:
Milton Community Theatre: Frozen Jr.
Experience the heartwarming story of love and acceptance between sisters in Frozen Jr. Join Princesses Anna and Elsa on their magical journey as they discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood.
Where: 1010 Main St. E. (FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton)
Time:
- Dec. 28: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 29: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $26 (includes fees and tax; all attendees require a ticket).
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
Pre-launch Milton Fashion Week
Get a sneak peek at the excitement of Milton Fashion Week at the Pre-launch event! Meet the organizers, models, and casting directors while enjoying a runway presentation, speakers, fashion brand showcases, a holiday pop-up market, live music, food, a photo booth, and more.
Where: 77 Thompson Rd. S. (Milton Lions Club Hall)
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $6.66
Family Ties in Frosty Times
Celebrate the importance of family bonds during the winter season at the Islamic Community Centre of Milton. Enjoy a day filled with fun activities, arts and crafts, a photobooth, cookie decorating, storytime with Sheikh Numan Attique, refreshments and more!
Where: 8069 Esquesing Line (Islamic Community Centre of Milton)
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost:
- Ages 14 and below: $10 (includes lunch and activities)
- Ages 15+ & Parents: Free (refreshments provided).
Oakville:
Charles Stankievech – The Desert Turned to Glass
This exhibit traverses vast distances in space and time, blending science fiction speculation with contemporary theories on life’s origins. Featuring videos, photographs and sculptures, the display invites visitors into a material and mystical world under tectonic transformation.
Where: 120 Navy St. (Oakville Galleries at Centennial Square)
Time: 10: a.m. to 5 p.m. (now until Feb. 1, 2025)
Cost: Free
December 29
Burlington:
Escarpment Train Exhibit
Journey through four seasons of whimsical Canadian landscapes with RBG’s “G scale” model train exhibit. Discover how railroads shaped Canadian history with depictions of three locomotive eras: the steam engines of the late 1800s, the streamliners of the 1930s and the powerful diesels of the 1960s to today. The exhibit is displayed indoors at the Robert Stipe Garden House and requires walking through the outdoor Rock Garden for access.
Where: 680 Plains Rd. W. (Royal Botanical Gardens)
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Garden admission or membership applies.
Oakville:
Festival of Art Holiday Show
This festive exhibition runs through the holiday season, offering a perfect opportunity to explore unique artworks.
Time: Nov. 15 to Dec. 30 (during gallery opening hours)
Cost: Unspecified
Victorian Christmas at Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Step back in time to 1899 and experience how early settlers celebrated the holiday season. Learn about the origins of beloved traditions while enjoying house tours, crafts, refreshments, music, and storytime.
Where: 1219 Burloak Dr. (Bronte Creek Provincial Park)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Dec. 27, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025)
Cost: Unspecified
Gerdan Christmas Show
This unforgettable Christmas concert features ancient Ukrainian carols, songs and the unique “Goat Leading” ritual, preserving the magic of the season.
Where: 1280 Dundas St. W. (St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre)
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: From $76.64