Get outside and enjoy the season with our guide to holiday and winter events, parades and tree lightings.
31st Annual Junior League Holiday House Tour of Distinctive Homes
The 31st Annual Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington Holiday House Tour of Distinctive Homes is back for another year of opening doors to a magical season in Burlington, Hamilton and Ancaster. The tour also includes hands-on classes, decorating ideas, contests, an opportunity to meet the designers and more. Tickets are available for $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
Friday, November 8
to Sunday, November 10
juniorleague.ca
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the lights, magic, and charm of Downtown Oakville this Christmas as businesses kick-off the holiday season with the official lighting of the Towne Square Tree. Hot apple cider will be served up by Santa and his elves while the downtown Christmas carol sing-along is back for another year.
Friday, November 15
Towne Square, Downtown Oakville
oakvilledowntown.com
Springridge Farm Town and Country Christmas House Tour for United Way of Milton
What a great way to get into the holiday spirit! Visit six houses that have been professionally decorated for Christmas. The Limo Tour takes place on November 15 with tickets available for $75 and the Self-Drive tour is on November 16 with tickets available for $30. Tickets are available for purchase at The United Way of Milton office at 1 Chris Hadfield Way or by phone at 905.875.2550.
Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16
miltonunitedway.ca
Milton's Heritage Parade of Lights
Take in the spectacular parade of vintage tractors and machinery decorated with coloured festive lights and go on tractor drawn wagon rides. After the parade join everyone in the heated Gambrel Barn for hot chocolate, juice and cookies and get your picture taken with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their jolly elves! Bring a donation for adult admission, children 15 years and younger are free.
Saturday, November 16 & Sunday, November 17, 6 p.m.
Country Heritage Park, Milton
countryheritagepark.com/events
Christmas in Bronte Village & Annual Tree Lighting
The holiday season is more relaxing in Bronte Village and parking is FREE.
See performances by Stage It Performing Arts Soloists and get your picture taken and then dance with Santa! And join the Tempus Choral Society in the Traditional Sing-Along as they sing in the season at the Annual Tree Lighting festivities.
Saturday, November 24,
from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Centriller Square, Bronte
brontevillage.net
18th annual Burlington Festival of Lights
Join in downtown Burlington's candlelit stroll event running daily from dusk until dawn from November 29 through to January 7. Sip hot cocoa lakeside and take in the wonders of the holiday season.
November 29, 2013 to January 7, 2014
Spencer Smith Park, Burlington
burlingtondowntown.ca/happening
St. Andrew Christmas House Tour
An Oakville tradition since 1981, the St. Andrew Christmas Home Tour presents an eclectic mix of historical, waterfront and architecturally unique homes decorated for the holidays by local professional decorators. Proceeds from this year's event will support, in part, the Fareshare Food Bank and the Kerr Street Ministries' Christmas Wonders and Beyond program which provides gift certificates and food boxes to families in need. Go online for times and ticket pricing.
Friday, December 6 & Saturday December 7
standrewshousetour.ca
A Heritage Christmas by Dream Catcher Stables & Country Heritage Park
Bring the whole family to visit Dream Catcher Stables & country Heritage Park's Christmas Village Wonderland! Enjoy a festive decorated tractor drawn Tram ride, meet Santa Claus, his crafty and comical Elves in his workshop and have your photo taken with his magical real-live reindeer “Comet & Cupid.” Stroll through the heritage park and take in the splendor of the magnificent light displays and enjoy the rural treasures on display. Partake in a pony ride, or horse drawn wagon ride, visit Santa's personal Candy Land confectionery, enjoy the outdoor BBQ, hot chocolate and coffee and visit the craft centre and decorate a gingerbread man or create a Christmas ornament while enjoying the wonderful magical stories of the19th Century Story Teller.
Friday to Sunday from December 6 to 23
Country Heritage Park, Milton
dreamcatcherstables.ca
Burlington's Santa 5K Run
Participants run 5K through downtown while dressed as Santa! Anyone who decides to de-Claus mid-run will be disqualified so maintain your holiday cheer by keeping those red velvet suits on.
Saturday, December 7, 9 a.m.
santa5k.ca
Courage Polar Bear Dip
Hundreds of people jump into the icy cold waters of Lake Ontario at the Courage Polar Bear Dip each year while thousands watch and cheer them on. Some show up for the incredible festival atmosphere, some want to try something a little over the edge to ring in the New Year, others just want to get their faces and crazy costumes in the local and national media. No matter what brings them to Coronation Park on January 1st, each dipper is helping raise funds for a great cause. Net proceeds from the Courage Polar Bear Dip have been given to World Vision Canada since 1995. In that time approximately $1,060,000 has been raised and has funded clean water projects around the world.
Wednesday, January 1
Coronation Park, Oakville
polarbeardip.ca
Lowville Winter Games
Free outdoor fun as part of the Winter Carnival. Come to Lowville Park and enjoy traditional winter outdoor activities: skating, tobogganing, entertainment, games and activities like the Conservation Halton Birds of Prey Show, log-sawing competition and horse-drawn wagon rides.. Events run snow or shine!
Sunday, January 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lowville Park (Guelph Line – North of Britannia Road), Lowville
burlington.ca
Santa Claus is coming to town
65th Annual Oakville Santa Claus Parade
The Oakville Santa Claus Parade has been delighting families, residents and visitors for 65 years! Come early to reserve your spot on the parade route as it winds its way through Downtown Oakville.
Saturday November 16, 9 a.m.
oakvillesantaclausparade.ca
Milton Santa Claus Parade
Since the first parade in 1933, Milton has been a stop on Santa's annual parade route. Don't miss out on all the festive fun, bring your loved ones to this historic parade as it travels along Milton's Main Street.
Sunday, November 17, 1:30 p.m.
miltonsantaclausparade.ca
Mississauga Santa Claus Parade
The Village of Streetsville is the backdrop for Mississauga's Santa Claus Parade. Dress in festive attire and bring your family and friends!
Sunday, November 24, 1 p.m.
mississaugasanta.com
Burlington Christmas Parade
Hosted by the City of Burlington and local Rotary Clubs, this annual Christmas Parade features 65 entries including bands, colourful floats, clowns, mascots and jolly St. Nick himself.
Sunday December 1, 2 p.m.
burlington.ca