Things to Do in Burlington This Week: Shopping, Family Fun, & Community Events

Looking for something fun, creative or family-friendly to do in Burlington this week? There is plenty happening around the community from November 14 to 20, with festive holiday shopping, interactive museum experiences, creative workshops, cultural celebrations and opportunities to get involved in local activities.

Whether you're planning a weekend outing with the family, searching for unique handmade Christmas gifts, or hoping to explore your creative side, Burlington has something for everyone.

From the annual Mistletoe Mart and family-friendly swimming activities to hands-on art workshops and community events, here are some upcoming activities to add to your calendar!

Saturday, November 14: Holiday Shopping, Museum Fun and Family Activities

Mistletoe Mart – Annual Christmas Bazaar

9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Get into the holiday spirit at the annual Mistletoe Mart! This festive Christmas bazaar is the perfect place to browse for unique gifts, discover local artisans and enjoy a day of seasonal shopping.

With more than 45 artisans showcasing handmade and specialty products, visitors can explore a wonderful selection of items, including:

• Christmas decorations and artwork

• Handmade jewelry and stained glass

• Children's clothing and toys

• Chocolate, honey and baked goods

• Soups and lavender products

• Knitting and sewing items

• Collectibles and much more!

The event will also feature a silent auction and café, making it a great opportunity to enjoy some treats while supporting local creativity and craftsmanship.

The venue is fully accessible, welcoming visitors of all abilities.

Money in 10 Questions: Kids Edition at Joseph Brant Museum

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Make learning about money an adventure with Money in 10 Questions: Kids Edition, an interactive exhibition at Joseph Brant Museum.

Developed by the Bank of Canada Museum, the exhibition was inspired by more than 800 questions submitted by Canadian children. Through playful, hands-on activity stations, kids can explore important financial concepts and discover the answers to some fascinating questions about money.

Young visitors can try saving a million dollars, learn how to balance a budget using scales and weights, get inspired by a young entrepreneur and explore unusual forms of currency. They can even discover whether bones can be used as money and get hands-on with some unexpected examples of currency!

Designed for children and families, this exhibition offers an engaging way to introduce financial literacy while encouraging conversations about saving, spending and managing money.

The exhibition is on display at Joseph Brant Museum from October 3, 2026, to January 23, 2027, giving families plenty of time to plan a visit.

Angela Coughlan Pool: Fall Leaf Mural & Fun Swim

2:45 PM – 4:45 PM

Families looking to combine creativity and swimming can head to Angela Coughlan Pool for its monthly community event.

November's theme is Fall Leaf Mural & Fun Swim. Participants are invited to help create a colourful paper leaf mural, transforming the pool space into a cozy autumn-inspired scene.

Once the creative activities are finished, everyone can enjoy a fun swim!

These monthly community events offer themed activities for all ages, with upcoming programs including ice safety games, winter crafts, lifeguard-themed activities, a duck scavenger hunt and swim assessments.

Regular swim admission rates apply.

Sunday, November 15: Creativity, Culture and Community

Family Open Studios

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Unleash your family's creativity with Family Open Studios, a series of free, drop-in art sessions designed for visitors of all ages.

This season's programming is inspired by Wiigwasitig / waskway / Honouring the Birch Tree, an exploration of the heritage and healing power of the birch tree through diverse artistic practices.

The program also highlights the work of Community Generator artists Paper Pals Collective and Mahnoor Euceph.

Each Sunday introduces a different art form, with activities ranging from zine making to paperweaving. It's a wonderful opportunity for families to experiment with new creative techniques, learn together and enjoy an afternoon of artistic discovery.

Best of all, admission is free, and no advance registration is required.

Festival of Inner Lights 2026

1:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Free Event

Celebrate connection, culture and inner peace at the Festival of Inner Lights 2026.

This free community event offers an uplifting afternoon featuring:

• Meditation

• Live music

• World wisdom and cultures

Whether you're interested in mindfulness, discovering different cultural traditions or simply enjoying live entertainment, the festival provides a welcoming space to connect, reflect and celebrate community.

Monday, November 16: Inaugural Meeting of Council

Inaugural Meeting of Council

6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Stay connected with Burlington's municipal affairs by attending the Inaugural Meeting of Council.

This meeting marks an important occasion in the municipal calendar and provides an opportunity for residents to stay informed about local leadership and community matters.

Tuesday, November 17: Council Meetings and Museum Exploration

Council Workshop Committee

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Residents interested in municipal planning and local government can follow the Council Workshop Committee meeting.

Money in 10 Questions: Kids Edition

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Families who haven't yet visited Joseph Brant Museum can continue exploring the interactive Money in 10 Questions: Kids Edition exhibition.

With hands-on activities focused on budgeting, saving and the fascinating history of currency, it's an entertaining and educational outing for children and parents alike.

The exhibition continues through January 23, 2027.

Regular Meeting of Council

1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

The Regular Meeting of Council provides another opportunity for Burlington residents to stay informed about municipal decisions, discussions and community priorities.

Wednesday, November 18: Museum Activities and Community Planning

Money in 10 Questions: Kids Edition

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Continue the week with an educational family outing at Joseph Brant Museum.

Children can explore the many interactive stations in this exhibition, discovering how money works, why people save and how financial decisions shape the future.

Committee of Adjustment

1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The Committee of Adjustment meeting provides an opportunity for residents to stay informed about local planning and property-related matters.

Thursday, November 19: Another Day to Explore Money in 10 Questions

Money in 10 Questions: Kids Edition

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Looking for a weekday activity with the kids? Joseph Brant Museum continues to host Money in 10 Questions: Kids Edition.

This engaging exhibition makes financial education accessible and entertaining through interactive challenges, unusual examples of currency and activities designed to encourage curiosity.

It's a great opportunity for parents and children to learn something new together.

Friday, November 20: Museum Adventures and Creative Clay Workshops

Money in 10 Questions: Kids Edition

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wrap up the workweek with another opportunity to explore the interactive money exhibition at Joseph Brant Museum.

With activities designed to introduce children to budgeting, saving and entrepreneurship, it's a fun way to make financial literacy part of a family outing.

Friday Night Clay Date

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Looking for a creative way to spend Friday evening? Friday Night Clay Date invites participants to enjoy some hands-on time in the ceramics studio.

These beginner-friendly workshops introduce participants to hand-building techniques, with each session featuring a unique project designed to bring creativity and comfort into the home.

The November 20 workshop focuses on making a mug using slab-building techniques. Participants will learn how to shape a functional piece of pottery, perfect for enjoying a favourite hot chocolate, tea or coffee during the cooler months.

Looking ahead, the December 11 session will feature house votives. Participants can create decorative little houses with window cut-outs designed to display votive candles, bringing a warm glow to the shorter winter days.

It's a wonderful opportunity to try something new, get creative and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Plan Your Week and Get Out Into the Burlington Community!

From festive holiday shopping and family-friendly museum exhibitions to cultural celebrations, municipal meetings and hands-on art workshops, Burlington has plenty to offer this November.

Whether you're shopping for unique Christmas gifts at Mistletoe Mart, exploring financial literacy with the kids, enjoying a free cultural event or creating your own pottery, there's something happening for a variety of interests and ages.

Mark your calendar, invite a friend or bring the family along, and take advantage of the many opportunities to explore, learn and connect with the Burlington community this week!