What's On in Burlington This November and Early December: 2026 Events Calendar
The holiday season is almost here, and Burlington and the surrounding area are packed with things to do. From a community walk on the waterfront to the Festival of Lights, a handmade holiday market, and Niagara's giant light display, here is our guide to the events happening in Burlington and nearby this November and into early December 2026. Every date below comes from the event organizers' own websites, and we will keep adding to the list as more details are announced.
Burlington Events Calendar: November and Early December 2026
Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
Sat., Nov. 7 | Hope in Every Step walk | Spencer Smith Park, Burlington |
Sat., Nov. 14 | Winter Festival of Lights opens (runs to Jan. 10) | Niagara Falls |
Sun., Nov. 15 | Brightest Lights home tour link opens | Burlington (online) |
Fri., Nov. 27 | Festival of Lights opening night | Spencer Smith Park, Burlington |
Nov. 27 to 29 | Holiday HandMade Market | Niagara Falls Convention Centre |
Sat., Nov. 28 | Let It Glow concert | St. Luke's Anglican Church, Burlington |
Thu., Dec. 3 | Sip & Shop | Downtown Burlington |
Sun., Dec. 6 | Parade Day Pop-Up | Lions Club Hall, Burlington |
Saturday, November 7: Hope in Every Step
Halton Women's Place's signature community walk takes place at Spencer Smith Park during Woman Abuse Prevention Month, with registration at 10 a.m. and the walk starting at 11 a.m. Lunch is included, and registration is $20 per adult and $10 per youth, with every dollar going to the organization's programs. If you can't make it, you can still support the cause with a donation.
Saturday, November 14: Niagara's Winter Festival of Lights Opens
Canada's largest free outdoor light festival returns to Niagara Falls from November 14, 2026 to January 10, 2027, with more than three million lights and over 75 displays along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands, and Queen Victoria Park. Winter fireworks are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. from November 14 to December 12, plus January 8 and 9. Admission is free, with voluntary donations welcome at Dufferin Islands. Looking for more things to do in the area? See our guide to the best day trips from Burlington, and our post on the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls.
Sunday, November 15: Burlington's Brightest Lights Tour Opens
The Burlington Festival of Lights' home display tour opens on November 15. Follow a digital map to the city's brightest home light displays, check in, and vote for your favourite, and visit six or more homes to be entered in a weekly prize draw.
Friday, November 27: Burlington Festival of Lights Opening Night
Spencer Smith Park lights up from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the countdown to a new 35-foot tree, music from the Burlington Teen Tour Band, and a visit from Santa. The Burlington Lions Club and community volunteers have organized the festival for more than 30 years. See our full guide to the Burlington Festival of Lights, and pair your visit with a skate on the free outdoor rink at Spencer Smith Park.
November 27 to 29: Holiday HandMade Market
The 16th Annual Holiday HandMade Market fills the Niagara Falls Convention Centre with more than 200 Canadian makers, a wine bar, food trucks, and live music. Hours are Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult tickets are $10.95, children under 16 are free, and all tickets must be bought online in advance because none are sold at the gate.
Saturday, November 28: Let It Glow
A candlelit evening at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 1382 Ontario Street, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring a guest quartet from the Burlington Symphony Orchestra performing holiday favourites. Tickets are $25 plus a small service fee and are available on the Festival of Lights website.
Thursday, December 3: Sip & Shop
A private Sip & Shop evening in downtown Burlington runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginning with a mixology demonstration from SOBR Market, followed by a visit to select downtown shops that stay open late for your group. The festival lists multiple dates for this event, so check its events page for others.
Sunday, December 6: Parade Day Pop-Up
The Festival of Lights' Parade Day Pop-Up takes place at the Lions Club Hall from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., with washrooms, hot cocoa, crafts, food trucks, and a visit from the Grinch. The festival's pop-up is timed for parade day, and the City of Burlington's Santa Claus Parade has typically been held on the first Sunday of December, starting at New Street and Drury Lane and ending on Brant Street. Check burlington.ca/parade for this year's confirmed route and times.
Still to Be Announced
A few holiday favourites haven't posted their 2026 dates yet, including Oakville's Holiday Lights by the Lake at Coronation Park, Oakville's tree lightings, and Hamilton's holiday events. We will update this guide when they do.
Burlington Events FAQ
What Is Happening in Burlington This November?
Highlights include the Hope in Every Step walk on November 7, the Festival of Lights opening night on November 27, and Let It Glow on November 28.
When Does the Burlington Festival of Lights Start?
Opening night is Friday, November 27, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Spencer Smith Park.
When Does Niagara's Winter Festival of Lights Start?
It opens on November 14, 2026, and runs through January 10, 2027.
Is There a Santa Claus Parade in Burlington?
Yes. Burlington's Santa Claus Parade is held each December, and the Festival of Lights is hosting a Parade Day Pop-Up on Sunday, December 6. Check the City of Burlington's parade page for official details.
Where Can I Find More Local Events?
Follow Burlington 365 and check our events page for updates across Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, and Niagara.
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Disclaimer
Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans or acting on the information. We are not a news outlet, and while we do our best to make sure information is accurate, sometimes we make mistakes. It is always best to verify with official sources. The inclusion of any business, individual, event, or service on the Burlington 365 platform does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of its quality, performance, or reliability. Users are solely responsible for conducting their own research and due diligence before engaging with any third-party businesses or services listed on the platform.