While we anxiously await the first sporadic gusts of snow, plans for the Holiday Season are afoot. Soon after the clock rolls back on November 5th, Burlington becomes a waterfront City of Lights.
World events have a blunt way of putting things into perspective. This will be top of mind as we honour our forbearers on the 11th for their ultimate sacrifice, and as we begin to hunker down for winter.
Even though it gets colder and darker scene at this time of year, Burlington’s natural gifts of location and community spirit will get us through.
Optimism comes naturally here at the Molinaro Group. We’re moving ahead with construction of Paradigm’s Grand Finale on Fairview St. , the two new towers soon to inject another level of dynamic activity into Midtown and close the loop on the master plan. Street-level shops and office space will feature prominently in the final stage of our long-standing vision of a self-contained, multi-tower, lifestyle condominium with resort-calibre amenities. Positive synergies with the neighbouring GO transit hub and the surrounding community are deeply knitted and strengthening with time.
As for the cold-and-flu, er, HOLIDAY season, count on Burlington to offer the antidote. A day of gratitude, holiday shopping, abundant cultural events, and the annual Festival of Lights are boldfaced items on our November calendar. Make a note of them on yours.
- Remembrance Day Ceremony: November 11, from 10:30AM. The procession departs Central School on Baldwin Street, travelling down Brant Street to Elgin Street, Locust Street, Ontario Street and ending at the Cenotaph in Veteran Square, 426 Brant St. Remember, to wear your poppy.
- Craftadian Burlington Market: November 11-12, 10AM – 4PM, 4350 S Service Rd. An estimated 120 artisans, craft-makers and designers will converge upon the Ron Joyce Centre for this two-day, holiday market of handmade items. Enjoy a gourmet bite to eat and get the jump on holiday gift and decor shopping. Different vendors will appear each day. There’s a modest admittance fee and parking is free. Click here for more info and a full list of exhibitors.
- Arts Burlington Holiday Sale: November 25-26, 10AM – 5PM, Art Gallery of Burlington. This is another two-day event for those on the lookout for unique gifts and keepsakes for giving and sharing during the season. Over 150 talented artists, set up throughout the Gallery, will present a diverse range of creations available for purchase or perusing. Exhibitors include accomplished experts in pottery, photography, fine art, mixed media, hooking craft, sculpture, wood craft, weaving, and spinning. There is sure to be something for everyone on your gift list.
Burlington Festival of Lights: Nov. 24-Jan. 8, 4PM to Midnight daily; extended hours (all day & night) on Christmas eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Christmas, New Years Eve at Spencer Smith Park. A defining feature of our town, the festival illuminates the waterfront and brings a big jolt of seasonal joy. Celebrating 28 years, it’s among our most cherished annual traditions and attracts local sightseers as well as visitors from throughout the Golden Horseshoe. Stroll through for a close look at the themed exhibits or take it all in from your vehicle while driving along Lakeshore Road. Access to the park is free.
- Winter Wonders: Thursdays to Sundays, Nov. 23-Jan. 7, Hendrie Park, Royal Botanical Gardens. Described on the RBG website as “A unique outdoor evening experience, guides visitors along Hendrie Park’s picturesque pathways adorned with charming festive lights, interactive installations and magical displays that tell the stories of unique winter wonders. Stroll through our breathtaking garden to the rhythm of festive music while indulging in the warm tastes and fragrances of the holiday season.”
Be sure to catch a ride on the RBG Express, a round-trip train ride through the park. Admission charges apply.
- Holiday Magic Evergreen Workshop: 30 at RBG Centre. Two sessions to choose from: 1 to 3 p.m., or 7 to 9 p.m. Create your own festive table centrepiece with the help and guidance of experts. Register here.
- Crash Test Dummies: Nov. 25, 8PM at BPAC. Lead singer Brad Roberts and company remain stalwarts of the Canadian pop music scene, an astonishing 30 years since their breakthrough album God Shuffled His Feet (anchored by the hit, Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm) dominated radio playlists. Their epic fall tour will take them coast-to-coast in Canada and into the northern US through November and December, to the delight of their wide and dedicated fan base. A live performance of Superman’s Song will be worth the price of admission.
Also coming to BPAC:
- Burlington Symphony Orchestra: From the New World: Nov. 11, 8PM
- DREAMER: The Supertramp Experience: Nov. 17, 8PM
- Letterkenny presents A Night of Stand-Up: Nov. 23, 8PM
- State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS: Dec. 1, 7PM
- State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: THE NUTCRACKER: Dec. 2, 2PM & 7PM
- The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas: Dec. 3, 7:30PM
For the complete BPAC Event Calendar and ticket info, click here.
The Holiday Season is better in Burlington!