Burlington, at the western end of Lake Ontario, is known for one of the GTA’s best free holiday light displays: the Festival of Lights on the waterfront at Spencer Smith Park.
Burlington Festival of Lights
Nightly from late November into early January · Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Road · Free
For more than 30 years, Burlington has lit up its waterfront park with dozens of illuminated displays and photo spots. You can walk through the park or drive slowly along Lakeshore Road to see the lights from your car. In 2025 the festival had more than 60 displays and ran until January 7, with extra events like a Jingle Market and ice sculpting in early December. Watch for 2026 dates and the event schedule. Christmas lights near Toronto
Burlington Santa Claus Parade
Burlington’s downtown parade usually takes place on a Sunday afternoon in early December; in 2025 it ran on Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. Halton parades
Other holiday fun
- Downtown Burlington shops and restaurants along Brant Street and Lakeshore Road
- Mapleview Shopping Centre for Santa and shopping
- Outdoor skating at city rinks, weather permitting
Visiting the Festival of Lights
- Walk it: park along Lakeshore Road or in downtown lots, then stroll through Spencer Smith Park’s displays and along the waterfront promenade.
- Drive it: cruise slowly along Lakeshore Road to see the lights from your car; it’s popular with families with small children and older relatives.
- Go on a weeknight for fewer crowds.
- Arrive just after dark, around 5 p.m., for the best photos.
- Bring a donation: the festival has supported local charities in past years.
A Burlington holiday evening
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 3 p.m. | Shop Brant Street’s independent boutiques |
| 4:30 p.m. | Walk the pier and waterfront at sunset |
| 5 p.m. | The Festival of Lights at Spencer Smith Park |
| 6:30 p.m. | Dinner downtown on Brant Street or Lakeshore Road |
Royal Botanical Gardens
Burlington is home to the Royal Botanical Gardens, which has hosted a winter light experience in its Hendrie Park gardens in recent seasons, plus indoor exhibits in the Mediterranean Garden. Check the gardens’ website for 2026 programming and tickets.
Burlington for families
- The Santa Claus Parade downtown.
- Free outdoor skating at the Rotary Centennial Pond in Spencer Smith Park, weather permitting.
- Santa at Mapleview Shopping Centre and community events.
- Tobogganing and winter walks at nearby parks and conservation areas along the Niagara Escarpment.
Burlington Christmas events: FAQ
Is the Burlington Festival of Lights free? Yes, it’s free to walk or drive through.
How far is Burlington from Toronto? About 45 to 60 minutes by car, or about an hour on the GO Lakeshore West line.
More: Christmas in Halton Region · drive-thru Christmas lights
Nearby
- Royal Botanical Gardens on the Burlington–Hamilton border has run holiday events in past seasons.
- Hamilton’s Christmas events are 15 minutes away. Christmas in Hamilton
Getting there
Burlington and Appleby GO stations are on the Lakeshore West line. By car, it’s 45 to 60 minutes from downtown Toronto via the QEW. Downtown parking lots are near Spencer Smith Park.
