Get outside and enjoy the season! Here is a roundup of local winter and holiday-themed events to keep your holiday merry and bright.
32nd Annual Junior League Holiday House Tour of Distinctive Homes
The 32nd 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 14
to Sunday, November 16
juniorleague.ca; holidayhousetour.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 15 & Sunday, November 16, 6 p.m.
Country Heritage Park, Milton
countryheritagepark.com/events
United Way of Milton's Christmas House Tour presented by Springridge Farm
What a great way to get into the holiday spirit! Visit homes that have been professionally decorated for Christmas. The Dinner & Limo tour takes place on November 21 with tickets available for $75 and the self-guided tour is on November 22 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 21 & Saturday, November 22
miltonunitedway.ca
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 22, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Centriller Square, Bronte
brontevillage.net
19th Annual Lakeside Festival of Lights
Join in downtown Burlington's candlelit stroll event running daily from dusk until dawn from November 28 through to January 8. Sip hot cocoa lakeside and take in the wonders of the holiday season.
November 28, 2014 to January 8, 2015
Spencer Smith Park, Burlington
burlingtonfestivaloflights.com
Burlington's Santa 5K Run 2014
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. Proceeds from the run will help support Community Living Burlington and St. John Ambulance, go online to register.
Saturday, December 13, 9 a.m.
santa5k.ca
A Taste of Christmas Past: Festive Food & Drink of Yesteryear
The historic Ireland House will be illuminated by candlelight and roaring fires for this traditional evening of Christmas food and beverage tasting. Take part in special activities and watch live entertainment and presentations throughout the evening. Tickets are available for $25 and must be purchased in advance. This is a licensed event, not recommended for children under the age of 12.
December 5, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
museumsofburlington.com
Home for the Holidays at the Museums of Mississauga
Join the Museums of Mississauga in celebrating the holidays traditionally at the Bradley Museum, Benares Historic House and the Leslie Log House. Discover how early settler families prepared for the Christmas season at the Bradley House where you can enjoy sights, sounds and smells of an 19th century home including cooking on an open hearth. At Benares Historic House you can experience the revelry of an early 20th century Christmas thanks caroling in the drawing room, horse-drawn wagon rides and children's crafts in the restored house decorated for the holiday season. Finally, stop by the Leslie Log House to see featured exhibit displays on the history of Streetsville with Christmas festivities including historic demonstrations, children's crafts and hot apple cider. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected for the local food bank in lieu of admission.
December 14, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Bradley Museum, 1620 Orr Road
Benares Historic House, 1507 Clarkson Road North
Leslie Log House, 4415 Mississauga Road
museumsofmississauga.com
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. Proceeds from the 2015 dip will support the Rwanda: Right To Clean Water project in Gashora and Rugarama.
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 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lowville Park (Guelph Line – North of Britannia Road), Lowville
burlington.ca
Christmas Tea & Tour and Craft & Tour
Enjoy a 1.5 hour visit to the beautifully-decorated historic Erchless Estate on December 14 where you will get a guided tour through the home and be able to view the feature exhibit followed by tea and cookies. The tour is $6 per person and is available for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. On December 30 and January 2 stop by for an hour's worth of afternoon craft making
and a guided tour of the Oakville Museum.
Each session will make the same craft and take the same tour. For children ages 3 to 9.
Christmas Tea and Tour
Sunday, December 14
1:30 to 3 p.m. or 3 to 4:30 p.m.; $6
Craft & Tour
Tuesday, December 30, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, January 2 at 1:30 to 2:30 and 3 to 4 p.m.; $5
oakville.ca
Santa Claus is coming to town!
66th Annual Oakville Santa Claus Parade
The Oakville Santa Claus Parade has been delighting families, residents and visitors for 66 years! Come early to reserve your spot on the parade route as it winds its way through Downtown Oakville.
Saturday November 15, 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 16, 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 30, 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 7, 2 p.m.
burlington.ca