Toronto 
Burlington’s annual Lakeside Festival of Lights will return to Spencer Smith Park from this weekend, bringing more than 60 illuminated displays to the city’s waterfront.
Burlington Festival of Lights
Beginning November 28, 2025, the event runs daily until January 6, 2026, with lights operating from 4:00 p.m. to midnight. This is Burlington’s longest-running festival and lights up the waterfront for over 40 days during the holiday season.
The displays form a walking route through Spencer Smith Park at 1400 Lakeshore Road, where visitors can move through the installations at their own pace without tickets or scheduled entry.
The festivities kick off on Friday, November 28, with the annual Candlelit Stroll in downtown Burlington. The event begins at Civic Square at 6 p.m., where the Tree of Hope will be illuminated in a ceremony featuring the Burlington Teen Tour Band from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Downtown Burlington
Participants will receive candles and route maps before embarking on a self-guided tour through the winter-themed downtown area. The stroll continues until 8:30 p.m. and includes live music, pop-up performances, seasonal treats, warming stations, photo opportunities with Santa, and a community countdown to light the Tree of Hope.
What Is New and What to See and Do
In addition to the light installations, several community events will take place during December at the Lions Club Hall, located at 471 Pearl Street. These programs, held on specific dates, add indoor activities, markets, and performances to the broader waterfront schedule.
Key Programming for 2025:
- Jingle Market – December 6, 2025, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
A one-day marketplace featuring local vendors offering handmade items, food products, and seasonal goods. - Parade Day Pop-Up – December 7, 2025, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
Activities include hot beverages, family craft stations, food trucks, and ice sculptures. Santa will greet visitors between 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., followed by live ice carving from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Chisel & Chill – December 7, 2025, 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
A demonstration event focused on the process behind ice sculpture creation. - Holly Jolly Tea – December 20, 2025, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
A seniors’ program featuring refreshments and a live seasonal performance. Space is limited.View this post on Instagram - Holiday Hoedown – December 20, 2025, 7 p.m.–10 p.m.
An evening social event with music and community activities. - Jingle Beats Silent Disco – December 21, 2025, 7 p.m.–10 p.m.
A headphone-based dance event offering multiple audio channels for attendees.
When and Where Is the Event?
The light displays will be open daily from November 28th from 4 p.m. till midnight, and will continue until January 6th, 2026.
The lights are located at Spencer Smith Park, directly along the city’s waterfront, adjacent to downtown Burlington. Take a drive to enjoy the free displays along Lakeshore Road, or you can enjoy a leisurely walk in the park, viewing the lights. Parking is available in the downtown area.
Jingle Market, Holiday gift wrapping, Parade Day pop-up, Chisel & Chill, Holly Jolly Tea, Holiday Hoedown, Jingle Beats Silent Disco takes place at Lions Club Hall located at 471 Pearl Street in Burlington.
Enjoy the spectacle of the Lakeside Festival of Lights this holiday season! This is one event you wouldn’t want to miss!
