Did you know that you don’t have to go all the way to Toronto or Niagara to have a fun and exciting New Year’s? There are many restaurants and event venues throwing ticketed parties right here in Burlington, and we have compiled a list of every single one in our 2026 Burlington New Year’s Guide. We even included family-friendly events that finish way before bedtime!

As always, it is 100% free and includes all the information you need. Make sure you plan in advance before tickets sell out.

P.S. We also made one for Oakville in case you’re interested.
👉 Oakville Guide

Sound of Music Festival says it is not finished, even after the city denied future funding and selected MRG Live to operate a new waterfront music festival at Spencer Smith Park in June 2026. Festival chair Dave Shepherd says organizers are planning a reset and will share details once a new direction is finalized.

The non profit group stressed its brand, volunteers, and contracts are independent of the city and not tied to one location. After more than 40 years, organizers say the focus is returning to community roots and live music, even as Burlington prepares for a separate city supported festival next summer. Could SOM be leaving Burlington?

Families have a little extra reason to wander the Royal Botanical Gardens this season. Through Jan. 15, the Canada Strong Pass offers free admission for kids 17 and under, with half price entry for visitors ages 18 to 24 as part of a national effort to make cultural spaces more accessible.

Visitors can enjoy winter garden walks, the Botanical Train Display, Imagination Playground, and seasonal exhibits. Some activities have small add on fees, and special events are excluded, but for many local families it is an easy, affordable holiday outing close to home.

If a glowing pickup or a Grinch on a motorcycle has caught your eye lately, you are not alone. Burlington and Halton drivers like Austin Lowe and Gideon Luty are decking out their vehicles with thousands of lights and festive costumes, simply to make people smile.

From Lowe’s 4,000 light GMC Sierra to Luty’s Grinch themed motorcycle with a sidecar, the goal is joy, not fundraising. Kids wave, strangers laugh, and for a moment, traffic feels a little more cheerful.

As it celebrates a century in Burlington, the Lions Club is marking the milestone with a major act of generosity. The city’s oldest service club is splitting a $100,000 donation between Carpenter Hospice, Community Living Burlington, and Shifra Homes, with each receiving $33,333.

The funds come from volunteer run efforts like the Burlington Mall Farmers’ Market and are part of a larger $220,000 giving plan for 2025 and 2026. Club leaders say the goal is to support residents facing homelessness, disability, and end of life care while investing in Burlington’s future.

Monday, December 15
🌨️ Light snow‑likely
High: −6°C | Low: −9°C

Tuesday, December 16
⛅ Mostly sunny / cold
High: 2°C | Low: −8°C

Wednesday, December 17
☁️ Overcast / clouds
High: 3°C | Low: 0°C