By Gazette Staff
November 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Festival of Lights returns to Spencer Smith Park from Nov. 28, 2025 to Jan. 8, 2026, transforming the waterfront into a glowing winter walkway with illuminated displays along the lake.
The Red Coats have guarded the waterfront every Holiday Season for decades
This will be the 30th anniversary of the event.
New this milestone year, the Burlington Lions Club Hall (471 Pearl St.) will host a slate of indoor community events steps from the park.
“For three decades, the Festival of Lights has brought neighbours together on our waterfront,” said John Fanjoy, President, Burlington Lions Club. “Marking 30 years with accessible, family-friendly programming at the Lions Hall means more ways for everyone to warm up, connect and celebrate between strolls through the park.”
Hundreds of families take their children on a walk around the dozens of light sculptures that were assembled by teams of volunteers.
Indoor events at Burlington Lions Club Hall (short walk from the park)
Burlington Lions Club – short walk from Spencer Smith Park
Jingle Market + Holiday Gift Wrapping — Sat., Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Browse local makers, sip something warm, and let us handle the bows. Free admission and complimentary gift wrapping on-site (donations to the Burlington Lions Club appreciated).
Parade Day Pop-Up — Sun., Dec. 7, noon–6 p.m. – Make parade day your winter highlight: free photos with Santa (12:30–1:45 p.m.), Meet the Grinch (12–3 p.m.), and watch live ice carving (3–6 p.m.). Plus cocoa, crafts, games, and festive photo ops just steps from the route.
Holly Jolly Tea — Seniors’ Holiday Social — Sat., Dec. 20, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. – Slow the season down with a cozy, accessible seated tea. Seasonal treats, warm conversation, and a welcoming space. $15 tickets.
Holiday Hoedown — Sat., Dec. 20, 7–10 p.m. Boots or sneakers—your call. Learn easy line-dance steps, laugh a lot, and two-step into the holidays. $15 at the door.
Jingle Beats Silent Disco (Christmas Hits) — Sun., Dec. 21, 6–10 p.m.- Dance under the lights with glowing headsets with classic Christmas jams. IG-worthy fun for all. $10 tickets.
Full event details, schedules and any registration or ticket information: burlingtonfestivaloflights.com/events
Plan your visit & accessibility
The waterfront pathway is accessible; Lions Hall offers indoor seating and washrooms. Parking is available near the Hall and in Downtown Burlington. Transit access via Burlington Transit and the Lakeshore/GO corridor. Visitor info: burlingtonfestivaloflights.com
The Festival of Lights is community-powered. To volunteer, visit burlingtonfestivaloflights.com/volunteer To explore partnerships, visit burlingtonfestivaloflights.com/sponsor
About the Burlington Festival of Lights
The Burlington Festival of Lights is an annual, volunteer-powered celebration that lights up Spencer Smith Park with illuminated displays and seasonal programming from late November to early January. Now celebrating 30 years, the event draws residents and visitors to Burlington’s waterfront to experience the magic of winter along the lake.
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