Burlington Downtown Holiday Guide 2022

Oakville

Shine Bright Collection

Visit Our in Downtown Burlington

FA A A A A

Your one stop shop for local & handmade gifts this holiday season! The Handmade House is home to over 100+ local artisans Our two locations offer a unique selection of one of a kind curated gifts Enjoy limited edition products in our Holiday Pop Up and Join us at our Holiday Markets for a rustic holiday shopping experience on December 4th In Dundas, and December 10th in Burlington

The winter holiday season is nearly upon us and our downtown business community has transformed into a winter wonderland.

The spirit of the season can be found in every corner of our downtown with festive holiday lights and animations designed to help you and your family make new holiday memories this year. Join us to kick off the season with the Santa Claus Parade, stay for the Bright Nights at Promenade West and stroll through the Festival of Lights all December long.

What better way to find a one-of-a-kind gift as unique as the people on your Christmas list than from one of Downtown’s specialty shops and services?

Whether it is your first time downtown, or you are getting reacquainted, you are sure to find a hidden treasure this season.

Let the Look Local Holiday Guide be your map to awardwinning restaurants, distinctive shoppes and services or to craft that custom find for that someone special on your list.

From our downtown family to yours, we wish you best of the season and we thank you for supporting local.

BRIAN DEAN

Executive Director, Burlington Downtown Business Association

“…It’s the most wonderful time of the year”

It goes without saying – the holiday season is a season of magic. City streets transform into a life-size snow globe with touches of glitz, glam, scent, and sound. Twinkle lights and peppermint hot chocolate certainly put a pep in your step, but the real magic comes with making the holidays special for someone else – especially when you're a parent or caregiver. Nothing compares to seeing the holidays through a child's eyes. Though, when you're scurrying to move a forgotten elf at three in the morning, it’s easy to land in the realm where holiday magic falls flat.

From the European-style holiday market in Village Square, Spencer Smith's Festival of Lights, and Burlington's Santa Claus Parade, you'll find endless holiday charm in our downtown –making it easy to create memories…and having fun, too.

Enjoy a candle-lit stroll

NOVEMBER 25TH | CIVIC SQUARE | 6 P.M. TO 9 P.M.

Warm up your vocal cords and bundle up your babies for a festive night in Civic Square. The holiday season will kick off with Burlington Downtown’s Candlelit Stroll, featuring a visit with Santa, music, nibbles, giveaways, and carols.

Revel in the magic of The Nutcracker

DECEMBER 2ND AND 3RD BURLINGTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

The National Ballet Theatre of Ukraine returns to Burlington to dazzle audiences with this timeless Christmas classic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved music, the entire family will love this magical experience filled with charming sets and stunning costumes.

Discover the best holiday hot chocolate

Some of the best moments come with crisp snow under your feet and a warm drink between your mittens. Whether it’s gingerbread, peppermint, or egg nog– nothing compliments a winter walk quite like a festive drink. Lola Choco Bar And Sweet House, Kelly’s Bake Shop, Tamp Coffee Co, Lakeshore Coffee House, The Sunshine Doughnut Co, Coffee Culture, Starbucks, and Tim Horton’s bring their own take on seasonal bevvies (often delivered in adorable seasonal cups).

Presented by Lisa-Marie Winning, Winning & Associates IG Private Wealth Management

Get inspired at the Festival of Trees.

NOVEMBER 23RD TO DECEMBER 17TH BURLINGTON PERFORMING ARTS

CENTRE

Sparkles and yuletide joy are hitting the BPAC Lobby for the 6th Annual Festival of Trees. Unique and classic trends will drape nearly a dozen Christmas Trees (generously donated by Canadian Tire and sponsored by local businesses). If you see something you like, place your bid! Trees are up for grabs through a silent auction and available to take home just before Christmas.

Wander through the Festival of Lights

NOVEMBER 25TH TO JANUARY 8TH | SPENCER SMITH PARK 4 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.

No matter where you wander, you’ll be met with lights. Featuring over 60 illuminating displays throughout Spencer Smith Park, this downtown experience has been a family favourite for nearly three decades (and it’s completely free!)

Peruse wintery window displays.

Enchanting window displays certainly add a special touch to the holidays. With oneof-a-kind boutiques, shops, and services, Burlington Downtown offers a little something for everyone on your list.

Wave hello to Santa Claus DECEMBER 4TH DOWNTOWN BURLINGTON

Save the date, after a two-year hiatus, the Santa Claus Parade is back! Colourful floats, marching bands, and the Big Man in Red are anxiously waiting to visit their favourite city once again.

Shop the European- style Holiday Market

VILLAGE SQUARE | DECEMBER 8TH TO 11TH

This European-style Christmas market infused with Canadiana flair promises to deliver a unique and immersive experience. Shop vendors while enjoying food, drink, and music. This holiday wonderland has something to excite all ages.

Skate beside Lake Ontario at Rotary Centennial Pond.

Lace up your skates! During the winter, the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond offers free recreational skating with no need to reserve a spot in advance, weather permitting.

Explore local arts and culture.

Whether you have big kids or little kids (or you’re dragging your teen kids out of the house), Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington Performing Art Centre, and Art Gallery of Burlington are hosting exhibits, events, and activities all winter long (you can even view the festival of lights from the rooftop of Joseph Brant Museum).

clothing boutique

2060 Lakeshore Road Unit 108 Burlington, Ontario hello@thewhitecoconut.ca thewhitecoconut.ca

Whether you’re looking for some family fun, a romantic dinner, or a great night out, you’ll find it all right here in Burlington’s downtown.

Lounge Around

Looking for a one-stop shop this New Year? SB Prime covers it. This small, casual restaurant and lounge carries over 200 types of Gin and an extensive drink menu (word on the street, their martinis are divine). Renowned for its steaks and apps, it’s a perfect spot for an elegant dinner that can turn into evening drinks with friends.

Spencer'sat

Culaccino

Located just around the corner, facing the waterfront, you’ll find Loch Side Bar & Lounge. They specialize in a variety of Scotch, Gins, and fine wines, and they also offer a small social dining menu featuring lagers and cocktails. This Gastro pub with a touch of Scotland is the perfect spot to grab some handheld nibbles and casual drinks with friends while overlooking the Festival of Lights.

Dress Up and Eat Out!

If you happen to score a babysitter and want to enjoy an elegant night out, there are a number of stunning restaurants to choose from. Spencer’s at the Waterfront is often a top choice for its breathtaking views and fabulous food. Spencer’s offers a unique food concept, featuring market-fresh fish, exceptional seafood, and mouth-watering Craft Cut Steak. Guests can enjoy the sparkling lake view from inside the glass-walled dining room.

Located in central downtown, you’ll find Culaccino Bar + Kitchen, an eclectic Italian gastropub serving freshly made pasta, pizza, apps, and imported Italian beer (with over 100 Ontario beers, too). Their mid-century retro-style dining room is open concept, with soaring ceilings and beautiful big windows. The interior setting and food are certainly Intsa-worthy for your New Year’s celebrations.

the Waterfront

ochSide Bar & Lounge

Bar + Kitchen

of a Peach Pizzeria. Their artisan pies offer unique toppings, including local wild honey, garlic roasted mushrooms, crispy onions, and house-made sausage.

DELICIOUS CHARCUTERIE FINE WINE & LOCAL CRAFT BEER

on ofaPeachPizzeria LIVE MUSIC COMEDY NIGHTS PRIVATE EVENTS WINE LOUNGE CHEESE SHOP

GIFT IDEAS

PURE BOUTIQUE

PUREBOUTIQUE.CA

389 BRANT STREET, BURLINGTON

Let your friends and family know 'tis the season to be merry in this cute and cozy sweatshirt.

2060 LAKESHORE ROAD # 108, BURLINGTON

Cozy, stylish and super giftable, these fleece-lined cable-knit mittens are sure to please whoever is on your list!

JEFF'S GUYSHOP

JOELLES.COM

457 BRANT STREET, BURLINGTON

These animal themed toques by Goorin Bros are really hot sellers (they also make the greatest mesh back trucker hats).

CAMPBELL CO & HOME CAMPBELLCOHOME.COM

415 ELIZABETH STREET # 37, BURLINGTON

Cozy up with a warm drink in your new favourite mug, under the cutest waffle knit throw, and get to solve your new puzzle! Included in this bundle is a mug that has been artistically glazed in neutral contrasting colours, a 1000-piece puzzle featuring an exquisite botanical illustration from the renowned Australian artist Edith Rewa, and finally a throw which is the perfect thickness for those chilly evenings at home - sure to bring warmth to your living space!

JOELLE'S

JOELLES.COM

457 BRANT STREET, BURLINGTON

Looking for hostess gifts and stocking stuffers that will make every sip an experience - and a stylish one? Check out these cocktail, wine and sparkling glasses from Corkcicle.

ART GALLERY OF BURLINGTON

AGB.LIFE

1333 LAKESHORE ROAD, BURLINGTON

Discover a huge selection of hand-made and one-of-a-kind gifts at the Art Gallery of Burlington Shop, such as these artist made glass ornaments by Kingston Glass Studios.

THE BLOCK CO THEBLOCKCO.CA

395 JOHN STREET, BURLINGTON

Who wouldn’t love to receive a fully loaded charcuterie board from The Block Co, heaped with fine meats and cheeses from around the world, plus fruit, nuts and other delicacies? Perfect for sharing with friends and family over the holidays.

DOWNTOWN PET SHOP

DOWNTOWNPETSHOP.COM

398 MARTHA STREET, BURLINGTON

This Christmas, give your dog the gift of a healthy gut! Find these and other healthy treats at the Downtown Pet Shop.

SCRIVENER’S MEN’S APPAREL SCRIVENERS.CA

389 BRANT STREET, BURLINGTON

Premium from thread to toe! Quality requires experience - that's why all Cole + Parker socks are knitted by expert Turkish and Italian artisans using only premium materials. The perfect choice for any occasion!

THE HANDMADE HOUSE

THEHANDMADEHOUSE.CA

460 PEARL STREET, BURLINGTON 71 KING STREET WEST, DUNDAS

Hand-crafted by Barely There Skincare in Oakville, this candle is made from 100% natural vegan soy wax, and scented with decadent chocolate with a hint of vanilla cream. Free from endocrine disrupting chemicals. Comes in a reusable glass mug for continuous use.

THE KNITTERS BOUTIQUE

THEKNITTERSBOUTIQUE.CA 431 PEARL STREET, BURLINGTON

For the passionate knitter in your family, why not give them this Introduction to Dyeing Kit? The kit contains all the dye and yarn for up to 4kg of fibre, plus instructions and a colour wheel to help your loved one create their own beautiful hand dyed yarns!

CENTRO GARDEN

CENTROGARDEN.COM

437 BRANT STREET 590 BRANT STREET BURLINGTON

If you're not in the Christmas spirit yet, you need to step into Centro Garden. Find all kinds of unique decor, including these glass Christmas trees.

It feels like we blinked. Suddenly we’re gazing at snowcovered streets, wondering how summer slipped away so quickly (and with it, the fresh flavours of watermelon and mint mojitos). Sigh. Take us back.

Whether you look forward to the winter months or walk toward them (completely bundled) with apprehension, you can’t deny that holiday merriment has an impact on food. A tasty one. From delectable chocolates to crafted charcuterie –‘tis the season to indulge.

FOR STOCKINGS

To stuff your stockings with something sweet, look no further than our local chocolatiers. Lola Choco Bar and Sweet House crafts handmade truffles and macarons, while Crème de la Crème Creamery Inc. has a series of festive treats, including hot chocolate bombs, paint-your-own-chocolate Christmas tree, reindeer lollipops, peppermint bark, and more!

Centro Garden carries a unique line of small-batch, infused popcorn, perfect for sprucing up a grown-up’s stocking. There’s Whiskey on the Pops, an air-popped whole-grain popcorn coated in rich, smooth, and subtly sweet Scotch whisky-infused caramel with smoky and peaty notes, and Poppin Rose All Day, with a crisp candied covering infused with rose wine…. slightly fizzy and tart with notes of watermelon and strawberry.

For something a little more savoury, The Block Co. on John Street creates unique and beautiful charcuterie boards featuring the finest meats and cheese. For those with a busy holiday schedule, a pre-ordered board makes a great hostess gift or easy appetizer for a holiday party. You can also purchase pantry items like jellies, mustards, vinegar, block boards, and crackers as stocking stuffers.

Coffee lovers will rejoice when they find locally-roasted beans from Tamp Coffee Co. in their stocking. While the grill master (who, let’s be real, grills all year long) will be “fired up” to discover The North Coal Kitchen & Bar’s Steeltown and Bobcajun seasonings, perfect for meat and veg. Add some Steel City hot sauce and flavoured finishing salts from The Handmade House Burlington, and you’ll be sure to please both aspiring and seasoned chefs (pun totally intended).

FOR CELEBRATING

Supporting a beloved Downtown eatery is a gift for all. As you enjoy a delicious meal, local chefs sauté spinach with an extra pep in their step. It’s a win-win. Many Downtown restaurants offer takeout – parents, treat yourselves to something other than nuggets after the kids are in bed. And during the holidays, there are always new dishes with seasonal flavours and ingredients to explore.

Joints like the Coop Wicked Chicken, Joe Dog's Gasbar Grill, and The Dickens craft mouth-watering comfort food, perfect for casual nights in. While, finer-dining restaurants like The Carriage House Restaurant, Paradiso Restaurant, and The Martini House also offer take-out, they’re great options for date night or booking your holiday party.

If you’re able to score a babysitter, it’s worth making the trip Downtown to eat in. The holiday ambiance is second-to-none. At The Dickens, you’ll find live music on Saturdays, while The Martini House has a vast martini menu worth exploring with friends. And while, yes, it’s cold and its winter, you should still grab some dessert at one of three gelato shops (because we believe there are no rules when it comes to ice cream).

Whether you’re a homebody, a hibernator, or hitting the streets – there are endless ways to celebrate food and festivities this holiday season.

CR Ê ME DE LA CR Ê ME

THE COOP WICKED CHICKEN

LOLA CHOCO BAR

You’ve been here before – it’s the 11th hour, and you’re standing at the checkout comparing a cheesy mug to a bottle of red. Maybe they don’t drink, you think to yourself – but they do have a cat. The meow mug it is.

Every year, without fail, someone on your gift list leaves you stumped. A Secret Santa, your child’s teacher, even your favourite neighbour. Through the years, you’ve learned that knowing someone’s name doesn’t always mean you know what they like. And yet, you’re here again – scrambling. While it’s easy to grab a gift card (or a meow mug), it’s not always the most thoughtful approach. Thankfully, this fool-proof gift guide, carefully curated by the Elves of Burlington Downtown, is here to save the day.

So, without further ado, we give you: super awesome gift ideas in a pinch.

A Photography Session

Depending on your recipient, there are a ton of options when it comes to gifting a photography session – full or mini family sessions, branding + portraits, newborn (a perfect baby’s first Christmas gift), and even boudoir. We have a number of talented photographers in our downtown core, including a new face: Sarah Martin Photography, who joins veteran photographers, Jessica Waugh, and Charlenne Arianna.

MY ROTI

A Spa Session

It’s probably not in your best interest to gift an upper lip wax, but you can never go wrong with a mani, pedi, or even a facial. Specializing in skincare (and body sugaring), one of our newest spas, Downtown Beauty Loft, promises relaxation and results. You’ll also find Water’s Edge Salon, Malgosia Spa, Spa in the Village, and a number of other wonderful options.

Build Your Own…Roti?

If there’s a foodie on your list, you can’t go wrong with…well, food, and new business My Roti Place/My Dosa Place brings their A-game. Treat your colleague, assistant, boss, or new relationship to a fun (and seriously) delicious meal. My Roti Place gives you the flexibility to make your roti the way you like – so while you may not know your lunch buddy too well, their choice of curry may just add a little extra spice to your relationship.

Something That Sparkles

There’s a way to gift jewellery without making it a romantic gesture – and it lies within your selection. Monogram initial pendants are always a safe bet, but Burlington Downtown‘s newest jeweller, Millennium Jewellers, has some other adorable options, too: unique and fun estate jewellery, colourful earrings, and even a poodle pendant (though, we can’t promise it will stick around for long). Millennium Jewellers receives new items frequently, so keep your eye on their Facebook page. There are also a number of veteran jewellers, including (but not limited to) Jockheck and Modern Love, each offering unique pieces to discover, or custom pieces to create.

SARAH MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY

MODERN LOVE

Meow Mug+

Okay, you have someone in your life who really does love their cat – Burlington Downtown has something for them, too. New to our BIA, Downtown Pet Shop has everything for the furry friend in your life (or the lover of furry friends). This holistic pet shop + apothecary has food, supplements, supplies, treats, toys, ceramics, apparel, and even a barkery. We meowst admit it’s all pretty darn cute.

And thankfully, there’s the Burlington Downtown GIFT CARD (accepted at over 60 stores). The no-idea-whatto-get-them gift – while still shopping local – for everyone on your list.

Downtown Pet SHop

Clap the mint leaves into a Tom Collins glass, add the spiced rum, cranberry juice, watermelon juice, lime juice, and cranberries. Gently stir while adding soda & fresh ice cubes. Garnish lovingly with a wedge of lime and a mint sprig.

PRO TIP

Clap or crush the mint leaves to release the flavour! This warms up the mint slightly and starts to extract the oils before you use it to garnish your drink.