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Sweet ho-ho-holiday treats!

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There are moments of joy to be found during the holidays. From Christmas carols and Christmas trees to sparkling decorations and pretty lights (not to mention delicious foods), magic is all around.

When it comes to these moments of joy, many of us find them in special traditions that have been passed down for generations.

I recently spoke with my neighbours about their plans for this holiday season – specifically, when it comes to traditional desserts – and it took me on an enlightened culinary journey.

British friends of mine will be enjoying Sticky Toffee Pudding (which happens to be a favourite of Harry Potter). Some indulge in a more exotic recipe known as Sticky Date Pudding. Both, however, pair perfectly with either cream or custard and will often be served alongside a Port or Sauternes, a dessert wine from Bordeaux.  See the recipe for Sticky Toffee Pudding from MollyCake in Burlington at this link here.

For a more traditional British dessert, a classic trifle does the trick: a layered dessert with sponge cake, fruit, custard, jelly, and cream.

South Africans have a favourite dessert called Malva Pudding, which contains apricot jam and has a spongy caramelized texture, finished off with a cream and sugar sauce. There are many theories as to the origin of the name, the most popular is that it’s derived from the Afrikaans word malvalekker meaning ‘marshmallow’ because of the pudding’s light texture.

The Dutch often have butter cake or puff pastry log filled with an almond paste called Banketstaaf. Sometimes the dessert is rolled into the initials of family members.

A traditional and popular Mexican dessert could include Tres Leches Cakes, or Milk Cake which has 3 layers and 4 types of milk: whole milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream.  In spite of all these heavy ingredients, it is actually quite light and is best served with fresh berries.  Another popular Mexican dessert is Flan, made with eggs and cream and it is like a baked caramel custard.

Then there are Peladillas, toasted almonds coated with hard sugar. They can also be made with pine nuts. My Mexican neighbour also includes Marzipan on her holiday menu. While it’s not traditionally a Mexican food, it is a globally popular holiday dessert made from sugar, honey, and almond meal, augmented with almond oil. It can also be made into sweets like chocolate-covered Marzipan.

A delicious Indian holiday dessert from Goa is a sweet potato Bebinca (also known as bibik or bebinka). It was traditionally an Indo-Portuguese layered dessert including flour, sugar, ghee, egg, and coconut milk.

Sufganiyah is a round jelly doughnut eaten in Israel and around the world during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The doughnut is finished with powdered sugar. The word Safganiyot can be traced back to the Greek word Sufan meaning ‘spongy’ or ‘fried’. It’s also tied to the Arabic word for a smaller, deep-fried doughnut named Sfenj.

Panettone is a traditional Italian holiday treat, often given as a gift. It originates from Milan, where in the local dialect it is called Panneton. The long process involves curing the dough, similar to sourdough. The proofing process takes several days and gives the cake its fluffy characteristic.

Panettone often contains candied orange, lemon zest, and raisins. It is served in wedges with Italian sweet wine such as Moscato D’Asti or with Amaretto, almond liqueur.

Stollen is a German holiday bread filled with nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit and is steeped in history and tradition. It was baked for the first time in 1545 at the Council of Trent, but without the addition of butter (it was not allowed because it was a time of fasting). After various appeals to the Pope (known as the Butter Letter) to allow this to change, the use of butter was granted but only for the Prince and his household. Over the years, the bread has changed from something very simple and fairly tasteless to the sweet Christmas bread we see in stores today.

For my own family, being raised in South Africa with a Canadian mother and a father of British origin, we had a mix of traditions. With the weather being so hot, we had a Christmas-cake ice cream bombe, combining sweet fruitcake with vanilla ice cream to make a dessert that suited tradition as well as the climate.

The Australian and New Zealand dessert, Pavlova, made with meringue, cream, and fruit is also a great holiday dessert for warm climates, as is the chilled layered Italian cream dessert Tiramisu.

Fruit mince pies are, for me, the ultimate Christmas treat with spiced fruit mince baked into pastry or shortbread and dusted with baking sugar. Cobbs Bread makes delicious pies with a flaky pastry – perfect to decadently serve with fresh whipped cream.

Holiday treats are what make this time of year even more festive. Whether you are trying a recipe for the first time or making a family favourite, there is always room for dessert!

Where to Find These Sweet Treats

We are fortunate in Oakville and Burlington to have many grocery stores that carry a superb range of holiday desserts.  Try Whole Foods in Oakville, or your local Denninger’s, Longo’s, Fortinos, Sobeys, Metro or Cobs Bread.  Or you can support one of these independent stores and bakeries for something more unique and/or international.

The Dutch Shop, Burlington: burlingtondutchshop.com
for Almondstaaf

British Pride Bakery, Burlington: britishpridebakery.com
for Sticky Toffee Pudding

MollyCake, Burlington: mollycake.ca
for Sticky Toffee Pudding and numerous other holidays treats

Monastery Bakery, Oakville: monasterybakery.com
for Sufganiyah, Panettone, and Tiramisu

Black Forest Pastry Shop, Oakville: blackforestpastryshop.ca
for Fruit Mince Pies, Yule log, gifting cookies, gingerbread houses

The Platter Company, Aldershot: theplatterycompany.ca
for Pavlova, Mince Pies, and Yule logs

Mango Mirchi Restaurant, Mississauga: mangomirchi.com
for Bebinca

Nostalgia Latin Market, Oakville: nostalgialatinmarket.com
for Tres Leches Cakes, Churros, and Turron 

Florence Meats, Oakville: florencemeats.com
for Malva Pudding 

Saving Thyme, Burlington: savingthyme.ca
for Choux, Kouign Amann, and Macarons

Familia Fine Foods, Burlington: familiafinefoods.com
for Tres Leches 

The Sweetest Thing, Oakville: thesweetestthing.com
for cakes, cookies, and cupcakes

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Downtown Burlington’s Holiday Cocktails & Cuppas Crawl

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There’s something to be said about the magic of Downtown Burlington. In the summer, our waterfront is a hot-spot for festivals and food and in the winter, we transform into a whimsical, glittering wonderland. 

From the Festival of Lights in Spencer Smith Park to our new interactive light display along the Elgin Promenade, the heart of downtown oozes with tradition in the winter months. And this year, we want to help you add a new tradition to your holiday favourites. A tradition you can’t help but say cheers to as it brings warmth to those cold winter nights. 

Announcing: our first annual self-guided Holiday Cocktail & Cuppas Crawl. 

The holiday season is a time to treat yourself – and this year more than ever, we’re all looking for new ways to have fun and indulge. Our first ever Cocktail & Cuppas Crawl ticks all of those boxes. Throughout the month of December, Downtown Burlington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars will be mixing up their favourite holiday concoctions. 

A little peppermint here, a little cinnamon there – as you sip and savour boozy cocktail delights or indulge in a specialty coffee or hot chocolate mounded with whipped cream, you’ll actually be qualifying for an assortment of prizes. 

And since nothing about 2020 has been all that easy – we made participating in the holiday crawl a sinch. Just download the free pass on your phone (details are available on our website at burlingtondowntown.com). Check-in on the app as you drink and explore boozy bevies and delectable warm drinks at participating businesses. The more check-ins you make, the greater your chances are to win our weekly giveaways. There’s also a grand prize, where the winner will be treated to $300 in various restaurant gift certificates.

Grab someone in your bubble and take in the sights, sounds, and flavours of the season – all in our charming downtown. 

Holiday Cocktails & Cuppas Crawl begins December 1st. Download the passport today to see who’s participating and learn how to check-in on the app at burlingtondowntown.ca

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Burlington Downtown Bright Nights

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When you think back on the holidays, what do you remember most? Is it gathering with family around the kitchen table? Singing carols around a piano? Maybe it’s baking gingerbread cookies with Grandma on Christmas Eve. We all have something special we hold close to our hearts when it comes to the holidays. For years, Burlington Downtown has played a hand in crafting those memories and traditions.

From the annual Festival of Lights in Spencer Smith Park to the Festival of Trees at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, our charming downtown comes to life every winter – and every winter, magic is made.

While our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa Claus Parade are taking a 2020 hiatus, we’re excited to bring you something new and bright that we call Burlington Downtown Bright Nights.   

This interactive instalment will illuminate and transform downtown walkways with glittering lights and interactive displays.

As you enjoy an evening stroll through a picture-perfect postcard setting, you’ll be greeted by charming storefronts, each decorated for the season in their very own way. Entering the Elgin Promenade, you’ll find yourself under a 100-foot canopy of glistening lights, a perfect setting for pictures (or engagements – no pressure). Between Scriveners and Kelly’s Bake Shoppe, The Singing Tree will invite you to interact in real-time. This lighting scheme responds to singing, clapping, or yelling – creating an unforgettable and magical experience for participants. 

No matter where you wander, you’ll be met with magic. This is an illuminating downtown experience unlike one we’ve ever done before. 

Bright Nights will take place from December 2020 to January 2021. The experience is free to the public and designed to be enjoyed safely outdoors with physical distancing. 

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Lighting our Way: Holiday Sights on our Local Streets

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There’s nothing I love more than grabbing a hot chocolate and venturing out to see the lights. From the comfort of your car – seat warmer on, warm drink in hand – there are endless sights to see among our streets.

Families across Oakville and Burlington are spreading holiday cheer and putting up their infamous light displays to add some festive celebrations in an otherwise strange year.

Gatherings may be limited this holiday season, but it doesn’t mean we have to stop the celebration of the season – cheer is here folks.

Put on your winter gear (and your mask!) and head out for a dazzling light show.

Jovanovic Family

On the corner of Pine Glen Road and Stone Glen Crescent | Oakville

There’s nothing that can ruin the Jovanovic family’s Christmas spirit, not even a brazen attack that left their entire inflatable Christmas display slashed in 2017. Thanks to help from their neighbours, the family was able to relaunch their annual display that same year. Now, three years later, the family is more dedicated than ever, displaying inflatable Christmas décor. Easily spotted while driving down Pine Glen Road, the holiday display fills the home’s lawn with an inflatable Santa, reindeer, elves, and much more.

Jackson Family Lights

113 McCraney Street West | Oakville

Located in Oakville, the Jackson family not only fills their neighbourhood with holiday joy, but the funds raised during their seasonal light show are donated to the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) and Kelly Shires Foundation. After the 2019 display, the Jackson family donated $1,500 to both organizations. The holiday display, which is referred to as Santa’s Castle, encompasses the entire Jackson family home and includes inflatables on the lawn, and flashing lights on the roof. Visit this link to support their fundraising initiative and keep updated with their festive traditions by following them on Facebook: jacksonfamilylights

Rusty Griswold’s Christmas Light Display

2176 Delvin Drive | Burlington

Bigger and better this year, Rusty Griswold’s Christmas Light Display in Burlington has extra displays, bringing the grand total of bulbs in the display to 7,075. This year’s display will also feature seven new lollipops with twinkling lights, some extra candy canes, and two new songs. The lights and music are tested, programmed, and installed by Rusty himself, and the new lollipops were built by his own two hands. While enjoying the festive display, visitors can also enjoy some holiday music; new to the display this year is Frosty the Snowman and Snoopy vs. The Red Baron.
rustygriswold.ca

Musson’s Famous Christmas Display

3360 Spruce Avenue | Burlington

Arguably one of the best-known Christmas light displays in Halton, the Musson family has been displaying lights for more than 30 years. This passion project was started by Doug Musson when the family lived in Calgary, and they brought it with them to their new home in Burlington in 1976. In 2017, Doug tragically passed away, however, the family continued the light display year after year in his honour. Traditionally, the display guides visitors through the front yard into the back yard, both of which are filled with lights and inflatables. This year, the family will be continuing the tradition despite the uncertainty looming amidst the pandemic with some slight changes to make room for social distancing, because after all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing (or decorating) loud for all to hear.
christmasdisplay.ca

Downtown Oakville & Downtown Burlington

And it’s not just these homeowners that put on a great show. Both Downtown Oakville and Burlington Downtown will be bringing back favourite decorations this year with the addition of a few new attractions.

A must see this holiday season starting November 28th is Downtown Oakville’s spectacular 30 ft Instagram worthy ribbon tree of lights located in Towne Square. The tree-lighting will be virtual this year, but there is plenty of time to visit throughout the holidays. Be sure to visit and take a photo with family and friends. You can also enjoy the extraordinary lighting installations in Centennial Square and throughout the Downtown core.

Celebrating 25 years of magic, the Burlington Lakeside Festival of Lights will be returning to Downtown Burlington. Sixty magical lighting displays will be set up at Spencer Smith Park from November 27th, 2020 to January 8th, 2021. The lights will turn on at 4 p.m. every day and run until midnight – with exceptions on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, where the lights will be lit all day and night. This outdoor event is a perfect way to experience the holidays in Burlington and also grab some fresh air.

In addition to the Festival of Lights, Downtown Burlington has invested in a unique plug n’ play technology that transforms traditional lighting displays into interactive experiences. The display is powered by a real-time sound-to-light mapping system called Aurora. Located next to Scrivener’s along the Elgin Promenade, visitors can interact with the lighting in real-time by singing, clapping, or yelling. There will also a canopy of lights in other areas of the promenade.

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Decorating Your Home For The Holidays

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Is there anything more cheerful than holiday décor? Whether your style is minimalist chic, or you prefer to fully deck the halls, we invite you to transform your home and embrace the spirit of the season with our holiday decorating tips.

Merry & Bright

Festive décor always fills the house with extra merriment, but we want our homes to feel cozy the entire winter season. Thankfully, Christmas décor can easily carry through the season. Adding texture is a simple way to do that. Change out your lightweight summer throws for chunky, cozy knit blankets draped on the sofa to add warmth. Embrace flannel and knit accent pillows in plaids, rich reds, greens, and golds to bring subtle pops of colour into a room.

One of the most impactful ways to make your home welcoming and warm all season long is with lighting. “Everybody loves lights!” laughs Rose Luxton of Lakeside Livin’ in Bronte. “I generally love to decorate where we spend the most time.” She notes that the fireplace is a natural gathering place for family and friends, and swathing the mantle with LED or twinkle lights will draw people in. Since not everyone has a fireplace, she suggests using candles to make the home smell wonderful and also give soft light on those dark, chilly days. “I burn crackling wood wick candles during the cold winter months. Scents like Frasier Fir help me get into the holiday spirit!”

The Holly & The Ivy

Adorning your home with greenery adds an organic element to yuletide design. With temperatures dropping, we are less keen to venture outdoors, so consider bringing some greenery indoors or using faux foliage to create a holiday feel. Whether you prefer bright or simple rustic decoration, nothing feels quite as festive as the sight and woodsy smell of natural greenery in your home. Bouquets of twiggy branches, pine boughs, holly, and sprigs of mistletoe add to any vignette and are easily incorporated into your personal interior design. Faux greenery arrangements can give much the same effect and there are many realistic options available.

Najia Shaikh, from The Artisanville in Burlington, advises adding greenery as soon as you enter the house. A seasonal wreath to your front door, a garland on the stair railing, or a small Christmas tree in the entryway is inviting and helps to bring the outdoors, indoors. “These tiny additions are not expensive or permanent but can add so much to your Christmas décor,” she notes.

For Auld Lang Syne

Family traditions are important, especially during the holidays. There is something about honoring those memories that gives Christmas the perfect sentimental touch. “Adding vintage pieces to your décor can give your home a balance of old and new all year round,” says Lorna Parcher, owner of Graham & Brooks in Dundas. “Digging into the box for that tree topper, vintage tree skirt, or Christmas stocking just seems right year after year.” If you don’t have a collection to draw from, she suggests picking up vintage pieces that remind you of Christmases past, or with the intention of starting a new tradition.

Switching up your wall art is an almost effortless way to blend fresh with nostalgic. Najia notes that simple winter prints, old family photos, or framed Christmas carols are neutral enough to incorporate into any design style. If you’d like to display kids’ artwork or special family recipe cards, consider upgrading them with a modern frame.

Setting the table is another area for an elegant personal touch. Grandma’s wedding china may not suit your current taste but using her serving plates or creating a hot chocolate station with her tea service are an elegant nod to Christmases past. Similarly, displaying vintage brass candlesticks on the table add height and warmth while embracing traditional roots and memories.

LOCAL LINKS

The Artisanville, Burlington

Lakeside Livin’ Home Décor, Bronte

Graham & Brooks, Dundas

Nicetys, Oakville

Pure Boutique, Burlington

Rustic Daisy’s, Waterdown

Centro Garden, Burlington

Fairhome, Burlington

Swiss Interiors, Oakville

Bogart Home, Oakville

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Film.ca wins Best Family Entertainment ‘Talk of the Town’ award

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Note: Each business listed below has made changes and are taking precautions to ensure customer and employee safety during this time. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm up-to-date products, offers, hours and safety procedures.  

Looking for safe ways to support local and have fun with your household? Visit our Best Family Entertainment Talk of the Town Award-winner, Film.ca Cinemas!

This community theatre has been a mainstay of Kerr Village since 2005, bringing big box office hits to Oakville for affordable prices. This retro theatre also screens many Canadian and independent films, highlighting up-and-coming filmmakers from all backgrounds.

Looking for a more private experience? Rent out a screen and get the theatre all to yourselves! It’s a safe and fun way to enjoy new films and old favourites on the big screen with your entire household.

Play in the arcade, grab a bite at Zuzu’s Pizza or send the kids to filmmaking bootcamp at this beloved Oakville theatre.

Try for the turkey at Best Family Entertainment runner-up, Hopedale Bowl!

This family-run 5-pin bowling alley is a great destination for families of all ages, as bumpers and coaching tips are always available with help from the friendly staff. Book a time on the weekend to enjoy their glow-in-the-dark sessions and dance along with some of your favourite party tunes from the past and present.

Looking to challenge your household? Take on the escape rooms at Best Family Entertainment second runner-up, Narrow Escape!

You’ll need to work together at this local escape room hub to solve puzzles and riddles that will eventually lead your entire family to the exit. Narrow Escape hosts rooms for all levels of difficulty, including Claustrophobia (moderate), Baker Street Mystery (hard) and Hacked (beginner). This is a great safe way to get the entire family out of the house and working together.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on November 7, 2020 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2020 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Family Entertainment

  1. Film.ca Cinemas
  2. Hopedale Bowl
  3. Narrow Escape
  4. Aerosports Trampoline Park
  5. iFLY Toronto
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Downtown Oakville Partners with TELUS Small Business and DMX Marketing to Offer Local Giveaway this Holiday Season

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It’s time to support our local business, it’s time to shop local!

This year has been especially tough on local businesses in Oakville Downtown. We have faced unprecedented times, which none of us in the community could have predicted. The impact on our local businesses has been huge. Combined with the redevelopment of Lakeshore Road, it has been an extremely tough 2020 for businesses in Oakville.

But now is the time for small businesses to recover, for all of us to shop local. To help with getting local stores back on their feet, and help promote them, Downtown Oakville Business Improvement Area (BIA) has launched their Hometown Holiday Campaign to support local and has teamed up with TELUS Small Business Solutions and DMX Marketing, who are sponsoring the promotion to spread the word and reach all residents of Oakville. The campaign is all about getting you connected with the local stores you love and help get them up and thriving once again.

For the campaign, a virtual gift guide to Downtown Oakville’s businesses has been created, to help you find exactly what you are looking for this holiday season, whilst also helping support local businesses. And to make it even better, as part of the campaign, TELUS Small Business has supported (3) $500 gift cards to be won, that can be redeemed at your favourite downtown Oakville business of choice! For the chance to win one of these cards, head to our website, signup and view our Gift Guide! And you might be a lucky winner!

With the gift guide, you have a fantastic guide to Oakville’s local businesses, where you can find a wonderful selection of Christmas products from small businesses in Oakville, such as fantastic skincare products with Rosewater Spa or wonderful jewelry at Bluboho.

Finishing on November 20th, the renovations on Lakeshore Road have been completed, fully opening the downtown once again. After plenty of hard work, the road construction is complete and it looks simply beautiful. And with the newly laid roads, traffic can flow smoother than ever, making shopping in Oakville even easier.

With the reconstruction finished and the gift guide ready and waiting, all you need to do is get shopping! After the hardships of this year, it’s time for the community to come together and rally behind our local stores. Oakville is ready for business once again and just in time, as the Christmas season is nearly upon us. Whilst the current situation means we cannot celebrate how we normally would, we can make sure it won’t dampen our Oakville spirit! So it’s time to get out and shop local.

With the new gift guide, you can make sure that you find exactly what you are looking for. Across the downtown core, there are a variety of fantastic stores, each of which will have a special something for the holidays. Maybe your secret Santa is quite the fashion enthusiast, in which case Must Boutique has what you are looking for! If you are looking to get back on the bike this Christmas, then a trip to Racer Sportif is in order. Or maybe you are looking to buy a bouquet for that special someone in your life. If so, FIORI can help make that special moment all the more perfect.

And in such a time of cheer and festivity, you cannot go wrong with a fine place to eat and drink. In Oakville, we are in luck to have many catering to both! For those looking for something sweet, then you are in luck, with Sugar Suite Cakes and Black Forest Pastry Shop baking up some utterly delicious treats. Looking to dine in, then you have options aplenty! Seasons Restaurant, Borgo Antico-Cucina Bar, Paradiso Restaurant and Riyasat Indian Restaurant and Bar are just a few options when looking to grab a bite to eat!

Don’t want to head out? Don’t worry, as many of our restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries and more deliver! Get the tastes you want to deliver right to your door, giving you the satisfaction of knowing you’re not only helping the local community but also getting some amazing food too!

This Christmas season, let’s go from the big box store to the small business in our community and make a real difference by supporting our families. By supporting our Oakville. It’s time for local small businesses to shine, so let’s shop local!

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It’s Still The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

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At this time of year, you would typically find our events section overflowing with news of upcoming holiday cheer. From tree lightings to Santa Claus parades, our BIAs know how to deliver on holiday favourites. Many of these events have become longstanding traditions in our families and communities. While we don’t have to remind you that this year will be different, we do want to remind you that the holidays are still a special time – and worthy of making new traditions.

Bronte Village

Bronte’s official kick-off to summer usually begins with At Home in Bronte – an annual event where 60 local organizations, artists, businesses, and families are invited to paint a Muskoka chair. These chairs are installed for public viewing and enjoyment in Bronte Village on Canada Day for the duration of the summer. This summer, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 – but Bronte BIA is excited to announce a winter instalment of this event. This winter, visitors to Bronte Village will find dozens of professionally painted Muskoka chairs along sidewalks and the waterfront. There will be hidden icons on the chairs, designed to get families outside and to encourage them to participate in a winter scavenger hunt.

The Village has also designed new banners and plans to line the streets with lit snowflakes and decorations for the holiday season. While there won’t be a Christmas Tree or official lighting, Bronte offers exquisite views and scenery, the waterfront an obvious one.

Downtown Oakville

You’re invited to Downtown Oakville’s Hometown Holiday festivities! Stroll safely along the brand new, extra-wide sidewalks and support your local specialty stores, services and restaurants throughout the holiday season.

The highlight of Hometown Holiday will be the spectacular 30 foot Instagram worthy ribbon tree of lights, being installed in Towne Square on November 28.  Be sure to come and visit, take a photo with family and friends, and enjoy the extraordinary lighting installations in Centennial Square as well as throughout the Downtown core. Follow @oakvilledowntown (on FB or Instagram) for the details.

Don’t miss out on the best gifts of the holiday season. Subscribe to the Downtown Oakville e-newsletter to gain early access to the NEW Virtual Gift Guide here: http://explore.oakvilledowntown.com/

Downtown Burlington 

Santa will not be parading in Downtown Burlington this year. The annual tree lighting and candle-lit stroll have also been cancelled. But – some wonderful things have been planned in exchange.

Celebrating 25 years of magic, the Burlington Lakeside Festival of Lights will be returning. Sixty magical lighting displays will be set up at Spencer Smith Park from November 27th, 2020 to January 8th, 2021.

The lights will turn on at 4 p.m. every day and run until midnight – with exceptions on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, where the lights will be lit all day and night. This outdoor event is a perfect way to experience the holidays in Burlington and also grab some fresh air.

In addition to the Festival of Lights, Downtown Burlington has invested in a unique plug n’ play technology that transforms traditional lighting displays into interactive experiences. The display is powered by a real-time sound-to-light mapping system called Aurora. Located next to Scrivener’s along the Elgin Promenade, visitors can interact with the lighting in real-time by singing, clapping, or yelling. There will also be a canopy of lights in other areas of the promenade.

Waterdown Village

Waterdown has become a holiday hot-spot thanks to their annual evening Santa Claus parade. The parade, which typically begins at 6 p.m. lights up beautiful Downtown Waterdown with floats decked out in lights. Unfortunately, this year’s parade, along with their ‘Made for You’ market and Christmas Tree lighting have been cancelled. However, there are plans to host a virtual tree lighting via Facebook and Instagram, with special guests to be announced. Follow @waterdownbia (on FB or Instagram) for details closer to the event.

While many aspects of these events are changing week-to-week, one thing is for certain: all of the BIAs want to ensure the holidays bring magic!

Stay tuned for merchant sales. And word on the street – there’s talk of winter patios. It doesn’t get more Canadian than that, eh?

Written By: Anneliese Lawton 

LOCAL LINKS

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Downtown Oakville Halloween Pumpkin Pop-up
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Pumpkin Pop-Up Experience in #DTOakville

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With the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, Downtown Oakville has made the difficult decision to cancel their Tiny Tots Parade, but they will still be bringing some Halloween spirit to Downtown Oakville in a way that’s safe and fun.

Join Downtown Oakville for their Pumpkin Pop-Up Experience on Saturday, October 31. Stroll the brand new, extra wide sidewalks (costumes encouraged!) to see all of the creative pumpkins that merchants will be putting on display. Enter their CONTEST by voting for your favourite pumpkin for a chance to WIN 1 of 2 $150 gift cards to a Downtown Oakville retailer of your choice.

Downtown Oakville Halloween Pumpkin Pop-up

Here’s how it works: 

  1. Take a photo of your favourite pumpkin at Downtown Oakville’s Halloween Pumpkin Pop-Up Experience and post the picture on social media using the hashtag #DTOPumpkinExperience (make sure to tag @oakvilledowntown + the merchant)
  2. Subscribe to our e-newsletter here
  3. Follow @oakvilledowntown on Instagram and Facebook

Contest closes Monday, November 2, 2020 at noon. Contest open to local residents only. All contest submissions must be of a participating business listed above.

*This contest is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Instagram or Facebook.

A list of participating businesses is coming soon at oakvilledowntown.com

DONATE TO OAKVILLE READY’S LET’S HAUNT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE 

Be sure to stop by Towne Square between 9 am and 1 pm to drop off (contactless) a non-perishable food item for Oakville Ready’s Let’s Haunt Hunger Food Drive in support of Kerr Street Mission.

Best dressed or best dresses car will WIN a $150 gift card donated by the Downtown Oakville Business Improvement Association (us!). Click here to learn more.

 

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Let the Games Begin!

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Many of us have heard the same health recommendation for the past few months — as much as possible, stay home. As summer draws to a close and entertainment ideas wane, why not create a defined space to meet your family’s needs? A designated games room or entertainment area provides convenience and recreation in the comfort of your own home. From family games to home theatre and sound systems, choices and customizations are endless.

You may never want to leave the house again!

The best kind of entertainment is something that can be shared with the whole family. Games like foosball, billiards, air hockey, and darts are always a good investment, but the choice is dependent on the size of the space you have available.

Foosball is fast-paced and fun, great for adults and kids of all ages. The table also takes up far less space than a pool table or shuffleboard, and there are even smaller tabletop options that can be stored away when not in use. Air hockey tables come in a variety of sizes and are another alternative if space is limited. Darts — that popular pub classic — brings out a friendly competitive spirit and come in boards or cabinets, if you prefer the added benefit of storage.

Billiards, shuffleboard, and ping pong tables are solid and large, so the size of your games room is an important factor in whether or not one can be part of your vision. “For those with a lot of room, billiards and ping pong tables have been tremendous sellers for us,” says Jeremy Kalapacz from Oakville Home Leisure. “Billiards, ping pong, foosball, and darts, are all games your family can enjoy for many years; it really just comes down to space constrictions”.

Feel like recapturing some childhood memories? Video arcade machines bring a retro touch to any gaming area. Many of the ones built for at-home use are multi-gamed with all of your classic favourites.

Sights & Sounds

The idea of creating a cinematic experience the whole family can enjoy is appealing. “We have definitely seen an increased interest in home theatres and whole-home audio. Families still want to be able to have a night at the movies and they want it without the worry and concern of having to leave their homes,” says Sarah Love from PM WYRE in Burlington. “We also have frequent requests to improve the WIFI and internet infrastructure of family homes to support the increased demand for streaming movies, gaming, and online learning.”

While it can seem pricey upfront, upgrading movie night means more date nights in and fewer trips to an overpriced snack bar.

As the demand for home theatre and sound systems grows, take the time to do your due diligence and research which system is optimal for your home. You may want the largest TV on the market but consider the size in relation to the seating the space offers. If putting together your dream theatre and sound system seems overwhelming, speak with professionals who can gauge your needs and budget, and come up with a customized plan for your family.

Another popular option is expanding your entertainment space into the backyard. People are beginning to transform their outdoor space into a recreational option to adhere to social distancing requirements. “We have promised our clients for years the opportunity to come home, press one button, and use technology to help create a unique experience, which extends to all of the home,” remarks Robert May from Sounds Good in Oakville, “What about a summer drive-in movie experience in the backyard with your new outdoor TV?”

A designated at-home entertainment area isn’t just for the kids. It brings the family together across all generations for some healthy competition and enjoyment.

Written By: Kristen Sanchioni

Local Links

Oakville Home Leisure

https://www.oakvillehomeleisure.ca

 

Oakville Sight and Sound

https://www.oakvillesightandsound.ca

 

Sounds Good Inc.

https://www.soundsgoodinc.ca

 

PM Wyre

https://pmwyre.com

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