Winter Wonders Returns to Royal Botanical Gardens November 26 With New Light Installations
Winter Wonders is coming back to Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Burlington. The holiday light event runs from November 26, 2026, to January 3, 2027, at Hendrie Park. On top of that, this year it adds three new light installations to its glowing trails.
Because it is a popular holiday outing, you need to book tickets online ahead of time.
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What Is New at Winter Wonders This Year
- Aestivatic Aesthetic: By OPTICKS, a Hamilton-based light and projection art group. It sits along Kippax Trail and features glowing creatures, a nature soundscape and ultraviolet details seen through special “scout scopes.”
- Seed Bank: By Toronto artist Jordan Shaw. It is an interactive installation of seed-shaped sculptures that light up as you walk by.
- The Light Within: By Australian artist Matthew Aberline and The Beautiful and Useful Studio. It is an inflatable garden full of colour and light.
What Else You Can See and Do
Beyond the new pieces, guests can walk trails filled with thousands of twinkling lights. Along the way, there is festive music, plus holiday treats and an on-site market with local vendors.
In addition, your ticket gets you into RBG Centre after 5:30 p.m. This includes the indoor Mediterranean Garden, the Botanical Train display and other seasonal displays.
Winter Wonders Dates, Hours and Tickets
- Dates: November 26–29, December 3–6, 10–13, 17–23 and 27–30, 2026, plus January 2–3, 2027
- Closed: December 24, 25, 26 and 31, and January 1
- Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with timed entry
- Location: Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington (enter through RBG Centre)
- Tickets: Adults $22, children 3 to 12 $18, ages 0 to 2 free, RBG members $12, plus HST and a $2 service fee
- Booking: RBG website
Live Performers and Accessibility
Live performers will play on many nights through the season. For example, Jeff Eager is set for November 26, and Sapphire Quartet will play on December 20 and 23. However, RBG says the schedule may change.
The trail uses wide paved or gravel paths. So, RBG suggests an outdoor wheelchair, walker or stroller if you need one. There are some benches along the way. Also, a few areas have fast-moving, bright lights, and some paths are dim.
Know Before You Go
Keep in mind that tickets are timed, final sale and non-refundable. However, you can arrive any time within a 30-minute window and stay as long as you like. Most people spend about one to two hours.
Parking is included in the RBG Centre lot. Also, RBG does not allow pets, but service animals are welcome. Since food and drinks on site are cashless, bring a card. Outside food and drinks are not permitted, and guests 19 and older can buy alcohol with valid ID.
The event goes ahead in most weather. As RBG puts it, “Winter Wonders is held rain or moonshine.” If RBG has to cancel a night, it gives an account credit for a future date.
In short, Winter Wonders opens on November 26 and runs on select nights until January 3. Since dates can sell out, it is best to book your tickets early.
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