By: Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Burlington Local-News.ca
Burlington Performing Arts Centre was alive with soul, nostalgia, and pure joy on Saturday, November 29, as Legends of Motown brought their signature sparkle back to the city. The acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, often praised for their ability to transport audiences straight into Motown’s golden era, delivered a night that left people dancing, swaying, and singing all the way home. With pitch-perfect harmonies, dazzling choreography, and a lineup that pays tribute to icons like The Supremes, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye, the show once again proved why fans call it “a soulful trip down memory lane.”
Canadian Idol runner-up Gary Beals, one of the standout performers with Legends of Motown, brought vocal power and charisma that captivated the room from the first note. Beals has recently been enjoying a new wave of attention, thanks in part to Tracee Ellis Ross — daughter of Motown legend Diana Ross — who used his song “Good People, Good Vibes” on Instagram for a recent post. It’s a fitting title because that was the spirit of the entire night. The Burlington crowd soaked up every good vibe the band delivered, reminding us how live music brings people together.
With that same spirit, December in the Halton region is bursting with events designed for families, friends, and neighbours to connect, celebrate, and build new traditions. Whether you’re looking for a festive market, a heartwarming concert, or a community moment that builds lasting connections, there’s something for everyone this month.
Downtown Burlington will soon transform into a winter village as the Burlington Christmas Market returns from December 11 to 14. Twinkling lights, artisan vendors, and warm holiday treats will fill Caroline Street daily from noon to 8 p.m., offering the perfect chance to stroll, shop, and soak in the magic of the season. Over in Oakville, Fern Hill School students from Grades 1 through 8 will take the stage on December 11 for a concert at The Meeting House — a night guaranteed to fill parents and community members with pride and holiday cheer.
Families looking for something playful can check out the Sticker WOW! sessions at Staples in Oakville on December 13, where kids ages three to seven can explore hands-on creativity through stamping and sticker art. In Waterdown, things get even cuter with Pugmas, a festive dog meet-up at Terra Greenhouses on December 20, where pugs and pug lovers gather for the most adorable grumble of the year.
Holiday crafting is also in full swing across the region. Milton Mall will host a children’s ornament workshop on December 11, and The Women’s Centre of Halton invites women to create handmade ornaments together on December 16 — a chance to slow down, laugh, and make memories in good company. Meanwhile, Aspire Climbing Milton will host the Christmas in Milton Market on December 14, where visitors can shop handmade goods while surrounded by bouldering walls, ninja courses, and the energy of a creative community hub.
For those seeking moments of reflection, Bayview Cemetery and Crematorium will offer its annual Candlelight Service on December 14, a peaceful gathering to honour loved ones with music, readings, and the glow of shared candlelight. For more information, call 905-522-5466. Burlington residents can also enjoy free winter break skating at select rinks thanks to sponsorship from Tim Hortons. And on December 12 at 6:15 p.m., Tansley Woods Community Centre invites the community to Jingle Burls, a festive evening filled with music, delicious treats, and holiday cheer. With accomplished performers and a lively community sing-along, it’s a perfect opportunity for family and friends to come together and create lasting memories.
Later in the month at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, The Foster Festival brings a uniquely Canadian adaptation of A Christmas Carol to the stage. A Niagara Christmas Carol, set in 19th-century St. Catharines during the building of the Welland Canal, offers a fresh and local spin on the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the enduring power of redemption.
Whether you’re singing along to Motown classics, sipping hot cocoa at a festive market, crafting ornaments with neighbours, or settling in for a seasonal theatre production, December in Halton is filled with opportunities to make memories. This is the season to connect with community, with family, and with the moments that remind us what joy really feels like.
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