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Cipher | Decipher is an interactive exhibition developed by Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation, in partnership with the Communications Security Establishment (CSE). Providing visitors with a rare and exciting opportunity to view an authentic Second World War Enigma cipher machine, Cipher|Decipher breaks down communications encryption: what it is, how it works, and how it affects our lives. The 500-square-foot exhibition showcases a wide range of historic communications encryption artifacts on loan from the CSE, and contains both hands-on and digital experiences, as well as custom illustrations that visually demonstrate key processes in cybersecurity, and making and breaking ciphers. Visitors will be able to scramble their own messages using a cipher wheel, see how an Enigma cipher machine works, and tackle puzzles to learn if they have what it takes to work in the field of cryptology. Also on view is a complementary mini-exhibition, Floriography: The Language of Flowers. Beyond their beauty, flowers can share deep and symbolic meaning. Sending flowers to a special someone can allow us to confide our true feelings or let a loved one know that we're thinking of them This meaning is taken a step further through what's known as "floriography", the Victorian era art of combining flowers to send coded messages - a language based entirely on flowers. Using images taken from the Museums of Burlington's collections and floriographies on loan from the Royal Botanical Gardens, visitors will uncover the subtle art of floriography and can even try their luck at decoding a bouquet mural for the chance to win a prize. The exhibition runs from October 15, 2021 to January 8, 2022. Museum hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 3:30pm. In accordance with COVID-19 protocols, the Museums of Burlington has procedures in place to allow the public to safely enjoy the galleries and exhibitions currently on view. Visitors to the Museum are asked to pre-pay admission online for a designated entry time. Entry times are available on the 1/2 hour. Walk-in visitors will be accommodated space permitting.

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s 5th Annual Festival of Trees will be sparking yuletide joy in patrons who visit BPAC between Nov. 18th and Dec. 19th. Pre-lit artificial Christmas trees, generously donated by Canadian Tire – Burlington Stores and sponsored by local businesses, will light up BPAC’s Lobby for over 4 weeks – until their silent auction ‘winners’ take them home for the holidays.

Join us for a festive holiday tour at Ireland House Museum! The evening begins with a toast to the season at the Oakridge Interpretive Centre. Step back in time with a costumed guide who will take you on a tour of the historic Ireland House. Sample house-baked traditional treats along the way, such as shortbread, ginger cake and figgy pudding. Following your 45 minute tour, keep warm around the outdoor open fire, sip some wassail and roast a few chestnuts. We’ll be sending you home with a box of sweet treats! Please note, this is a 19 years + event. Please dress for the weather. Bookings are available on December 3rd or 4th, every 15 minutes from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm (last booking is at 9:00 pm), for a maximum of 6 people per time slot. The total experience is approximately 1 hour in length. Tickets are $28/person (Museum members receive 10% off). Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your time slot. Proof of i.d. and full Covid-19 vaccination, or a negative pharmacist administered antigen test taken within the past 48 hours will be required. Masks must remain on while indoors unless eating.

The Festival of Lights illuminates Burlington’s waterfront through December to early January each year. Thousands of local residents and visitors from across the region, and beyond, have made it a seasonal tradition to wander through the park with family and friends to view the themed displays. Tens of thousands more take in the attraction while driving along Lakeshore Road at the City’s waterfront throughout the holiday season. It represents a popular annual tradition in the community. The Festival marks its 26th anniversary in 2021. Come share your holiday spirits with family and friends while strolling through the magical lighting displays this year! The lights are on daily from 4pm-midnight.

Capture the magic of the holidays in support of Joseph Brant Hospital’s Labour and Delivery Unit! This year we invite the families of Burlington to enjoy all of their favourite holiday activities and treats from the comfort of home with Join the Joy Gift Boxes! Your festive Gift Box contains fun items like a family-friendly game, hot chocolate, magical reindeer dust, holiday crafts, activities and much more! While completing your order you'll have the opportunity to select a time slot to join us on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Access Storage on Fairview St. for the Join the Joy Drive-Through Experience! Arrive at your selected time to safely pick-up your Gift Box order and have some holiday fun with Santa, Elsa and more!

Chantal Kreviazuk – one of Canada’s most recognizable voices – released of her first Christmas album, the 10-track “Christmas Is A Way Of Life, My Dear,” in November 2019. The title track as well as a jubilant cover of the classic “Walking In A Winter Wonderland.” The album features five brand new original songs, plus Chantal’s spin on classics such as “Silent Night,” “Blue Christmas” (a duet with husband Raine Maida, AKA MOON VS SUN) and “Wonderful Christmas Time” (featuring the debut of son Sal Maida). Chantal Kreviazuk is a platinum-selling, three-time Juno Award-winning artist from Winnipeg. In 2016, she returned with her sixth album “Hard Sail” after a nearly seven-year break from recorded music. During that time, she was focused on raising her three sons with husband Raine Maida, as well as her other musical passion, crafting songs. Chantal has written for Drake, Pitbull, Kendrick Lamar, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Josh Groban and countless others. “that famous voice surges like a king tide hitting a breakwater” – Warner Music

Valerie Garret from the Museum of Burlington will discuss Floriography from the Victorian era, describing the language of flowers and their mearings based on the flower, colour or both. Join us Wed Dec 8 at 7 pm via Zoom. Contact email: burlhortsoc@gmail.com for Zoom link.