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Winter Wonders at Royal Botanical Gardens
Join Our Vendor Village



Event: Winter Wonders at Royal Botanical Gardens

Location: Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON

Dates: Thursday through Sunday & Select Nights, November 26th – January 3rd
Closed: December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1

Hours: 5:30pm to 10pm each night

Deadline for application: Monday, September 7th, 11:59 PM (Midnight)
Chosen applicants will be notified by September 21st, 2026.
About Winter Wonders and the Vendor Village

Winter Wonders is Royal Botanical Gardens’ signature winter experience, welcoming approximately 40,000 visitors over five weeks. Guests explore illuminated outdoor trails and unique art installations, enjoy festive music and seasonal treats, and experience the beauty of the winter landscape. Indoors, vibrant plant displays, holiday décor, and a charming model train exhibit offer a warm and whimsical escape for visitors of all ages. It’s a joyful winter tradition that brings together nature, light, and celebration.

The Vendor Village is returning for its second year! The village is a cozy holiday market, complete with twinkling lights, plants, and winter décor. Vendors are invited to join the magic of Winter Wonders by taking over one of five charming vendor cabins.

Conveniently situated near multiple installations, a concession stand, and washrooms, the Vendor Village benefits from steady guest traffic throughout the evening. It’s a welcoming spot where visitors can pause to enjoy a hot chocolate at a lantern-lit picnic table, soak in the atmosphere, and browse for a little holiday shopping.
About the Cabins
Each cabin is a 10’ x 16’ wooden structure equipped with heat, electricity, and a locking door with an individual key. All cabins are identical in size and design and will be cleaned and fully operational prior to your arrival. Each cabin includes a 6’ accessibility ramp and will feature an individually branded, standardized vendor sign at the entrance.

Vendors are responsible for providing their own tables, chairs, displays, and other furnishings. All furniture and displays must be freestanding.

The exterior of each cabin will be thoughtfully decorated by our Horticulture team with seasonal plants and winter décor. Vendors are welcome to style the interior of their cabin to suit their brand and products, provided that no permanent adhesives, nails, screws, or other fasteners are used. Cabins must be returned in the same condition in which they were provided.

What we’re looking for
We’re looking for dynamic vendors offering original and/or handmade products, with items generally priced between $5 and $250. We especially value vendors who are positive, engaged participants in markets and who take pride in creating thoughtful, high-quality displays.

Vendors must commit to at least one full session (Thursday through Sunday) and may choose to participate in one or multiple sessions. Vendors wishing to participate in multiple sessions must commit to consecutive sessions, up to a maximum of three sessions.

Eligibility:
  • All vendors must be Canadian residents, with a preference for local/regionally produced product.
  • All vendors must be 18 years or older
  • Vendors may apply as a collective of up to two artists sharing one cabin. Products must be displayed collaboratively, with both artists’ work presented together as one cohesive vendor space throughout the session. The display cannot change between artists or from night to night. At least one artist must be present for each night of the registered session. Please submit one application per group only.
  • RBG encourages the participation of LGBTQ2SIA+, Artists of Colour and Indigenous creators.
Restricted items:
  • Mass produced, reseller or imported items are not permitted.
  • Food, beverages, cannabis, tobacco, alcohol are not permitted.
  • Antiques, vintage collectables or clothing are not permitted.
  • Items with content deemed offensive or defamatory in nature by RBG are not permitted.
  • Any items including electrical components (i.e. lights) must be made with ESA approved materials.
Fees

Vendor fees vary by session and are determined based on factors including anticipated attendance and the number of operating days.

Session 1 November 26-29 (4 Days) $200 $50/day
Session 2 December 3-6 (4 Days) $240 $60/day
Session 3 December 10-13 (4 Days) $240 $60/day
Session 4 December 17-23 (7 Days) $490 $70/day
Session 5 December 27-30, January 2-3 (6 Days) $300 $50/day


All vendors are required to pay a $250 refundable deposit. The full deposit will be returned provided the vendor participates in all days and operating hours for which they are registered.

Failure to attend for the full duration of a registered session will result in the forfeiture of the deposit. Maintaining a full and active Vendor Village throughout the event is important to creating the welcoming, vibrant atmosphere that RBG aims to provide for guests.