Things to do this weekend in Hamilton: Dec. 20 to Dec. 22

There are only a few more sleeps until Christmas, and if you’ve got last-minute gifts to check off your list or are looking to experience the magic of the season, Hamilton has you covered with plenty of events going on this weekend.

From pop-up markets to light shows, movie screenings, train rides, concerts and more, here’s what’s happening from Dec. 20 to Dec. 22:

December 20

Botanical Train Display

It’s full steam ahead into the holiday season at Royal Botanical Gardens! Explore over 250 feet of the track featuring model trains travelling through some of Canada’s most notable landmarks, all constructed from natural materials and decorated with seasonal botanicals. The display is open during the day and also during the enchanting Winter Wonders evening experience (separate tickets required).

When: Nov. 30, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025
Where: 680 Plains Rd. W. (Royal Botanical Gardens)
Time:

• Thursdays to Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (last admission 3 p.m.)
• Winter Wonders evenings, 5 p.m.–10 p.m.

Cost: Adults $19.50, Seniors/Students $16.50, Children $11.50, Infants Free.

Winter Past Times at Battlefield House

Walk the historic grounds of Battlefield Park and experience the charm of an early 19th-century winter at the Gage family home. The house comes alive with evergreen boughs on the mantles and the aromas of the season, offering a glimpse into the warmth and simplicity of winter celebrations from another era.

When: Nov. 30, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025
Where: 77 King St. W. (Battlefield House Museum & Park)
Time: Tuesday to Sunday—12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Adults $10.00, Seniors/Students $8.50, Children $6.00, Infants Free, Family $27.50

Light Up the Creek

Experience Kringle in the Creek Night Markets featuring live music, artisan markets, and sensory-friendly family fun. Don’t miss dinner with Santa and festive activities in the heart of Downtown Stoney Creek.

Where: Downtown Stoney Creek
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free

Guitar Magic Christmas Concert

Enjoy an enchanting Candlelit Christmas Edition of Guitar Magic featuring two of Canada’s finest guitarists, James Bryan (Philosopher Kings/Prozzak) and Emma Rush.

Where: 320 Charlton Ave. W. (St. John the Evangelist)
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $38.61

12 Tricks of Christmas Magic Show

Experience a festive evening of magic, laughter, and holiday cheer with an interactive live show featuring mesmerizing tricks and side-splitting humour. Plus, enjoy a special performance by Not Just Another Dance Studio and snap a photo with Santa.

Where: 1014 King St. W. (Westdale Theatre)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $32.77–$44.07

Punk Rock Flea Market

Find unique gifts and support local vendors at this eclectic flea market, perfect for last-minute holiday shopping.

Where: 35 York Blvd. (Hamilton Farmer’s Market)
Time: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free

December 21

Winter Break Drop-In Activity Centre: Sweetland

Indulge in a candy-themed board game adventure at this free drop-in activity centre. Explore a sugary world, roll sugar cube dice and enjoy candy and sugar science demonstrations throughout the afternoon.

Where: 900 Woodward Ave. (Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site)
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free entry to the activity centre; regular museum admission $6–$10

Dundurn Castle Christmas Celebration

Explore the beautifully decorated historic site adorned with cedar boughs, ribbons and dried flowers.

Where: 610 York Blvd. (Dundurn National Historic Site)
When: Nov. 24 to Jan. 5, 2025 —12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost:

• Adult (18–59 years): $15.50
• Senior (60+ years): $13.25
• Student (13–17 years): $13.25 (valid student ID required)
• Child (6–12 years): $9.50
• Infant (5 years or younger): Free
• Family (2 adults & unlimited dependent children under 18 years): $42.50

Candlelight: Christmas Classics

Experience the magic of Christmas classics performed in a stunning candlelit setting. Enjoy a multi-sensory musical evening like no other at The Westdale.

Where: 1014 King St. W. (Westdale Theatre)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $31 – $65

A Christmas Story, The Musical

Get into the holiday spirit with the timeless classic A Christmas Story brought to life on stage as a musical at Theatre Aquarius. Fans of the beloved movie will not want to miss this magical holiday performance.

When: Dec. 4–Dec. 21
Where: 190 King William St. (Theatre Aquarius)
Cost: Tickets start at $30.51.

Whitehern: A Christmas for the Ages

Step back in time to experience the McQuesten family’s holiday celebrations from the 1850s, 1870s, and 1930s. Explore everything from the toys under the tree to the fine china used for festive dinners.

When: Nov. 24, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025
Where: 41 Jackson St. W. (Whitehern Historic House & Garden)
Time: 12 p.m.–4 p.m. (Timed tours at 12:10 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.)
Cost: Adults $9.00, Seniors $7.75, Students $7.75, Children $5.50, Infants Free, Family $24.75

The Grinch X Elf – An Interactive Movie Day

Enjoy a day of interactive holiday fun with screenings of How The Grinch Stole Christmas at 2:00 p.m. and Elf at 7:00 p.m. Both shows include trivia, a costume contest, and an immersive viewing experience.

Where: 526 Concession St. (The Zoetic Theatre)
Time: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Cost: $15 at the door, $21.24 online

Ornament Craft with Rivers and Meadows

Get into the holiday spirit with a hands-on crafting session. Create unique ornaments to celebrate the season in a special way.

Where: 35 York Blvd. (Hamilton Farmer’s Market)
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free

Family Movies at Hamilton Libraries

Family Movies at Binbrook Branch
Movie: The Grinch (2019) G
Where: 2641 Regional Road 56
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Watch new releases and rediscover old favourites.

Family Movies at Valley Park Branch
Movie: Frozen (2013) G
Where: 970 Paramount Dr.
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Watch new releases and rediscover old favourites.

Family Movies at Barton Branch
Movie: The Grinch (2018) PG
Where: 571 Barton Street East
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Watch new releases and rediscover old favourites.

Family Movies at Valley Park Branch
Movie: Frozen 2 (2019) G
Where: 970 Paramount Dr.
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Watch new releases and rediscover old favourites.

Family Movies at Saltfleet Branch
Movie: The Grinch (2018) G
Where: 131 Grays Road
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Watch new releases and rediscover old favourites.

Family Movies at Red Hill Branch
Movie: Home Alone (2006) PG
Where: 695 Queenston Road
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Watch new releases and rediscover old favourites.

Family Movies at Terryberry Branch
Movie: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) G
Where: 100 Mohawk Road West
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Watch new releases and rediscover old favourites.

Family Movies at Stoney Creek Branch
Movie: Home Alone (1990) PG
Where: 777 Highway 8
Time: 2:30 p.m.

December 22

RBG Express Holiday Train Ride

Make holiday memories with your family on the RBG Express. Bundle up and hop aboard for a festive train ride through the scenic winter grounds of Hendrie Park.

When: Dec. 5, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025 (Date exceptions: Dec. 25, 26, Jan. 1. Early closure on Dec. 24 and 31 with the final train at 2:15 p.m.)
Where: 680 Plains Rd. W. (Royal Botanical Gardens)
Time: First train at 10:15 a.m., last train at 2:45 p.m. (Trains depart every 15 minutes.)
Cost: $10 per train car (+HST), maximum four people per car. RBG admission or membership is required for entry. This add-on experience is not available during Winter Wonders.

Winter Wonders

Experience the festive wonder of the season at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Winter Wonders. Hendrie Park transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, with dazzling lights, festive installations, and enchanting displays.

When: Dec. 5, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025 (Thursdays to Sundays; date exceptions apply)
Where: 680 Plains Rd. W. (Royal Botanical Gardens)
Time: Timed-ticketed experience (entry time selected upon registration)
Cost:

• Adult: $20 (+HST & $1 service fee)
• Child (3–12): $16 (+HST & $1 service fee)
• Infant/Toddler (0–2): FREE
• RBG Members: $10 (+HST & $1 service fee)

Winter Golf

Tee off this winter at the Chedoke – Martin Course! Enjoy golf during the colder months with the same setup as the regular season.

Where: Aberdeen Avenue (Chedoke Golf Club – Martin Course)
Time: Ongoing until March 9, 2025
Cost: $25 per player

Dickens of a Christmas

Step into a Hallmark Christmas Movie in Downtown Dundas with Dickens of a Christmas. Every weekend, enjoy the holiday charm with free horse and carriage rides, hot apple cider, street entertainment and a strolling Santa. Don’t forget the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony to kick off the festivities!

Where: Memorial Square, Downtown Dundas
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free parking in city lots on weekends throughout December.

—Cover photo via tourismhamilton.com