Things to do this weekend in Hamilton: Jan. 3 to Jan. 5

The holidays are officially over, with kids heading back to school in a few days and the usual hustle and bustle about to resume. If you’re hoping to work in one more outing with family or friends, Hamilton has plenty to offer, including a final chance to enjoy winter-themed events before they wrap up on Sunday.

Here’s what’s happening from Jan. 3 to Jan. 5:

January 3

Duelling Pianos at Shawn & Ed Brewing

Experience a night of unforgettable music and entertainment as Duelling Pianos Niagara returns to Shawn & Ed Brewing. Enjoy an all-request show featuring various music styles, popular hits and impromptu comedy.

Where: 65 Hatt St. (Shawn & Ed Brewing)
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified

Winter Break Drop-In Activity Centre: Sweetland!

Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology with a giant candy-themed board game. Roll the sugar cube dice to explore a sweet world while enjoying 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. (Jan. 2–5)
Cost: Free entry to the Activity Centre (Regular museum admission rates apply for exhibits)

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

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.

Long-Term Exhibitions and Events:

Directors Collect: 110 Years
A showcase of selections by the six directors who have shaped the AGH collection, providing a historical perspective on its evolution.
Where:  123 King St. W.—Art Gallery of Hamilton
Time: Ongoing until Jan. 5, 2025
Cost: General admission applies

Jan Wade: Soul Power
An exhibition highlighting Jan Wade’s mixed-media work, from paintings to textiles and sculptures.
Where: 123 King St. W.— Art Gallery of Hamilton
Time: Ongoing until Jan. 5, 2025
Cost: General admission applies

SoundBites by Roger Mooking
A multisensory experience of art, text and sound that explores the chaos of modern life.
Where: 123 King St. W.—Art Gallery of Hamilton
Time: Ongoing until Feb. 23, 2025
Cost: General admission applies

RBC Artist in Residence: Alex Jacobs-Blum
Explores the path of the total eclipse as a metaphor for the journey of peace among the Hodinöhsöni’ Nations.
Where:  123 King St. W.—Art Gallery of Hamilton
Time: Ongoing until March 16, 2025
Cost: General admission applies

Making Freedom Fly
Explore stories of the Royal Canadian Air Force and home front through WWII archives and tech displays.
Where: 9280 Airport Rd.—Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Time: Ongoing
Cost: General admission applies

January 4

Family Camp Day

Enjoy a creative day for the whole family at the AGH! Take kid-friendly gallery tours, participate in hands-on art-making activities and experience the joy of art camp in a single fun-filled day.

Where: 123 King St. W. (Art Gallery of Hamilton)
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: AGH Members: Free; Non-Members: $5.00 per family (2 adults and up to 4 children)

Winter Whimsy – Dig It! Archaeology 101

Learn how archaeologists uncover the past by examining objects left behind, like detectives of history.

Where: 64 Sulphur Springs Rd. (Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum)
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Regular museum admission rates apply

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

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

January 5

Imagination Playground

Unleash the magic of creativity at RBG with the Imagination Playground! Children of all ages can explore and play with uniquely shaped foam blocks for a self-guided adventure of building and fun.

Where: 680 Plains Rd. W. (RBG Centre)
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Included with general admission

Winterlit – Nature Illuminated

Take a magical stroll through the Illuminated Sugar Bush Trail and continue to the Winterlit Trail for an enchanting experience filled with sparkle and wonder.

Where: 2259 Milburough Line (Mountsberg Conservation Area)
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Dec. 29, 2024 – Feb. 17, 2025)
Cost: $14 – $30

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)

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
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.

—Cover photo via theheartofontario.com