WEEKEND PLANNER

Christmas craft show The Christmas in Ancaster Craft Show is Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. You will find more than 125 artists and crafters, live entertainment and great food. Admission for adults is $6. Ski swap The annual Chedoke Ski and Snowboard Swap is Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Chedoke Golf Course clubhouse at 563 Aberdeen Ave. This is an opportunity to buy or sell used or surplus new equipment. Sale registration is Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. hamiltonskiswap.com. Fall jazz Music at Fieldcote and the Hamilton All Star Jazz present the Heavyweights Brass Band on Saturday, 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for this event as part of the Fall Jazz Series. Holiday traditions Celebrate winter at the Royal Botanical Gardens with Holiday Traditions. The RBG is going bigger and better with performances, Santa experiences and exhibits to welcome the holiday season. Here are a few features: Santa’s Signature Experience runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 23. Registration is required. Winter Lights at the Rock is open Nov. 17-19, 23-24, 26, 30, Dec. 7-10, 14-17 and 27-30 from 5-8:30 p.m. The rock garden awakens the spirit of winter with a display of lights. Tickets are $10, either online or at the door. This event is outdoors so dress for the weather. The Escarpment Train Exhibit is on display at the Rock Garden weekends until Dec. 24, daily Dec. 27-31 and Jan. 2-7. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The model train exhibit takes you on a journey through four seasons of Canadian landscapes while telling the story of how railroads shaped our history. It’s included in regular RBG admission but pre-registration is required. The Botanical Train Display is on at the RBG Centre until Jan. 7. It features Canadian landmarks from coast to coast. It’s included in regular RBG admission. Ride the RBG Express at Hendrie Park Dec. 27 to Jan. 31 and Jan. 2-7. Regular admission applies. RBG Express is also available as part of Santa’s Signature Experience and Visits with Santa until Dec. 23. Christmas at Whitehern Enjoy this special time of year as the McQuestens look back on the Christmas of their childhood. The family’s toys are under a tree adorned with decorations in the style of the 1880s. The table is set with the china the family used for Christmas and New Year’s from the 1850s. Daily from noon to 4 p.m., closed Mondays. Admission is $7 for adults; hamilton.ca/whitehern. First Day of Christmas Everyone is invited to kick off the first day of Christmas as Dundurn National Historic Site opens its doors Victorian Christmas style on Sunday from noon-4 p.m. This event is free. The castle is decorated by the Garden Club of Hamilton with cedar boughs, ribbons and dried flowers. Join costumed interpreters for a free visit of the lavish home of Sir Allan MacNab and his family. Bring a non-perishable food item to help stock the Good Shepherd’s pantry; hamilton.ca/dundurn. Santa pawsW Bring your pets of all types and sizes to have their picture taken with Santa Claus and help fund the local SPCA. The photo sessions are at various locations Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa Paws will be at the SPCA, 195 Dartnall Rd. this weekend.