Get into the holiday spirit with these local events
Hamilton is host to numerous wonderful holiday events for the whole family.Take a break from the hustle and bustle of preparing for the big day, and immerse yourself in the true spirit of Christmas.Whether it’s a special visit with Santa Claus or an intimate evening of live music, there’s something fun for everyone. Santa’s Signature Experience Thur., Nov. 23 to Sat., Dec. 23 Royal Botanical Gardens, time–ticketed. Santa returns to his favourite garden and he’s brought along his merry elves to deliver the most joyous holiday celebration yet! This year, Santa has created a signature experience for all of his little visitors to enjoy. Gore Park Miniature Train Fri., Dec. 1 to Sun., Dec. 17, 2017, 2-7 p.m. Have a front row seat for the decorations in Gore Park by hopping aboard the Gore Park train. Christmas Tree of Hope Lighting & Concert Fri., Dec. 1, 2017, 5-7 p.m. Join the crowd as the city lights up downtown with the Christmas Tree of Hope and festive lighting in Gore Park! Downtown Hamilton BIA presents The Christmas Market Fri., Dec. 1, 2017, 5-9 p.m. Get a jump start on your Christmas shopping with unique vendors right in Gore Park Storytelling with Mrs. Claus Sat., Dec. 2 and Sat., Dec. 16, 2017, 10:30 a.m. RBG Centre Mrs. Claus invites all the good girls and boys to Santa’s Cabin to settle in, snuggle up, and listen to her read some of her favourite holiday tales. Pre-registration required. Victorian Christmas Delights: Historic Cooking Workshop Sat., Dec. 2, 2017, 9 a.m.-noon. Dundurn National Historic Site Enjoy an authentic Victorian Christmas cooking experience at Dundurn. Hamilton I Love Beer Holiday Festival Sat., Dec. 2, 2017, 1 - 8 p.m. Hamilton Convention Centre Dough-Re-Me: Historic Cooking Workshop Sun., Dec. 3, 2017, 9 a.m.-noon Dundurn National Historic Site Come to Dundurn for family fun and prepare some tasty treats in the historic kitchen below stairs. Christmas in the Pioneer Spirit Tue., Dec. 5 to Sun., Dec. 10, 2017, noon - 4 p.m. Battlefield House Museum & Park Gather your family together, take a break from holiday shopping and step back in time to experience the warmth, welcome & simplicity of an earl. The McQuesten’s Childhood Christmas Tuesday, Dec. 5 to Sun., Dec. 10, 2017, noon - 4 p.m. Whitehern Historic House & Garden. Enjoy this special time of year as the McQuestens look back on the Christmas of their childhood. Victorian Christmas Tue., Dec. 5 to Sun., Dec. 10, 2017, noon to 4 p.m. Dundurn National Historic Site Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle. HPO Rocks Wed., Dec. 6, 2017, 7:30 p.m. Royal Botanical Gardens The HPO Brass Quintet, composed of five core musicians from the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra will perform seasonal classics and Christmas carols perfect for the whole family. Christmas Evening Tours Fri., Dec. 8 to Sun., Dec. 10, 2017, 7 - 9 p.m. Dundurn National Historic Site Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening. Eat, Drink and Be ‘Mary’ Sat., Dec. 9, 2017, noon - 4 p.m. Battlefield House Museum & Park A special day to create family holiday memories to take with you into the future at a site steeped in the past. Won’t It Be Jolly Sat. Dec. 9, 2017, 6 - 10 p.m. Whitehern Historic House & Garden Begin the holiday season with a rare opportunity to see Whitehern in the evening, dressed in its Christmas finery. The Nutcracker Sat., Dec. 9, 2017, 2 p.m. Performance at FirstOntario Concert Hall The Big Sing! Fri., Dec. 15, 2017, 7 - 9 p.m. Ancaster Old Town Hall Embrace the holiday spirit at the historic Ancaster Old Town Hall and enjoy live music with hot cider & treats. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Sat., Dec. 9, 2017 5 p.m. Westfield Heritage Village Enjoy Westfield by candlelight and feel the warmth of the season through music, food samples, fireworks and a visit from Father Christmas. Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus Sat., Dec. 9, Sun., Dec. 10, Sun. Dec. 17 RBG Centre Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a delicious brunch buffet! Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, enjoy all of the day’s activities too! Tickets required. The Second City: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly Sweater Wed., Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. RBG Centre We invite you to laugh along at The Second City Toronto Holiday Show as we make fun of all the washed up, broken down traditions that tend to plague the holiday season. Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra: Lucas Waldin – Home of the Holidays Sat., Dec. 16, 2017, 7:30 p.m. Performance at FirstOntario Concert Hall