WEEKEND PLANNER
Gore Park
Enjoy the downtown Christmas Market this weekend. The scene is set for a number of vendors among the Christmas lights and more. The market is on from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Gore Park will also feature a minitrain ride daily from 2 to 7 p.m. until Dec. 17.
Shop Canadian
The Christmas Craftadian Show at the McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Rd. S., hosts more than 70 local vendors selling original art, handmade soaps and body care products, cards, photography, jewelry, clothing, children’s accessories, pottery and more. Food trucks, photos with Santa and a gift-wrapping station are also featured. Hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission $5, or $3 with an item to donate to The Shoe Box Project, and children 16 and under are free. craftadian.ca
International market
Streets of the World East is the 13th annual International Marketplace featuring unique holiday shopping, artists, crafters and foods from around the world. The sale continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Immigrants Working Centre, 34 Ottawa St. N. Free admission. www.iwchamilton.ca/internationalmarketplace/
Santa run
Happy hordes of Santas will be making their way along Main Street West Saturday morning as part of the 2017 Santa Shuffle Fun Run and Elf Walk. This Salvation Army fundraiser and awareness event goes from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Boston Pizza, 1563 Main St. W. Race start time is 10 a.m. Visit the website www.santashuffle.ca or call 905-521-1660.
Night run
Light up the Lake is a five-kilometre night time run/walk in support and awareness of Pancreatic cancer. Saturday’s event gets underway at 5 p.m. at the Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington. The run starts at 6:15. Join in or come support the over 200 participants as they make their way along Burlington’s Waterfront.
Lights of Locke
Saturday is a special day on Locke Street, kicking off the season with crafts, Santa letter-writing, buskers, costumed carolers and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Topping the day is a tree lighting at 6 p.m. lockestreetshops.com
Santa paws
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 Ruffins Pet Centre, 581 Main St. E., on Saturday and Sunday; and Home Hardware, 10 Dartnall Road, on Sunday. hbspca.com
Here comes Santa’s parades
You’ll find Santa at five parades on this weekend. Saturday, Stoney Creek — 2 p.m. — Parade starts at Gray and King Street East, through downtown and ends at Community Park. Saturday, Grimsby — 5:15 p.m. — Parade begins just east of Town Hall, moving east along Livingstone Avenue, Main Street West and ending at Ontario Street. Saturday, Dunnville — 5 p.m. — Parade travels down Queen and Lock streets starting at Niagara Street and ending at Lock and George streets. Saturday, Port Colborne — 6:30 p.m. — Parade begins at Port Colborne High School, south on Steele Street to Clarence Street, east to West Street, south to Charlotte Street, west to Market Square. Sunday, Burlington — 2 p.m. — Parade starts near Burlington Mall at Prospect Street and Guelph Line, heads down Guelph Line to New Street, west on New to James Street, north on Brant Street, finishing at Caroline Street.