PLAN YOUR WEEKEND
Game time
The Hamilton Bulldogs take on the Niagara IceDogs Saturday at 4 p.m. at FirstOntario Centre, 101 York Blvd. Tickets available at the gate, or visit ticketmaster.ca
Homes for the Holidays
Experience a century of traditions at Hamilton’s three National Historic Sites this holiday season. Whitehern presents The McQuestion Family Christmas from Nov. 17 to Jan. 6. Battlefield House presents Christmas in the Pioneer Spirit from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30. Dundurn castle presents Victoria Christmas from Nov. 25 to Dec. 30.
Visit Dundurn for the first day of its Victorian Christmas for free on Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Join costumed interpreters at Dundurn Castle for a free visit to the lavish home of Sir Allan MacNab and his family. Bring nonperishable food items to help stock Good Shepherd’s pantry.
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. ancasterfair.ca
Ski swap
The annual Chedoke Ski and Snowboard Swap is Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 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
RBG Holiday traditions
Celebrate winter at the Royal Botanical Gardens with Holiday Traditions. Experience the magic this season with performances, Santa experiences and exhibits to welcome the holiday season. Here are a few features: Santa’s Signature Experience runs to Dec. 23. Registration is required. Hendrie Park. Winter Lights at the Rock is open Thursdays to Sunday, to Dec. 30, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rock Garden. The rock garden awakens the spirit of winter with a display of lights. Tickets are $15 at the door. This event is outdoors so dress for the weather. Note: event closed Nov. 24, Dec. 7 and 14.
The Escarpment Train Exhibit is on display at the Rock Garden weekends until Dec. 24, daily Dec. 27 to 31 and Jan. 2 to 6. Hours are 10:30 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 preregistration is required.
The Botanical Train Display is on at the RBG Centre until Jan. 6. It features Canadian landmarks from coast to coast. It’s included in regular RBG admission.
Ride the RBG Express at Hendrie Park through to Jan. 6. Regular admission applies. RBG Express is also available as part of Santa’s Signature Experience and Visits with Santa until Dec. 23. Note, rides may be fully booked. Tickets are in addition to regular admission: $4 for adults, $2 per child.
Santa paws
Bring your pets of all types and sizes to have their picture taken with Santa Claus and help fund the Hamilton Burlington SPCA. Cost is $20. The photo sessions are at various locations Saturdays and Sundays, now to Dec. 9. This weekend, Santa Paws will be at Ren’s Pets Ancaster, 821 Golf Links Rd., Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More parades
Santa comes to town Saturday in Caledonia at 11 a.m.; Smithville at 2 p.m.; Thorold at 4 p.m.; Brantford at 6 p.m.; and Waterdown at 6:30 p.m. Visit thespec.com for a full list of holiday parades in your communities.