WEEKEND PLANNER

Outdoor skate

There’s nothing more Canadian in winter than to be able to enjoy an outdoor skate. Hamilton’s waterfront outdoor rink at Pier 8 opens Saturday. The ice is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and weekdays from 5 to 10 p.m. Skates are available to rent for $7.50 with government-issued ID. Hamilton’s Waterfront Outdoor Rink is located at 47 Discovery Dr. Burlington’s Rotary Centennial Pond is now open for the season. Located along the lakeshore in downtown Burlington at 1340 Lakeshore Rd., the rink is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Don’t have skates? The skate lending program is available 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 5 to 10 p.m. weekends.

“The Nutcracker”

Canada’s Ballet Jörgen returns to Hamilton with Bengt Jörgen’s Canadian holiday classic. “The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition” plays at FirstOntario Concert Hall for one day only on Saturday at 2 p.m., and will include young Hamilton-area dancers. There are just a few tickets remaining. For tickets visit, ticketmaster.ca

Evening tours

Dundurn Castle is decorated for Christmas in the evening. The tour runs from 7 to 9 p.m. for selected dates on Dec. 9, 21, 28 and 29 and costs $30 per person. Preregistration is required. hamilton.ca/dundurn

Whitehern

Start your Saturday evening at Whitehern Historic House and Garden. Start in the cosy stable with parlour games, hot drinks and sweet treats, then head to the house for carols and music. The Won’t It Be Jolly program runs from 6 to 7:30 and 8 to 10 p.m. Cost: adults: $10; seniors/students: $9; children: $8; family: $30. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call 905-546-2018.

Christmas in the pioneer spirit

The Gage family home comes alive with evergreen boughs on the mantels and enticing aromas in the air. Visit Battlefield House, an early 19th-century homestead in Stoney Creek once home to the Gage family. Through to Jan. 8, it’s open from noon to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays. hamilton.ca/battlefield

Eat, Drink and be “Mary” at Battlefield House on Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.

Santa run

It’s the original Santa run, looping through downtown Burlington Saturday morning. Start time is 9:30 a.m. All participants run the 5 km route in a full Santa Suit.

Holiday traditions

Celebrate winter at the Royal Botanical Gardens with Holiday Traditions. The RBG is going bigger and better with performances, Santa experiences, exhibits and more to welcome the holiday season. Here are a few features: Santa’s Signature Experience runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 23. Registration required. Winter Lights at the Rock is open Dec. 9, 10, 14 to 17 and 27 to 30 from 5 to 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, be sure to dress for the weather. The Escarpment Train Exhibit is on display at the Rock Garden until Jan. 7. The exhibit is open weekends until Dec. 24, and daily Dec. 27 to 31 and Jan. 2 to 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The experience 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 your regular RBG admission but pre-registration is required. The Botanical Train Display is at the RBG Centre until Jan. 7. This display features famous Canadian landmarks from coast to coast. It’s also included in your regular RBG admission. Ride the RBG Express at Hendrie Park Dec. 27 to Jan. 31 and Jan. 2 to 7. Regular admission applies. RBG Express is also available as part of Santa’s Signature Experience and Visits with Santa until Dec. 23. rbg.ca

Here comes Santa’s parades

You’ll find Santa at two parades this weekend.

Saturday, Niagara-on-the-Lake: 11 a.m. Parade starts at King and Centre streets, travels King to Castlereagh streets., to Wellington Street, to Byron Street, then back to King, down to Front Street, over to Simcoe Street, up to Queen Street and finally ends at King Street. niagaraonthelake.com

Saturday, Pelham: 1 p.m. The parade starts at Bethany Christian Reform Church on Balfour Street in Fenwick, heads north to Canboro Road, west to Church Street, north to Centennial Park. pelham.ca