PLAN YOUR WEEKEND
Enjoy an outdoor skate, take in a hockey game or donate a toy for the Christmas Tree of Hope. Here are nine fun things to do in Hamilton and area this weekend.
Gore Park
There’s far more than a Christmas market waiting for you downtown this holiday season. The Downtown Christmas Market in Gore Park runs Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. New this year is a ferris wheel to add to the carolers, outdoor Christmas movies and mistletoe kissing station.
The ferris wheel runs daily noon to 8 p.m. until Dec. 23.
Farmers’ market
Santa and Mrs. Claus are having a visit at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Outdoor skate
Hamilton’s waterfront outdoor rink at Pier 8 is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and weekdays from 5 to 10 p.m. Skates and helmets are available to rent for $9 with government-issued identification.
The rink is located at 47 Discovery Dr.
Burlington’s Rotary Centennial Pond is 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. The ice is open weather permitting. For up-to-date ice conditions, call 905-335-7600 ext. 8587 or visit burlington.ca/pond
Nutcracker
“The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition” is at FirstOntario Concert Hall Saturday at 2 p.m. Created by acclaimed choreographer and artistic director Bengt Jörgen to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score, this delightful classic is a favourite that brings magic to the holidays. Tickets start at $53. ticketmaster.ca
Santa run
The original Santa run, Just Santas, loops through downtown Burlington on Saturday morning. Start time is 9:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. and registration starts at 7:30 a.m.
Santa paws
It’s the last weekend of Santa Paws. Bring your pets of all types and sizes to have their picture taken with Santa Claus and help fund the local SPCA. Santa Paws will be at UA Local 67, 195 Dartnall Rd., on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. hbspca.com
Food and toy drive
Ancaster volunteer firefighters are out collecting for their annual Christmas food and toy drive on Saturday. Fire trucks will be located at Mastermind Toys, 839 Golf Links Rd., and Walmart, 1051 Gardner Rd., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here comes Santa’s parades
You’ll find Santa at two parades on this weekend.
• Saturday, Niagara-on-the-Lake — 11 a.m. The parade starts at King and Centre streets, travels King to Castlereagh, to Wellington, to Byron, on Prideaux to Simcoe Street, to Queen then back to King. 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.