Plan your holiday itinerary with ease in Hamilton. Our guide has all the best festive events and activities.
The Santa Claus Parade brings joyful cheer with its lively floats and holiday-themed performances. Wander through millions of sparkling lights and festive displays at the Festival of Lights, an illuminating experience perfect for all ages. And Christmas in Gore Park is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering enchanting decorations and family-friendly activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Hamilton
- Santa Claus Parade
- Christmas in Gore Park
- Christmas Night Market
- Hamilton Nutcracker Ballet
- Holiday House Tour
- Ottawa Street Christmas Open House
Hamilton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Night Market
What to Expect:
Fusion of European and Canadian holiday traditions
Description:
Hamilton's Christmas Night Market blends European holiday market traditions with Canadian flair, creating a unique after-dark shopping experience. The market comes alive with the glow of string lights and the aroma of mulled wine wafting through the air. Visitors can browse stalls offering handcrafted goods, artisanal foods, and unique gifts from local makers. The market pays tribute to Hamilton's diverse cultural heritage, featuring vendors and performances representing various communities. Try your hand at traditional crafts like candle-making or ornament decorating in interactive workshops scattered throughout the market.
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Ottawa Street Christmas Open House
What to Expect:
Vintage-themed shopping experience in historic district
Description:
Ottawa Street's Christmas Open House transforms this historic shopping district into a vintage holiday wonderland. Shopkeepers decorate their storefronts in retro styles, paying homage to the street's long history as a textile and antique hub. Visitors can hunt for unique gifts in the many antique shops and vintage boutiques that line the street. Live performances by barbershop quartets and swing dancers add to the nostalgic atmosphere. The event celebrates Ottawa Street's role in Hamilton's industrial past, with historical displays showcasing its evolution over the decades.
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Ottawa Street Christmas Open House
Hamilton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Hamilton Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local production with community involvement
Description:
Hamilton's Nutcracker Ballet brings a local flavor to this classic holiday performance. This production stands out by incorporating community dancers alongside professional performers, creating a unique blend of talent on stage. The choreography includes subtle nods to Hamilton's industrial heritage, weaving the city's character into the traditional story. Audience members can marvel at the intricate costumes, many of which are handcrafted by local artisans. The performance takes place in the historic Hamilton Place theatre, which has been a cultural cornerstone of the city since 1973.
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Hamilton Other Holiday Activities
Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
One of Canada's oldest Santa Claus parades
Description:
Hamilton's Santa Claus Parade marches through the city's heart, continuing a tradition that spans over a century. This vibrant procession features elaborate floats, lively marching bands, and costumed characters that bring holiday cheer to spectators of all ages. You can catch a glimpse of Santa himself as he waves from his sleigh. The parade route passes by several historic landmarks, including the iconic Hamilton City Hall, built in 1960. Children can participate by writing letters to Santa, which are collected along the parade route.
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Christmas in Gore Park
What to Expect:
Historic downtown park transformed into a winter village
Description:
Gore Park, Hamilton's historic downtown green space, transforms into a charming winter village during the Christmas season. The park's Victorian-era fountain serves as a centerpiece, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations. Visitors can explore artisanal craft stalls, showcasing local talent and offering unique gift ideas. The park's transformation pays homage to its 19th-century roots, with period-inspired decorations adorning the trees and lampposts. Enjoy live performances by local musicians and choirs, filling the air with melodious holiday tunes.
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Holiday House Tour
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historically significant homes
Description:
Hamilton's Holiday House Tour provides a rare glimpse into some of the city's most historically significant and beautifully decorated homes. This self-guided experience allows visitors to explore a variety of architectural styles, from Victorian mansions to mid-century modern gems. Each home on the tour showcases unique holiday decorations that complement its historical features. Learn about Hamilton's architectural heritage as you admire the intricate details of these preserved residences. The tour includes access to some buildings that are not typically open to the public, offering a special opportunity for history and design enthusiasts.
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Nearby Events
Festival of Lights (Burlington)
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and music show on the waterfront
Description:
Burlington's Festival of Lights transforms the waterfront into a dazzling spectacle of color and sound. The event boasts a unique synchronized light and music show, with thousands of LED lights dancing to holiday tunes across the shoreline. Visitors can stroll along illuminated pathways, marveling at intricate light sculptures depicting winter scenes. The festival incorporates eco-friendly practices, using energy-efficient lighting to minimize environmental impact. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa as you take in the breathtaking views of Lake Ontario reflecting the shimmering displays.
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Holiday Train Rides (St. Jacobs)
What to Expect:
Scenic train ride through Mennonite country
Description:
St. Jacobs' Holiday Train Rides offer a unique journey through picturesque Mennonite country, adorned with winter's beauty. The vintage train cars, lovingly restored to their former glory, transport passengers back in time as they chug through snow-covered landscapes. During the ride, passengers can indulge in traditional Mennonite treats, savoring flavors that have been cherished for generations. The train passes by historic farms and homesteads, offering a glimpse into the region's rich agricultural heritage. Onboard storytellers share tales of local lore and holiday traditions, enriching the experience with cultural insights.
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Royal Botanical Gardens Holiday Traditions (Burlington)
What to Expect:
Botanical-themed holiday displays and activities
Description:
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington celebrates Holiday Traditions with a botanical twist. Stunning displays showcase how plants have been incorporated into holiday customs around the world. Visitors can explore themed gardens, each representing a different cultural celebration. The event highlights the gardens' commitment to conservation, featuring displays of rare and endangered winter plants. Participate in a guided tour to learn about the historical significance of various holiday plants and their roles in different cultures. The gardens' rock garden, a national historic site, serves as a dramatic backdrop for evening light installations.
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Royal Botanical Gardens Holiday Traditions
Ancaster Christmas Craft Show (Ancaster)
What to Expect:
Juried show featuring high-quality artisanal crafts
Description:
The Ancaster Christmas Craft Show stands out as a juried event, showcasing the finest handmade creations from skilled artisans across Ontario. This long-standing tradition brings together over 100 carefully selected vendors, offering a diverse array of high-quality crafts. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, gaining insight into the artisans' creative processes. The show takes place in the historic Ancaster Fairgrounds, which have hosted community events since 1850. Engage with the craftspeople directly, learning the stories behind their unique creations and supporting local artistry.
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Stoney Creek Christmas Tree Lighting (Stoney Creek)
What to Expect:
Community-driven event with historical significance
Description:
Stoney Creek's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is a community-driven event that honors the town's rich history. The lighting takes place in the heart of the old town, surrounded by heritage buildings that date back to the 19th century. Local choirs perform traditional carols, their voices echoing through the historic streets. The event highlights Stoney Creek's role in the War of 1812, with historical reenactors in period costume mingling with the crowd. Participate in the community lantern parade, a unique tradition that symbolizes unity and hope for the coming year.
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Stoney Creek Christmas Tree Lighting
Christmas Town Festival (Waterdown)
What to Expect:
Entire town transformed into a Victorian-era Christmas village
Description:
Waterdown's Christmas Town Festival transports visitors to a Victorian-era holiday celebration. The entire town embraces the theme, with shopkeepers and residents donning period costumes and decorating their storefronts with authentic 19th-century holiday decor. Street performers entertain crowds with traditional music and storytelling, bringing the atmosphere of a bygone era to life. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the festively adorned streets, experiencing the town as our ancestors might have. The festival pays homage to Waterdown's founding in 1805, with historical displays showcasing the town's evolution over the centuries.
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Christmas at Westfield Heritage Village (Rockton)
What to Expect:
Immersive historical Christmas experience
Description:
Christmas at Westfield Heritage Village offers an immersive journey into holiday celebrations of the past. This living history museum comes alive with authentically costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional 19th-century Christmas preparations. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities like candle-dipping or gingerbread making, using methods from bygone eras. The village's collection of over 35 restored historical buildings provides a genuine backdrop for the festivities. Explore the candlelit paths connecting different areas of the village, each representing a different period in Canadian history.
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Christmas at Westfield Heritage Village
Gingerbread House Display (Burlington)
What to Expect:
Architectural-themed gingerbread creations
Description:
Burlington's Gingerbread House Display elevates the traditional holiday craft to an art form. This exhibition showcases intricate gingerbread creations that pay homage to famous architectural landmarks from around the world. Master bakers and architects collaborate to produce these edible masterpieces, some standing over six feet tall. Visitors can marvel at the detailed recreations of local heritage buildings, crafted entirely from gingerbread and candy. The event includes a competition element, where local schools and community groups showcase their own gingerbread creations. Learn about the history of gingerbread house making, a tradition that dates back to 16th-century Germany.
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Polar Express Train Ride (St. Jacobs)
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling experience on a moving train
Description:
St. Jacobs' Polar Express Train Ride brings the beloved children's book to life through an immersive journey. Passengers board a real moving train, where the story unfolds through interactive performances and narration. The experience includes a visit from Santa Claus himself, who presents each child with a silver sleigh bell. The train's route passes through scenic countryside, offering glimpses of winter wildlife. You can sip on rich hot chocolate served by dancing chefs, just like in the story. The event takes place on a historic railway line that has been in operation since the late 19th century.
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Smithville Christmas Parade (Smithville)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with strong agricultural influence
Description:
Smithville's Christmas Parade captures the essence of small-town holiday spirit with a distinct agricultural flair. This charming procession features an array of farm equipment decked out in holiday lights, alongside traditional floats and marching bands. Local 4-H clubs and agricultural societies play a prominent role, showcasing the area's rural heritage. Visitors can warm up with locally produced apple cider, a nod to the region's thriving fruit-growing industry. The parade route passes by Smithville's historic downtown, which has retained much of its 19th-century character.
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Holiday Bazaar at the Ancaster Fairgrounds (Ancaster)
What to Expect:
Combination of modern and traditional holiday crafts
Description:
The Holiday Bazaar at the Ancaster Fairgrounds bridges the gap between modern and traditional holiday crafts. This expansive event features hundreds of vendors offering a diverse range of handmade goods, from cutting-edge designs to time-honored crafts. Visitors can participate in workshops led by skilled artisans, learning both contemporary and traditional techniques. The bazaar takes place in the historic fairgrounds, which have been a center of community life since 1850. Sample locally-made holiday treats as you browse, getting a taste of the region's culinary traditions.
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Holiday Bazaar at the Ancaster Fairgrounds
Brant Street Holiday Window Display (Burlington)
What to Expect:
Competitive window displays by local businesses
Description:
Burlington's Brant Street Holiday Window Display competition turns the downtown core into an open-air gallery of festive creativity. Local businesses vie for the title of best window display, resulting in a spectacular array of elaborate and imaginative designs. Visitors can stroll down the street, admiring the artistry and voting for their favorites via a mobile app. Each display tells a unique story, often incorporating elements of Burlington's history and culture. The event revives a tradition that dates back to the early 20th century, when holiday window displays were a major attraction in urban centers.
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Brant Street Holiday Window Display