Hess Winter Village & Market
Visitors can browse goods from 20 local vendors, warm up around fire pits, and take pictures with Santa. The market kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony featuring musical performances by Hamilton's Philharmonic Orchestra vocalists, St. Patrick's Folk Group, and Seraphina Violin. Families can also enjoy kids' activities, a fire truck open house, and an Elsa meet and greet.
What to Expect
Holiday market with local vendors supporting Hamilton's Charity of Hope
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Hess Village
Organizer
Hess Village Collective
Food & Drink
Saturday’s market includes happy hours; Winter Passports also offer food and drink samples at participating Hess Village businesses.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and community-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission is free for the Saturday and Sunday Holiday Markets. The page also says some events and workshops are ticketed, but gives no prices for them.
- Hours: Saturday, Nov 21: 11AM–8PM; Sunday, Nov 22: 11AM–5PM.
- Parking: Free parking is available in a donated portion of BGO’s lot at Main & Hess. Enter from Caroline Street between George & Main Street and drive to the side of the lot closest to Hess Street, where pylons designate the free area.
Tips & Advice
- Park free in BGO's lot at Main & Hess by entering from Caroline Street and driving to the pylon-marked area closest to Hess Street.
- Pick up a Winter Passport to sample offers at Hess Village businesses through January while raising money for the Charity of Hope.
- Come on Sunday if your kids want the fire truck open house and the Elsa meet and greet, along with pictures with Santa.
- Come Saturday if you want to stay into the evening, when the market has fire pits and happy hours to go with the vendors.
- Download the 10-day schedule to find the free daily activities and the separate ticketed events and workshops.
Special Events & Promotions
- Friday Tree Lighting Ceremony with Mayor Horwath, Ti-Cat Simoni Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and music from HPO vocalists, St. Patrick's Folk Group and Seraphina Violin.
- Saturday market: fire pits and happy hours, pictures with Santa and kids' activities.
- Sunday market: fire truck open house and Elsa meet and greet.
- Winter Passport (Premium or General), sold separately, with offers from Hess Village businesses valid through January 31.
- Some ticketed events and workshops run alongside the free daily activities.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free parking?
Yes. BGO has donated part of its lot at Main & Hess. Enter from Caroline Street between George and Main, then drive to the side of the lot nearest Hess Street, where pylons mark the free area.
What happens at the Tree Lighting Ceremony?
CHCH's Emily Vukovic hosts, joined by the Hess Village businesses, Mayor Horwath, Ti-Cat Simoni Lawrence, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Music comes from Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra vocalists, St. Patrick's Folk Group and Seraphina Violin.
What is there for kids?
Pictures with Santa both market days and kids' activities on Saturday. Sunday adds a fire truck open house and an Elsa meet and greet.
What is the Winter Passport?
It's a pass to offers at Hess Village businesses, valid through January 31, and it raises money for the Charity of Hope. The Premium Passport covers all 12 offers plus bonus perks. The General Passport lets you pick 3 of the 12 plus the bonus perks.
How can I sell at the market?
Vendors can apply through the online vendor application.
More Christmas Events Near Hamilton
More Christmas Events near Hamilton
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.