Things to do this weekend in Hamilton: Nov. 22 to Nov. 24

Hamilton is lighting up with festive cheer this weekend, offering a mix of concerts, art exhibits and family-friendly events. Don’t miss the vibrant holiday train concert featuring festive lights and live music, or stop by various markets popping up around the city for some early Christmas shopping. Check out what’s happening from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24:

November 22

Winter Past Times at Battlefield House & Museum
Step back in time this holiday season and enjoy the warmth of an early 19th-century home at Battlefield House & Museum. Experience the charm of evergreen boughs, delightful aromas and a festive atmosphere at this historic site.

Where: 77 King St. W. (Battlefield House Museum & Park)
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost:

• Adult (18-59 years): $10.00
• Senior (60+ years): $8.50
• Student (13-17 years, with valid ID): $8.50
• Child (6-12 years): $6.00
• Infant (5 years or younger): Free
• Family (2 adults & unlimited children under 18): $27.50

Long-Term Exhibitions and Events:

Directors Collect: 110 Years
A showcase of selections by the six directors who have shaped the AGH collection, providing a historical perspective on its evolution.
Where:  123 King St. W.—Art Gallery of Hamilton
Time: Ongoing until Jan. 5, 2025
Cost: General admission applies

Jan Wade: Soul Power
An exhibition highlighting Jan Wade’s mixed-media work, from paintings to textiles and sculptures.
Where: 123 King St. W.— Art Gallery of Hamilton
Time: Ongoing until Jan. 5, 2025
Cost: General admission applies

SoundBites by Roger Mooking
A multisensory experience of art, text and sound that explores the chaos of modern life.
Where: 123 King St. W.—Art Gallery of Hamilton
Time: Ongoing until Feb. 23, 2025
Cost: General admission applies

RBC Artist in Residence: Alex Jacobs-Blum
Explores the path of the total eclipse as a metaphor for the journey of peace among the Hodinöhsöni’ Nations.
Where:  123 King St. W.—Art Gallery of Hamilton
Time: Ongoing until March 16, 2025
Cost: General admission applies

Making Freedom Fly
Explore stories of the Royal Canadian Air Force and home front through WWII archives and tech displays.
Where: 9280 Airport Rd.—Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Time: Ongoing
Cost: General admission applies

Crossing Borders: Coins from Around the World
An exploration of the shared traits of global currency through material, design, and style.
Where: 1280 Main St. W.—McMaster Museum of Art
Time: Ongoing until Nov. 30, 2024
Cost:  General admission applies

Celebrating 150 Years of Connection
The exhibit honours the HSR’s legacy with artifacts and forward-looking transit innovations.
Where: 28 James St. N.—Tourism Hamilton Visitor Experience Centre
Time: Ongoing until Dec. 21, 2024
Cost:  General admission applies

November 23

Handmade Hamilton: A Holiday Craft Show and Sale (Nov. 23 and Nov. 24) 
This annual event brings together a curated selection of local artisans offering pottery, candles, jewelry, textiles, and more. The first 50 shoppers each day will receive a free tote bag designed by artist Jordynn MacKenzie.

Where: 190 King William St. (Theatre Aquarius)
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $2

CPKC Holiday Train
Join the CPKC Holiday Train for a festive evening of music and community spirit. Enjoy a free concert featuring American Authors and KT Tunstall as the brightly decorated train rolls into Hamilton, spreading holiday cheer and raising awareness for food insecurity. Bring non-perishable food donations for Hamilton Food Share, and be part of this heartwarming event!

Where: 50 Lawrence Rd. (Railway Tracks across from Gage Park)
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free

Take-Apart Workshop
Discover the inner workings of everyday items like toasters, radios, and computers at this hands-on workshop. All tools, items, and safety equipment are provided for this self-directed activity.

Where: 900 Woodward Ave. (Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site)
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $7 per person. Museum admission is sold separately. Pre-registration required.

Scotty McCreery Live
Get ready for a night of country hits with Scotty McCreery, the American Idol winner and chart-topping artist. With over 4 million albums sold and 6 No.1 hits, his performance will take you through songs of heartbreak, nostalgia and fatherhood.

Where: 1 Summers Ln (FirstOntario Concert Hall)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets from $76.20

HVC Happy Holiday Market
With over 60 vintage curators and makers, shoppers can browse and shop at local businesses this holiday season. There will also be food, music and a toy drive that will benefit Hamilton YWCA.

Where: 270 Sherman Ave. N. (The Cotton Factory)
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission
Parking: Free

Holiday Market Weekend
Celebrate the holiday season at this festive market, featuring local vendors, activities, and family-friendly fun! With Santa, Elsa, face painting and carolers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Where: Hess St. S. (Hess Village)
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free admission

Family Movies at Binbrook Branch
Movie: Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024) PG
Where: 2641 Regional Road 56, Binbrook Branch
Time: 10 a.m.

Family Movies at Barton Branch
Movie: Inside Out 2 (2024) PG
Where: 571 Barton Street East, Barton Branch
Time: 1 p.m.

Family Movies at Turner Park Branch
Movie: Inside Out 2 (2024) G
Where: 352 Rymal Road East, Turner Park Branch
Time: 1 p.m.

Family Movies at Saltfleet Branch
Movie: Inside Out 2 (2024) PG
Where: 131 Grays Road, Saltfleet Branch
Time: 1:30 p.m.

Family Movies at Saltfleet Branch
Movie: The Garfield Movie (2024) G
Where: 131 Grays Road, Saltfleet Branch
Time: 1 p.m.

Family Movies at Valley Park Branch
Movie: Paw Patrol (2023) PG
Where: 970 Paramount Dr., Valley Park Branch
Time: 1 p.m.

Family Movies at Barton Branch
Movie: The Secret Life of Pets (2016) G
Where: 571 Barton Street East, Barton Branch
Time: 1 p.m.

Family Movies at Turner Park Branch
Movie: Despicable Me 4 (2024) G
Where: 352 Rymal Road East, Turner Park Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Family Movies at Red Hill Branch
Movie: Rumble (2021) G
Where: 695 Queenston Road, Red Hill Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Family Movies at Stoney Creek Branch
Movie: Peter Rabbit (2018) PG
Where: 777 Highway 8, Stoney Creek Branch
Time: 2:30 p.m.

November 24

Randy Feltface Live at Bridgeworks
Laugh the night away with Randy Feltface at Bridgeworks. Known for his unfiltered comedy and offbeat characters, audiences will be left in stitches.

Where: 200 Caroline St. N.
Time: 6 p.m.
Cost: $32.50 – $44.50

Whitehern: A Christmas for the Ages (Nov. 24 to Jan. 5, 2025) 

Explore the rich history of the McQuesten family’s Christmas celebrations with a display of toys, a beautifully set holiday table, and decorations from the 1850s, 1870s, and 1930s.

Where: 41 Jackson St. W. (Whitehern Historic House & Garden)
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Regular museum admission rates apply. Pre-registration recommended

—Cover photo via tourismhamilton.com