Things to do this weekend in Hamilton: Nov. 29 to Dec. 1

Hamilton is filled with holiday galore this weekend!

There’s magic around every corner, from festive markets to glowing tree lightings and Santa stopping by neighbourhoods across the city. Here’s what’s happening from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1:

November 29 

STUFFED! Holiday Market (Nov. 29 and Nov. 30)

Find all your holiday gifts in one place at Hamilton’s local stocking stuffer event, featuring unique, handmade, and thoughtful items from local vendors.

Where: 207 Burlington St. E. (Collective Arts Brewing Bier Garden Entrance)
When:

•  Nov. 29, 2024— 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
•  Nov. 30, 2024— from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Tickets are available in advance or at the door. Kids 12 and under enter free.

Westdale Winter Wander Night Market

Celebrate the holiday season at the Westdale Winter Wander Night Market, featuring festive activities for the whole family.

Where: 1038 King St. W.
When:

• Night Market: Nov. 29 & 30—5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Coca-Cola Caravan: Nov. 29— 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Storytime with Santa at Alterna Savings:  Nov. 30— at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
• Breakfast with Santa at Snooty Fox: Nov. 30— 10 a.m. ($10 per person)

Dickens of a Christmas (Nov. 29 to Dec. 22) 

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Dickens of a Christmas, a celebration spanning four weekends in Downtown Dundas. Enjoy free hot apple cider, street entertainment and strolling visits from Santa.

Where: 116 King St. W., Dundas
When: 

• Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sundays: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Sesame Street Live – Say Hello

Join the fun with Sesame Street’s all-new live show featuring beloved characters like Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Elmo and more in a magical, all-singing, all-dancing celebration.

Where: 1 Summers Ln. (FirstOntario Concert Hall)
When: 6 p.m.
Cost: Starting at $65.15 plus applicable taxes

Winterdown Lights & Market

Join the festivities in Waterdown Village as it transforms into Winterdown Village for the 2024 holiday season. Enjoy the annual tree lighting and a local holiday market, perfect for creating new holiday memories.

Where:  317 Dundas St. E., (Waterdown Memorial Hall)
When:  4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free

Dundas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Celebrate the holiday season with one of Canada’s oldest tree-lighting ceremonies in downtown Dundas.

Where: King St. W., Dundas (Memorial Square)
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

November 30 

Holiday Market Weekend (Nov. 30 and Dec. 1) 
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

Christmas Evening Tours

Begin the evening with carol-singing in the front hall, followed by an extended tour of Sir Allan MacNab’s home, beautifully adorned for the holiday season. Conclude your visit with a sampling of traditional foods served in the historic kitchen.

Where: 610 York Blvd. (Dundurn Castle)
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $45 per person (Pre-registration required)

Flamborough Santa Claus Parade

Kick off the weekend at the Flamborough Santa Claus Parade, where floats and bands light the way for Santa with music and dazzling lights.

Where: 200 Hamilton St. N. (Waterdown Memorial Park)
When: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Christmas Model Train Show (Nov. 30 to Dec. 1) 

Join the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology for a festive display of scale-model steam and electric trains.

Where:900 Woodward Ave.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
Cost: Free event (museum admission rates apply)

Hamilton All Star Jazz Holiday Concert

Kick off the holiday season with an unforgettable jazz performance featuring the Rising Stars, After Hours and All-Star Jazz Bands.

Where: 334 Wilson St. E.
When: 2 p.m.
Cost: Starting at $22.63

Pudding Club Cooking Workshop

Explore the world of puddings in this unique and entertaining hands-on cooking workshop at Dundurn Castle.

Where: 610 York Blvd.
When: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $70 per person (Pre-registration required)

MUC: TabulaRasa

Join the McMaster University Choir and Cantemus Treble Vocal Ensemble for TabulaRasa, a choral performance exploring contemporary and traditional music from around the world. The concert features special performances by cellist Phillip Darley and percussionist Jamie Drake.

Where:  1280 Main St. W. (Concert Hall, LR Wilson Hall)
When: 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Cost:

• Students: $10
• General Admission: $20

LEGO Club

Build, imagine, and play with LEGO at the Kenilworth Branch’s LEGO Club! LEGO is provided for use in the library and all are welcome to join this fun and creative activity.

Where: 103 Kenilworth Ave. N. (Kenilworth Branch)
When:  2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Age Group: 4–8 years, 8–12 years
Cost: Free

Family Movies at Barton Branch

Movie: The Garfield Movie (2024) PG
Where: 571 Barton St. E.
Time: 1 p.m.

Family Movies at Valley Park Branch

Movie: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) PG
Where: 970 Paramount Dr.
Time: 1 p.m.

Family Movies at Red Hill Branch

Movie: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) PG
Where: 695 Queenston Rd.
Time: 2 p.m.

Family Movies at Stoney Creek Branch

Movie: Mulan (2020) PG
Where: 777 Highway 8
Time: 2:30 p.m.

December 1

6th Annual Bob Pedler Memorial Fundraiser

Celebrate and support the local music community at the 6th Annual Bob Pedler Memorial Fundraiser. Featuring performances by The Lowdown Dirty Mojos with Lily Sazz, Big John and the Night Trippers, BackTrax, the Patti Payne Trio, HWY 6, Coalescence, and Loralee McGuirl and the Soul Cats.

Where: 339 York Blvd. (Stonewalls Restobar)
When: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $10 (Proceeds go to the Pedler fund supporting sick or injured musicians)

Trees of Remembrance (Dec. 1 to Jan. 7)

Honour and remember loved ones during the Trees of Remembrance display, a tribute to lives lived and the enduring memories they leave behind.

Where:

• 777 York Blvd. (Hamilton Municipal Cemetery)
•  735 Hwy #8 (Mountview Gardens Cemetery)

Time: Unspecified
Cost: Free (RSVP required)

Binbrook Tree Lighting & Christmas Bazaar

Celebrate the holiday season at the Binbrook Tree Lighting & Christmas Bazaar, a festive event packed with holiday cheer and family-friendly activities.

Where: 2600 Regional Rd. #56, Binbrook
When: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free admission with a donation to the food bank

Ukrainian Christmas Evening Tour

Enjoy an extended guided museum tour featuring a Ukrainian dance demonstration and traditional carols. Conclude the evening in the historic kitchen with a delightful tasting of Ukrainian delicacies, including perogies, hot borscht and rogaliki pastries.

Where: 610 York Blvd. (Dundurn National Historic Site)
When:  7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $45 per person (Pre-registration required)

The Handmade House Christmas Market

Join the 7th edition of The Original Shed Christmas Market for a rustic holiday shopping experience featuring over 35 local makers.

Where: 65 Hatt St., Dundas
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission

—Cover photo via hamilton.ca