WEEKEND PLANNER
Skate City Hall
Sling those skates over your shoulder and head to Hamilton City Hall for free skating. A synthetic ice rink is open to the public for skating daily until Friday, Dec. 9, noon to 7 p.m. Bring your own skates or rent a pair (free with a credit card, driver’s licence, or other government issued ID).
Evening tours
Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening. The tour runs from 7 to 9 p.m. for selected dates starting Dec. 2 and costs $27 per person. Preregistration is required. hamilton.ca/dundurn
Christmas at Whitehern
Enjoy this special time of year as the McQuestens look back on the Christmas of their childhood. The family’s toys are under a tree adorned with decorations in the style of the 1880s. The table is set with the china the family used for Christmas and New Year’s from the 1850s. From noon to 4 p.m., starting Saturday and running until Jan. 8. Closed Mondays. hamilton.ca/whitehern
Christmas in the pioneer spirit
The Gage family home comes alive with evergreen boughs on the mantels and enticing aromas in the air. Visit Battlefield House, an early 19th-century homestead in Stoney Creek once home to the Gage family. Through to Jan. 8, it’s open from noon to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays. hamilton.ca/battlefield
Holiday Traditions
Celebrate winter at the Royal Botanical Gardens with Holiday Traditions. A large botanical model train installation winds through the RBG Centre with more than 75 metres of track. It features Canadian landmarks and depictions of Wonders of the World. The weekends are filled with musical entertainment, guided winter walks, children’s crafts and more. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Jan. 8. rbg.ca Visits with Santa are sold out but there are still a few spots left for the Brunch with Santa event on Dec. 4, 11 and 17. Registration required.
Santa run
Hordes of Santas will be making their way along Main Street West Saturday morning as part of the 2016 Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk. This Salvation Army fundraiser and awareness event goes from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Boston Pizza, 1563 Main St. W. Visit www.santashuffle.ca or call 905-521-1660.
Lights of Locke Street
Saturday is a special day on Locke Street, kicking off the season with a crafts, Santa letter-writing, buskers, costumed carolers and more. Topping the day is a tree lighting at 6 p.m. lockestreetshops.com
Shop Canadian
The Christmas Craftadian Show at the McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Rd. S., hosts more than 70 local vendors selling original art, handmade soaps and body care products, cards, photography, jewelry, clothing, children’s accessories, pottery and more. Food trucks, photos with Santa and a gift wrapping station are also featured. Hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $5 and children under 12 are free. craftadian.ca
Not only Santa
It’s never too early to get that shopping started. The Samko & Miko Toy and Book Warehouse Sale where you can find educational toys, books, games and so much more is on this weekend. No need to travel, the sale is under one roof at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, 9280 Airport Rd., Mount Hope on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. amkoandmikotoywarehouse.com
Here come Santa’s parades
You’ll find Santa at five parades this weekend. Friday — Cayuga — 6 p.m. Parade starts at Haldimand County offices and heads west on Echo Street to Ottawa Street, south on Ottawa onto Cayuga Street, down Cayuga to King Street, east on King to Ottawa and north again on Ottawa. cayugaparade.ca Saturday — Stoney Creek — 2 p.m. Parade starts at Gray and King Street East, through downtown and ends at Community Park. santaparadestoneycreek.com Saturday — Grimsby — 5:15 p.m. — Christmas Tunes Parade begins just east of Town Hall, moving east along Livingstone Avenue, Main Street West and ending at Ontario Street. grimsbyparade.ca Saturday — Dunnville — 5:30 p.m. Parade travels down Queen and Lock streets starting at Niagara Street and ending at Lock and George streets. Sunday — Burlington — 2 p.m. Parade starts near Burlington Mall at Prospect Street and Guelph Line, heads down Guelph Line to New Street, west on New to James Street, north on Brant Street, finishing at Caroline. burlington.ca