The holiday season comes alive in Hamilton with celebrations that bring the community together. From festive lights and holiday markets, to cozy restaurants and heritage activities, there’s plenty to discover throughout November and December. Here are some seasonal highlights worth exploring this winter!
Catch the CPKC Holiday Train
Experience one of the season’s most magical sights when the CPKC Holiday Train rolls into Hamilton on November 20. The 1,000-foot-long train featuring 14 brightly decorated railcars stops at the south side of Gage Park along Lawrence Road, where professional musicians Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde perform free concerts from the train’s stage. This 27th annual tour spreads holiday cheer while raising money, food and awareness for people struggling with food insecurity. Bundle up the family and bring non-perishable food donations to support local food banks during this beloved holiday tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season.
Step Into Victorian Holiday Traditions
Experience authentic Victorian celebrations at Hamilton’s historic sites this season. Dundurn Castle’s Victorian Christmas experience begins November 23 with free admission, showcasing the beautifully decorated 1850s estate of Sir Allan MacNab adorned with cedar boughs, ribbons, and dried flowers.
Whitehern Historic House opens for the season November 24 through January 7, revealing how the prominent McQuesten family celebrated in their 1850s home. On November 28, Whitehern: A Christmas for the Ages offers special evening programming exploring Victorian-era holiday customs. Each site provides unique glimpses into how past generations marked the season, with period decorations and hands-on activities bringing history to life.
Shop Festive Holiday Markets
Discover unique gifts and handmade treasures at Hamilton’s creative holiday markets throughout the season. Stuffed! holiday market features local vendors, live DJ, and local food and drinks in a festive atmosphere. Mom Market Hamilton has pops up across the region, while Craftadian, Handmade in Hamilton, and Hess Village Winter Market offer handcrafted items from original artwork to jewellery.
Pop-up markets at the Hamilton’s Farmers’ Market bring treasures downtown alongside the fresh produce and variety of international flavours already in the space. In November, they are also hosting extra events like decorating a free gingerbread house or joining in for a Beatles open mic event! These markets provide the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts while directly supporting Hamilton’s community.
Explore Hamilton’s Craft Beverage Scene
Discover Hamilton’s thriving craft beverage makers, many of which host festive markets and seasonal programming throughout the holiday season. Merit Brewing and Collective Arts Brewing showcase their award-winning beers in welcoming taprooms, while Grain and Grit Beer Co. offers small-batch brews in their aesthetic brewery space. Shawn & Ed Brewing in Dundas celebrates with their Lagershed and Barrelshed selections, often hosting holiday gatherings, and Fairweather Brewing provides traditional bottled beers in an intimate setting.
Alternatively, skip the beer and taste multiple-award winning cider at West Avenue Cider House that combines artisanal hard ciders with orchard charm and fresh wood fired pizza. Have a cozy firepit experience at Ridge Road Estate Winery, or taste Hamilton’s most recent Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant and winery at Barrel Heart in Dundas that is also recently Feast On certified. These craft beverage destinations typically offer special holiday markets, seasonal releases, and festive atmospheres perfect for finding unique gifts while sampling local flavours.
Give Thoughtfully Local
Support Hamilton makers with gifts celebrating the city’s creative spirit. Shop local gems like Studio 205, Pretty Grit, The Handmade House, and Pure Home Couture Apothecary for handmade treasures. Humble Bee Honey offers sweet, organic honey from hives across the city, while Hamilton’s craft breweries, cideries, and wineries provide bottles perfect for gifting.
For experiential gifts, Royal Botanical Gardens passes offer year-round access to Canada’s largest botanical gardens, while Hamilton Conservation Authority memberships and gift cards provide access to ten conservation areas, supporting local conservation efforts while giving the gift of outdoor exploration throughout the seasons.
Holly Jolly Hometown Fun
For more ways to enjoy Hamilton across the season and beyond, visit Tourism Hamilton for their in-depth Holiday Guide as well as itineraries, events and trip ideas and all things Hamilton!
Discover more ways to get into the holiday spirit with these day trip ideas to the County of Brant and Brantford, Halton Hills, our festive towns, Oakville and Burlington.
