Enjoy the holiday spirit in Hamilton with our ultimate guide. Whether you're intimately familiar with Hamilton or just getting to know it, this guide maximizes your seasonal joy.
This year, immerse yourself in the warmth of the Toronto Christmas Market, where twinkling lights and artisanal goods abound, capturing the essence of the holiday season. The Cavalcade of Lights dazzles visitors with stunning displays, transforming city parks into enchanting winter wonderlands. And the WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring festive attractions and winter activities for the whole family. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Hamilton Discussion!
See the Latest Holiday News for Hamilton!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Hamilton
- WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan)
- Cavalcade of Lights (Toronto)
- Toronto Christmas Market (Toronto)
- Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma (Toronto)
- One of A Kind Winter Show (Toronto)
- Victorian Christmas
- Holiday Fair in the Square (Toronto)
- The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada (Toronto)
- Whitehern: A Christmas for the Ages
- First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons (Midland)
See these and even more events listed below!
Hamilton Holiday Light Displays
Cavalcade of Lights
What to Expect:
Live performances and lighting of the official Christmas tree.
Description:
The Cavalcade of Lights is a winter festival in Toronto that has brought holiday cheer to Torontonians since 1967. It features an unforgettable opening night celebration with live performances and the lighting of the city's official Christmas tree. The event offers nightly ice skating and festive light installations throughout the holiday season.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Cavalcade of Lights
Hamilton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Toronto Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Holiday market with international cuisine and live entertainment.
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Market is a holiday event held in the Distillery District, featuring unique handcrafted items, international cuisine, and live entertainment. Visitors can explore the charming food cabins, shop at local vendors, and enjoy ongoing entertainment on the main stage.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Toronto Christmas Market
One of A Kind Winter Show
What to Expect:
Showcase of Canadian handmade and artisanal objects.
Description:
One of A Kind Winter Show is a premier showcase of Canadian handmade and artisanal objects, featuring over 500 vendors showcasing diverse artistic expressions and unique creations made with love by artisans and makers.
Where: Toronto | More Info: One of A Kind Winter Show
Holiday Fair in the Square
What to Expect:
Artisan marketplace with a Fireside Lounge and Santa visits.
Description:
Holiday Fair in the Square is an artisan marketplace in Mel Lastman Square, North York, featuring unique vendors, a Fireside Lounge, and Santa visits. Enjoy artisan treasures, hot chocolate, and mulled wine while strolling through the stalls.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Holiday Fair in the Square
Hamilton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Skates
What to Expect:
World-class figure skating performances by Olympic and World Champions.
Description:
The 2024 Stars on Ice Holiday Tour features a star-studded cast of world-class figure skaters, including Olympic and World Champions, performing spectacular routines to light up your holiday season.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Holiday Skates
Art Circuit
What to Expect:
Unique bus tour connecting multiple gallery openings.
Description:
Art Circuit is a vibrant art event in Hamilton, featuring multiple gallery openings, a unique bus tour, and exhibitions showcasing local artists. It includes a special opening reception at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, solo exhibitions, and group shows.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Art Circuit
King James
What to Expect:
Powerful exploration of male friendship and sports fandom.
Description:
King James is an intimate exploration of the place sports occupy in our lives and relationships, tracing the arcs of two friends whose turbulent relationship is best navigated through their shared love of basketball.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: King James
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with ice-skating and live shows.
Description:
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland features ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, over a dozen live shows, exciting rides, and millions of spectacular lights. Explore larger-than-life themed areas, enjoy festive food, and shop seasonal merchandise.
Where: Vaughan | More Info: WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a historic castle setting with live performances and interactive activities.
Description:
Casa Loma's Christmas at the Castle features elegant holiday decorations, including a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall and eight signature trees by Canadian designers. The event offers a wide range of activities and thrilling performances for the whole family, including visits to Santa's workshop, festive arts and crafts, and wintery holiday mascots.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada is a spectacular family production set in 19th-century Russia. Siblings Marie and Misha embark on a journey filled with magical creatures, savoury treats, and the glittering land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, all set to Tchaikovsky's famous score and featuring magnificent sets and costumes.
Where: Toronto | More Info: The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
What to Expect:
Candlelit historical site with live performances and artisan market.
Description:
First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is an award-winning holiday event featuring live musical performances, historical demonstrations, and an extensive artisan market. Visitors can explore two candlelit attractions, Sainte-Marie and Martyrs Shrine, enjoying take-home crafts, delicious meals, and festive activities.
Where: Midland | More Info: First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Hamilton Other Holiday Activities
Victorian Christmas
What to Expect:
Historic home decorated in Victorian splendor.
Description:
Celebrate a mid-19th century family Christmas at Dundurn Castle, adorned with cedar boughs, ribbons, and dried flowers, showcasing a traditional Victorian holiday setting.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Victorian Christmas
Whitehern: A Christmas for the Ages
What to Expect:
Historical holiday celebration with period decorations and artifacts.
Description:
Step back in time to explore how different generations of the McQuesten family celebrated Christmas at Whitehern Historic House. The event features the family's toys under a whimsically decorated tree and the dining room table beautifully set with the original china used for Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Whitehern: A Christmas for the Ages
Ghost Walks: Dundurn Castle and Bus Tour
What to Expect:
Haunted history tour with a nighttime visit to Dundurn Castle.
Description:
Embark on a spooky journey through Hamilton's most haunted places, culminating in a rare nighttime visit to Dundurn Castle. The one-hour luxury coach bus tour stops at Century Manor Asylum, Auchmar, the Armouries, and Custom House before entering the castle. Hear darker history and enjoy ghost stories on an eerie Mini-Walk around the mansion.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Ghost Walks: Dundurn Castle and Bus Tour
Ghost Walks: Hermitage Ruins
What to Expect:
Immersive storytelling and rare access to haunted ruins.
Description:
Embark on a guided Ghost Walk through the Hermitage Ruins, a legendary haunted site steeped in history and paranormal activity. Explore eerie legends, witness strange occurrences, and delve into the mysteries of this cursed place.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Ghost Walks: Hermitage Ruins
Ghost Walks: Dundas
What to Expect:
Masterful storytelling about dark history and ghost stories.
Description:
Explore the darker past and spirits of Dundas with this traditional ghost tour, featuring stories of ghosts, murders, mobsters, and the infamous Death Pact.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Ghost Walks: Dundas
Fall Garden & Mum Show
What to Expect:
Largest indoor Chrysanthemum display in Ontario.
Description:
The Fall Garden & Mum Show is Ontario’s largest Chrysanthemum show, featuring over 200 varieties of Chrysanthemums and more than 100,000 blooms grown indoors at the Gage Park Greenhouse. The event showcases dramatic scenes of flowers and colors, with plenty of free parking available.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Fall Garden & Mum Show
Spencer Gorge Conservation Area Fall Reservations
What to Expect:
Daily reservations required for access to Dundas Peak, Tew Falls, and Webster Falls.
Description:
Explore the breathtaking views of Dundas Peak, Tew Falls, and Webster Falls at Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. This natural area features stunning waterfalls and panoramic vistas along the Niagara Escarpment.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Spencer Gorge Conservation Area Fall Reservations
Puddicombe Farms Harvest Festival Weekends
What to Expect:
Family-friendly fall festivities with live music and seasonal activities.
Description:
Puddicombe Farms Harvest Festival Weekends offer a variety of activities including live music, children's fun zone, train rides, campfires with marshmallow roasting, wine and cider tastings, and scenic fall farm views.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Puddicombe Farms Harvest Festival Weekends
AGH art+music+food Festival
What to Expect:
Multi-disciplinary celebration of art, music, and food with Roger Mooking's creative expressions.
Description:
The AGH art+music+food Festival is a month-long celebration of sensory experiences featuring celebrity chef, author, recording artist, TV host, and artist Roger Mooking. This vibrant festival brings to Hamilton a variety of multimedia visual art, storytelling, film, music, and workshops. The exhibition tying all these elements together, ‘Roger Mooking: SoundBites,’ is a multi-disciplinary collection celebrating chaos in an attention deficit world.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: AGH art+music+food Festival
River Lights Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven winter celebration with diverse events.
Description:
Winterfest in Cambridge is a month-long celebration featuring various community events, including live concerts, visits from Santa, and a snowman and snow sculpture contest. The festival also offers opportunities for food trucks, commercial trucks, volunteers, and sponsors.
Where: Cambridge | More Info: River Lights Winter Festival
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Ancaster (7 miles)
- Burlington (9 miles)
- Grimsby (15 miles)
- Oakville (16 miles)
- Milton (19 miles)
- Brantford (22 miles)
- Cambridge (24 miles)
- Mississauga (25 miles)
- Brant (26 miles)
- Guelph (29 miles)
- Brampton (30 miles)
- Mimico (30 miles)
- Islington-City Centre West (31 miles)
- Etobicoke (31 miles)
- St. Catharines (31 miles)
- Stonegate-Queensway (32 miles)
- High Park-Swansea (33 miles)
- Willowridge-Martingrove-Richview (33 miles)
- South Parkdale (34 miles)
- High Park North (34 miles)
- Rockcliffe-Smythe (34 miles)
- Kingsview Village-The Westway (35 miles)
- West Humber-Clairville (35 miles)
- Niagara (35 miles)
- Dovercourt-Wallace Emerson-Junction (35 miles)
- Kitchener (35 miles)
- Welland (35 miles)
- Waterfront Communities-The Island (36 miles)
- Oakwood Village (36 miles)
- Bay Street Corridor (37 miles)
- Waterloo (37 miles)
- Annex (37 miles)
- Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown (37 miles)
- Moss Park (37 miles)
- Church-Yonge Corridor (37 miles)
- South Riverdale (38 miles)
- Downsview-Roding-CFB (38 miles)
- Rosedale-Moore Park (38 miles)
- Glenfield-Jane Heights (38 miles)
- Englemount-Lawrence (39 miles)
- Toronto (39 miles)
- Mount Pleasant West (39 miles)
- Black Creek (39 miles)
- Norfolk County (39 miles)
- Bedford Park-Nortown (40 miles)
- York University Heights (40 miles)
- Thorncliffe Park (40 miles)
- The Beaches (40 miles)
- East End-Danforth (41 miles)
- Niagara Falls (41 miles)
- Fergus (41 miles)
- Niagara Falls (41 miles)
- Flemingdon Park (41 miles)
- Westminster-Branson (42 miles)
- Banbury-Don Mills (42 miles)
- Willowdale (42 miles)
- Willowdale East (42 miles)
- Birchcliffe-Cliffside (42 miles)
- Newtonbrook West (43 miles)
- Clairlea-Birchmount (43 miles)
- Caledon (43 miles)
- Bayview Village (43 miles)
- Parkwoods-Donalda (44 miles)
- Wexford/Maryvale (44 miles)
- Vaughan (44 miles)
- Don Valley Village (44 miles)
- Dorset Park (45 miles)