It’s the weekend and here are seven things to do in the Hamilton area
We have left the autumn drab behind and folks are lighting up all around town.
The weekend is here and here are seven things to do in the Hamilton area.
That's right, before it is too late. It's time to plan your weekend.
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
The beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas is celebrated at Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd. Victorian Christmas is open Tuesdays to Sundays, Nov. 21 to Jan. 3, 2021 (closed Mondays). Admission is adults: $14, seniors/youth: $12, children: $8, infants: free, and family: $37. Rediscover Christmas in 1855 when cedar garlands graced the drawing room and the dining room was set for a feast. Call 905-546-2872 for information, or get your tickets online.
- Evening tours start Dec. 4. Dundurn Castle is decorated for Christmas in the evening. Tours run from 7 to 9 p.m. on select dates: Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 and 27. Cost is $25 per person. Preregistration is required. hamilton.ca/dundurn
PIONEER CHRISTMAS
Step back in time to experience the warmth, welcome and simplicity of an early 19th-century Christmas. The Gage family home comes alive at this special time of year with evergreen boughs on the mantles and enticing aromas in the air. Battlefield House, 77 King St. E., Stoney Creek, presents Christmas in the Pioneer Spirit from Nov. 21 to Jan. 3, noon to 4 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Admission is $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors/youth, $6 for children and a family pass is $25.
FESTIVAL OF TREES
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre's annual Festival of Trees is on display in the mezzanine at 440 Locust St., Burlington, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 22. More than 35 pre-lit Christmas trees were decorated by local businesses. Tree bidding ends on Dec. 20 at 4 p.m., winners will be announced on Dec. 21.
RBG WINTER WONDERS
No RBG Holiday Traditions this year, it has been cancelled. Instead, the Royal Botanical Gardens has turned historic Hendrie Park into a winter wonderland of nature and light. The Winter Wonders festival is included in RBG general admission and runs 5 to 10 p.m., Wednesdays to Sundays, Nov. 18 to Dec. 23; Dec. 27 to 30, and Jan. 2, 3. rbg.ca.
- While at Winter Wonders, enjoy the Escarpment Train Exhibit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Purchase tickets at the door to take a round-trip train ride through beautiful Hendrie Park to round out your RBG experience. $5 per train car (for a maximum of four people per car).
GLOW GARDENS
Niagara's newest Christmas experience is taking over Safari Niagara. Glow Gardens is a three kilometre long drive-through event featuring over one million lights, a towering three-storey light tree, Christmas castle, glowing snowmen and more. Housed at the Stevensville nature park from Nov. 18 to Jan. 2, this family-focused, COVID-friendly event is sure to book up fast. Tickets start at $30 for a car load of up to seven. It takes about 40 minutes to drive the festive route. Tickets are on sale at glowgardens.com.
FOOD DRIVE
CF Lime Ridge community holiday food drive is Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The mall in partnership with Hamilton Food Share invites all to the first ever contactless City Wide Food Drive. Donations will be accepted through a drive through" model to ensure social distancing and safety is maintained. Have your donations prepared for volunteers prior to arrival. To donate online: hamiltonfoodshare.org
KEVIN FOX
Livestream with Kevin Fox on Sunday, 4 and 7 p.m. You can livestream Kevin Fox, Songs for Cello & Voice. No intermission and 75 minutes of live performance are presented by Burlington Performing Arts Centre. burlingtonpac.ca. Call 905-681-6000 for more information.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com