Things to do for this weekend’s Hamilton Day and more
There's a flurry of activity around Hamilton this week, and it isn't just the chance of snow.
The city on Saturday celebrates Hamilton Day - a one day shopping event to support small and local businesses.
A winter coat will help if you're strolling from shop to shop. With the temperature expected to top out at 5 C this weekend, it will be cold, with the possibility of snow on Friday, cloudy skies on Saturday and a chance of showers on Sunday.
Rain or shine (or even snow!), there is a plethora of things happening in the Hamilton area this weekend and beyond:
HAMILTON DAY
Go shopping - either in person or online - Saturday for Hamilton Day. For tips and an online directory of local businesses, including restaurants, retail and services, visit hamiltonday.ca.
HOLIDAY MARKETS
The Hamilton Vintage Community Market Pop Up is Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at Collective Arts, 207 Burlington St. E.
The Christmas in the City Market 21 is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Rd. S., Suite 101A. Admission is $5 and parking is free.
Don't forget about the downtown Hamilton Farmers' Market, 35 York Blvd. It's open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
COMEDY SHOW
Blairing Out Loud Divertissements presents the Top Of The Mountain To You 4 Skin In The Game" Comedy Show Saturday at 8 p.m. Headliners include Ben Miner, Reese Turner and Brandon Zakkai, as well as other comedy gems, like Fiona O'Brien and Pete Van Dyk. It's at The Zoetic Theatre, 526 Concession St. E. Tickets at thezoetic.ca.
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Dundurn Castle's Victorian Christmas event starts Thursday, Nov. 25. The historic house is transformed into a mid-19th century family Christmas. Call 905-546-2872 for information, or get your tickets online at hamilton.ca/dundurn. Meanwhile, Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn Castle start Dec. 4. Preregistration is required.
FESTIVAL OF TREES
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre's annual Festival of Trees is on display in the lobby of 440 Locust St., Burlington, starting Saturday. An assortment of six-foot, pre-lit Christmas trees are decorated by local businesses. Viewing hours are noon to 4 p.m. daily (Wednesdays excluded) and one hour prior to performances. Tree bidding ends on Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. and winners will be announced on Dec. 21. More at burlingtonpac.ca.
RBG WINTER WONDERS
The Winter Wonders and Ride the RBG Express events run Nov. 24 to Jan. 9 in Hendrie Park at Royal Botanical Gardens. Head to rbg.ca now to book your spot. Tickets go fast.
NIAGARA LIGHTS UP
The 39th OPG Winter Festival of Lights boasts 101 nights of twinkling lights, now until Feb. 21, 2022. Enjoy displays, children's entertainment, festival maps to walking routes. Check out the displays or plan your visit at niagarafallstourism.com.
NIAGARA POINSETTIA SHOW
More than 1,400 poinsettias and 1,000 display plants are grown to create the Annual Poinsettia Show at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, 7145 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls. The show runs Saturday to Jan. 9. Visit niagaraparks.com for more.
PLAYHOUSE CINEMA
The Room is presented on 35-millimetre film Nov. 27 at the Playhouse Cinema, 177 Sherman Ave. N. The one-night-only screening starts at 10:30 p.m. Get your tickets now at https://playhousecinema.ca/movie/the-room-in-35mm.
GAME DAYS
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are in town Saturday at Tim Hortons Field. Game time is 4 p.m. Bundle up for this one, folks. Tickets and information at ticats.ca.
Note: Hamilton is hosting the 108th Grey Cup on Dec. 12. It all starts Dec. 7 when the Cup arrives at Bayfront Park between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Find the weeklong schedule of events at greycupfestival.ca
The Hamilton Bulldogs are on the ice at FirstOntario Centre Saturday at 7 p.m., when the Sudbury Wolves come to town. Tickets start at $15. Get them at the box office or at ticketmaster.ca.
The Toronto Rock continue their pre-season with a free exhibition game against the Colorado Mammoth Saturday at TRAC, 1132 Invicta Dr., Oakville. Game time is 7 p.m. and donations to the local food bank will be collected. The Rock's home opener is at FirstOntario Centre Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets through ticketmaster.ca.
There's more action at Tim Hortons Field on Sunday, when Hamilton hosts the CPL semifinals. Forge FC takes on York United FC at 3 p.m. Tickets also through ticketmaster.ca.
CITY THINGS
Remember leaf and yard waste will only be collected for a few more weeks. This service is halted in the city starting Dec. 6. Residential yard waste can be taken to a Community Recycling Centre year-round.
The annual lighting of the Christmas Tree of Hope in Gore Park will take place Friday, Dec. 3 at 6:15 p.m. with both virtual and in-person viewing options.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com