Nine things to think about doing this weekend in Hamilton
Brace yourself for the possibility of snow in the Hamilton area this weekend.
Environment Canada is calling for flurries and periods of snow from Friday through to Monday with temperatures hovering near zero all weekend.
Whatever you do, from chillin' out with the Ticats for Eastern semifinal on Sunday to running in a Jingle Bell 5 K, you will want to zip up that parka!
Here are a host of events happening in the Hamilton area this weekend.
DUNDURN CASTLE
Dundurn Castle's Victorian Christmas event is on now. 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.
BROTT MUSIC
This isn't on the weekend but close enough, the Brott Music Festival presents Handel's Messiah on Monday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m., in West Highland Baptist, 1605 Garth St., Hamilton, and on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St. Tickets are $55 for adults. brottmusic.com or call 905-525-7664 ext. 16.
DUELING PIANOS
World Famous Dueling Pianos is on at The Studio, 1 Summers Lane, Saturday, Nov. 27, 9 p.m. Tickets are $67 plus fees. coreentertainment.ca
WINTER WONDERS
The Royal Botanical Garden's Winter Wonders event brings together the beauty of nature and light with 1.5 kilometres of festive lights and seven magical displays, including one done in partnership with the Children's International Learning Centre. This year's event features nightly live entertainment, cosy firepits, culinary delights at Turner Pavilion Teahouse and a prix-fixe dinner menu at the Garden Cafe. rbg.ca
NIAGARA LIGHTS
Niagara Falls 39th OPG Winter Festival of Lights boasting 101 nights of twinkling lights is daily 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.
HAMILTON LIGHTS
Dundas' virtual lighting of the Dundas Christmas Tree is Friday, 7 p.m. View it live on facebook.com/DowntownDundasBIA/events
The annual lighting of the Christmas Tree of Hope in Gore Park is Friday, Dec. 3 at 6:15 p.m. with both virtual and in-person viewing options.
CRAFT SHOW
Toronto's One Of A Kind show makes its return to the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place from Nov. 25 to Dec. 5.
RUNNERS
There are no Santa Runs this year, instead join the fun with Jingle Bells 5 and 10 K runs that begin and end at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club on Sunday. Register now at raceroster.com/events/2021/52064/jingle-bell-race.
GAME DAY
Big day Sunday for the Eastern semifinal.The Ticats host the Alouettes for a 1 p.m. game start at Tim Hortons Field. It's Blackout day so be sure you wear black #HamOnt! 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 host the Kingston Frontenacs at FirstOntario Centre Saturday at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Get them at the box office or at ticketmaster.ca. Then, they travel to Oshawa on Sunday for a 6:05 p.m. start. You can stream that game at watch.chl.ca/ohl.
Forge FC's next game is Wednesday, Dec. 1, 8 p.m. at Tim Hortons Field as they take on CD Montagua in the first leg of the CONCACAF League semifinal. Tickets through ticketmaster.ca.
It's only one week until Rock lacrosse hits the floor in Hamilton for their home opener on Dec. 4 at FirstOntario Centre. That game is at 7 p.m. Tickets through ticketmaster.ca.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com