14 mostly Christmasy things to do in the Hamilton area this weekend
Joy to the weekend.
Environment Canada is calling for partly sunny skies on Saturday with a chance of showers on Sunday.
Here are 14 mostly Christmasy things to do around Hamilton this weekend.
The Big Sing
Ancaster's The Big Sing is back at Ancaster Town Hall Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family. Experience stunning vocal performances by the Strata Vocal Ensemble and sing along with some favourites. For tickets visit hamilton.ca.
Where's Santa?
Parades happening this weekend in order of Santa's appearance are: Saturday, Niagara-on-the-Lake at 11 a.m.; Pelham at 1 p.m., Campbellville at 1:30 p.m. and Binbrook at 2 p.m. See the full list of parades around the area on TheSpec.com.
Parking
Free parking during holidays for these BIA communities: Barton Village, Hamilton Downtown, Ancaster, King Street West, International Village, Concession Street, Locke Street, Westdale, and free parking in Dundas municipal lots.
Waterfront lights
Hamilton's Waterfront Festival of Lights is on now until Family Day. You can enjoy the Waterfront Festival of Lights at Pier 8, 57 Discovery Dr., daily from dusk to dawn. Walk the perimeter of the outdoor ice rink to enjoy the lights. Visit our interactive map: Hamilton Christmas light displays for more festive light displays.
Free family skate
In support of Hamilton Food Share, Q50 church is hosting a free family skate at Stoney Creek Arena, 34 King St. W., on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Donations for Food Share will be collected.
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
Supercrawl presents Blackie and the Rodeo Kings live on stage at FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Lane. Saturday's performance also features Serena Ryder, Colin James, Terra Lightfoot and Digging Roots. Concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $53.64 plus tax and fees. coreentertainment.ca
Jazz
Jazz Vespers music series returns to The Music Hall, 24 Main St. W., on Sunday. The New Vision United Church series kicks off the season with vocalist Ashley St. Pierre and the Clark Johnston Trio: Rob Fekete on piano, Joel Haynes on drums and Johnston on bass. Concert starts at 4:30 p.m., pay as you can. The series continues with events into March. dowellbyhamilton.ca/concert-series
Kringle in the Creek
There's the Kringle in the Creek outdoor artisan market at 12 King St. E., Stoney Creek, this Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m., with free carriage rides and parking.
Holiday movies
Share popcorn and the thrill of those old-time favourites on the big screen. The Westdale features It's a Wonderful Life" on Friday at 6 p.m., Love Actually" on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and White Christmas" Sunday at 4 p.m. thewestdale.ca
Largest Salvation Army kettle
The Salvation Army is celebrating the Christmas season on Locke Street with the world's largest kettle next to the West Town Bar and Grill on Friday and Saturday. Live Christmas music is lined up for this festive campaign.
Winter Wonders
This outdoor experience at the Royal Botanical Gardens guides visitors along Hendrie Park's pathways adorned with charming festive lights, new interactive light to sound installations and displays that celebrate the magic of the winter season. After your walk, cosy up indoors with the Botanical Train display, explore Mediterranean plants in the warmly lit greenhouse and pick up unique gifts from Shop at the Gardens. On until Jan. 8; tickets required. RBG.ca
Woods of Westfield
Gather together with family and friends for a winter wonderland of fun at Westfield Heritage Village's Christmas in the Woods on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Village will be decorated for the season with swags, greenery and old-fashioned decorations, with carols, Father Christmas, a model train and more. Dress for the weather. Westfield is located at 1049 Kirkwall Rd., Rockton. Reservations required. westfieldheritage.ca
Live Steamers
The Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers and the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology model train show is Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. The museum is located at 900 Woodward Ave. Museum admission applies.
Game day
Hamilton Bulldogs' Teddy Bear Toss game is Saturday. Bulldogs are home at FirstOntario Centre for a double this weekend as they take on Windsor Spitfires at 4 p.m. Saturday and Kingston Frontenacs at 2 p.m. Sunday. hamiltonbulldogs.com
Toronto Rock are in Rochester on Saturday for a 7 p.m. draw in Blue Cross Arena. torontorock.com
Looking ahead
Santa is in the Cable 14 studio for live calls from Dec. 13 to 15 starting at 6 p.m. Talk to Santa 1-855-239-3972.
Hamilton's four operated outdoor ice rink openings have been delayed to Dec. 17. The Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink and skate rental at Pier 8 are hoping to open Dec. 16. Weather and rink permitting.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator. jmoore@thespec.com