We confirmed 16 Christmas events for kids in Hamilton for 2026. The season starts on November 14 with Hamilton Santa Claus Parade and runs until December 20 (Dickens of a Christmas). 13 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Canada.
The short version
- 16 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Hamilton, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Binbrook and Ancaster
- First: Hamilton Santa Claus Parade, Hamilton, November 14
- Free events: Hamilton Santa Claus Parade, Binbrook Tree Lighting & Christmas Bazaar, First Day of Christmas Open House, Flamborough Santa Claus Parade, Holidays at the Gage Home: Open House and A Village Christmas
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included).
Hamilton Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 16 confirmed for 2026
- Cities and towns
- Hamilton, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Binbrook, Ancaster and Waterdown
- Season
- November 14 to December 20
- Free events
- 13
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Hamilton
6 confirmed events in Hamilton, soonest first.
Hamilton Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus paradeFreeHamilton Santa Parade · Hamilton
- Host
- Hamilton Santa Parade (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hamilton Santa Claus Parade Route, Upper Sherman Avenue at Acadia Drive, Hamilton
- When
- Sat, Nov 14, 2 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Hamilton Santa Claus Parade begins at 2 pm on Saturday, November 14, and the City lists it as a free outdoor event for all ages. After a great turnout last year, the organizers are keeping the same route. The parade starts at Upper Sherman Avenue and Acadia Road, heads north on Upper Sherman to Limeridge Road East, turns west on Limeridge to the Lime Ridge Mall road and ends at the mall's south side parking lot.
A Santa tree lighting and other related events at Lime Ridge Mall follow the parade. The parade also opens with its annual food drive, with Mission Services collecting non-perishable food and financial donations along the way, so families may want to bring an item to give.
Parent tip: Bring a non-perishable food item for the Mission Services food drive, and look at the parade route map on the City page to choose a viewing spot.
See dates and details from Hamilton Santa Parade (opens in a new tab)First Day of Christmas Open House
Family Christmas eventFreeHamilton Civic Museums · Hamilton
- Host
- Hamilton Civic Museums (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dundurn National Historic Site (Dundurn Castle), 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton L8R 3E7
- When
- Sun, Nov 22, noon to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free, food bank donation welcome
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Dundurn Castle celebrates the season with its First Day of Victorian Christmas Open House on Sunday, November 22, from noon to 4 pm, and admission is free. Families can walk through the decorated home of Sir Allan McNab and his family, a fun way to show kids how Christmas looked in Victorian times.
The Castle is adorned with fresh cedar boughs, ribbons and delicate dried flowers provided by the Garden Club of Hamilton, creating a festive atmosphere. It is an iconic local tradition suitable for all ages. Visitors are asked to consider bringing a non-perishable food item to help support local food banks. Dundurn also offers Victorian Christmas tours later in the season for families who want a guided visit.
Parent tip: Bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank collection, and expect busy rooms during this popular free afternoon.
See dates and details from Hamilton Civic Museums (opens in a new tab)Family Christmas Decorating Workshop
Christmas craftsHamilton Civic Museums · Hamilton
- Host
- Hamilton Civic Museums (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site, 41 Jackson Street West, Hamilton L8P 1L3
- When
- Sun, Nov 29, 9:30 am, 11 am or 1 pm (1 hour)
- Cost
- $10 per person, pre-registration required
- Ages
- Ages 3 and up
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Whitehern Historic House and Garden hosts a hands-on Family Christmas Decorating Workshop on Sunday, November 29, with one hour time slots at 9:30 am, 11 am and 1 pm. The visit starts with an all ages tour of the historic home, where families see how the McQuesten family celebrated Christmas, complete with three Christmas trees, vintage toys and festive period decorations.
Next, everyone heads to the Historic Stable to make traditional ornaments and decorations to take home and hang on their own tree. The workshop is for ages 3 and up and costs $10 per person. Pre-registration is required and tickets are limited. It is a nice blend of history and crafting that gives kids a handmade keepsake. It is a gentle, free way to celebrate the season with young children.
Parent tip: Register early for your preferred time slot, since tickets are limited and every person, including adults, needs a $10 ticket.
See dates and details from Hamilton Civic Museums (opens in a new tab)Christmas Model Train Show
Family Christmas eventFreeHamilton Civic Museums · Hamilton
- Host
- Hamilton Civic Museums (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site, 900 Woodward Avenue, Hamilton L8H 7N2
- When
- Sat and Sun, Dec 5 and 6, 11 am to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free, museum admission by donation
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers host a festive Christmas Model Train Show at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, from 11 am to 4 pm each day. Volunteers run scale model steam and electric trains that are fully decorated for the holiday season.
Visitors of all ages can watch the miniature trains zip around the track layouts, ask questions and chat with club members, which makes it a great family outing for young train lovers. The show is free, with museum admission by donation at the front desk. Because it is indoors, it is a handy option on a cold or rainy December weekend. The museum itself is a national historic site, so curious kids can also learn a little about steam power while they are there.
Parent tip: Admission is by donation at the front desk; visit earlier in the day if your child wants time to talk with the club members.
See dates and details from Hamilton Civic Museums (opens in a new tab)Holiday Storytime and Puppet Show
Christmas story timeFreeHamilton Public Library · Hamilton
- Host
- Hamilton Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Terryberry Branch, Hamilton Public Library, 100 Mohawk Road West, Hamilton L9C 1W1
- When
- Tue, Dec 8, 10 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Early Years (0 to 5)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Terryberry Branch celebrates the holidays of the season with a Holiday Storytime and Puppet Show on Tuesday, December 8, from 10 am to 11 am. The program is aimed at the early years, ages 0 to 5, and mixes holiday stories and songs with a puppet show that tends to hold little ones' attention well.
The library calendar lists it as a free program with no registration required, so families can simply come by. A weekday morning slot makes it a good fit for parents and caregivers at home with young children, and the library has similar holiday story times at other branches through December if this date does not work. Bring a parent or caregiver along, since the program is built for little ones and their grown-ups.
Parent tip: Arrive a few minutes before 10 am so little ones can settle in before the puppet show begins.
See dates and details from Hamilton Public Library (opens in a new tab)Holiday Storytime and Puppet Show
Christmas story timeFreeHamilton Public Library · Hamilton
- Host
- Hamilton Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Turner Park Branch, Hamilton Public Library, 352 Rymal Road East, Hamilton L9B 1C2
- When
- Fri, Dec 11, 10:30 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Early Years (0 to 5)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Turner Park Branch hosts a Holiday Storytime and Puppet Show on Friday, December 11, from 10:30 am to 11 am. Designed for the early years, ages 0 to 5, the program celebrates the holidays of the season with stories, songs and a puppet show.
At half an hour, it is just the right length for toddlers and preschoolers, and it gives parents and caregivers a festive weekday outing that does not take up the whole morning. The library calendar shows no registration and no cost, so families can drop by. Hamilton Public Library also offers other holiday story times across the city in December for families who prefer a different day. Bring a parent or caregiver along, since the program is built for little ones and their grown-ups.
Parent tip: This program is short, so arrive on time at 10:30 am to catch the start of the puppet show.
See dates and details from Hamilton Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Dundas
3 confirmed events in Dundas, soonest first.
Dundas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dundas)
Visit with SantaDowntown Dundas BIA · Dundas
- Host
- Downtown Dundas BIA (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Memorial Square, King Street West at Sydenham Street, Dundas (near Hamilton)
- When
- Fri, Nov 27, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Drop-in, free hot apple cider
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Downtown Dundas BIA invites families to the annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 27, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Memorial Square, at the corner of Sydenham Street and King Street West. The BIA bills it as the oldest tree lighting ceremony in Canada.
The evening includes the lighting of the tree, a visit from Santa, free hot apple cider and family friendly entertainment. Organizers suggest allowing about 90 minutes for the ceremony, the Santa visit and the entertainment. The ceremony also opens Dickens of a Christmas, the BIA's holiday programme of festive weekends in Downtown Dundas, so it is a good first stop for families planning to return later in the season. It is a gentle, free way to celebrate the season with young children.
Parent tip: Allow about 90 minutes for the full evening, and dress warmly since everything happens outdoors in the square.
See dates and details from Downtown Dundas BIA (opens in a new tab)Dickens of a Christmas (Dundas)
Breakfast with SantaDowntown Dundas BIA · Dundas
- Host
- Downtown Dundas BIA (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Dundas, 116 King Street West, Dundas L9H 1V2 (near Hamilton)
- When
- Weekends, Nov 28 to Dec 20, Sat 11 am to 3 pm, Sun noon to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free carriage rides and cider
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Dickens of a Christmas turns Downtown Dundas into a holiday village for four weekends: November 28 and 29, December 5 and 6, December 12 and 13, and December 19 and 20. Activities run on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm and on Sundays from noon to 4 pm, organized by the Downtown Dundas BIA.
Families can enjoy free horse and carriage rides, free hot apple cider and family friendly street entertainment while strolling the shops. Santa is part of the programme too, with breakfasts, photos and visits from Santa offered over the weekends. Parking is easier than usual, with free parking on evenings and weekends and two hours free in City lots on weekdays from November 24 to December 24.
Parent tip: Parking is free on weekends in City lots; check the Downtown Dundas BIA website for details on the Santa breakfast and photo times.
See dates and details from Downtown Dundas BIA (opens in a new tab)Holiday Storytime (Dundas)
Christmas story timeFreeHamilton Public Library · Dundas
- Host
- Hamilton Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dundas Branch, Hamilton Public Library, 18 Ogilvie Street, Dundas L9H 2S2 (near Hamilton)
- When
- Wed, Dec 16 and Fri, Dec 18, 10 to 10:30 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Early Years (0 to 5)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Dundas Branch of Hamilton Public Library offers Holiday Storytime on Wednesday, December 16 and Friday, December 18, from 10 am to 10:30 am each day in the branch Program Room. The program celebrates the holidays of the season with stories, songs and rhymes for the early years, ages 0 to 5.
The half hour format suits short attention spans, and having two dates in the same week gives families some flexibility. The library calendar lists no registration and no cost. It is an easy, low key way to share a few holiday picture books and songs with very young children in the week before Christmas. No sign up is needed, and the program is free for families on both days.
Parent tip: Come to either date; the program is the same both mornings and runs only 30 minutes.
See dates and details from Hamilton Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Stoney Creek
3 confirmed events in Stoney Creek, soonest first.
Holidays at the Gage Home: Open House (Stoney Creek)
Christmas story timeFreeHamilton Civic Museums · Stoney Creek
- Host
- Hamilton Civic Museums (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site, 77 King Street West, Stoney Creek L8G 5E5 (near Hamilton)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, noon to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Battlefield House Museum in Stoney Creek holds its Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 28, from noon to 4 pm, and admission is free. Families can step inside the Gage family's historic home, decorated for the holidays, and discover how the winter season was celebrated in the 19th century.
Visitors explore at their own pace on self guided tours, listen to seasonal storytelling and watch festive demonstrations. Downstairs in the Nash-Jackson cellar, kids can try hands-on crafts, traditional games and family friendly activities. The mix of stories, crafts and old fashioned games makes it a good choice for children who enjoy doing as well as looking, and it suits all ages. Battlefield House sits in a park setting in Stoney Creek, and the open house is a free, relaxed way to start the holiday season with children.
Parent tip: Head down to the Nash-Jackson cellar for the crafts and games, which are the most hands-on part of the visit for kids.
See dates and details from Hamilton Civic Museums (opens in a new tab)Light Up the Creek 2026 (Stoney Creek)
Visit with SantaFreeDowntown Stoney Creek BIA and Canadian National Autism Foundation · Stoney Creek
- Host
- Downtown Stoney Creek BIA and Canadian National Autism Foundation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Stoney Creek, King Street East, Stoney Creek (near Hamilton)
- When
- Fri, Dec 4, 5 to 8 pm (tree lighting 6 pm)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Light Up the Creek opens on Friday, December 4, from 5 pm to 8 pm in Downtown Stoney Creek, with the tree lighting at the parkette at 6 pm. The series creates a sensory friendly enchanted village in the Creek for the month of December, designed to welcome families living with sensory issues.
The series features sensory friendly lighting and family activities throughout the village, visits with Santa and programming meant to include all families. Opening night also brings live music, carriage rides and an artisan market, along with local shops and restaurants. Admission is free. Light Up the Creek is presented by the Canadian National Autism Foundation and the Downtown Stoney Creek BIA. The sensory friendly village continues through December, so families who miss opening night can still visit later in the month.
Parent tip: Arrive before 6 pm to see the tree lighting at the parkette; the lighting is designed to be gentler for children with sensory sensitivities.
See dates and details from Downtown Stoney Creek BIA and Canadian National Autism Foundation (opens in a new tab)Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade (Stoney Creek)
Santa Claus paradeFreeVolunteer Stoney Creek Santa Parade Committee · Stoney Creek
- Host
- Volunteer Stoney Creek Santa Parade Committee (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade Route, 127 Gray Road, Stoney Creek L8G 3V3 (near Hamilton)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 2 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade runs on Saturday, December 5, from 2 pm to 4 pm and is a free event for all ages. The route begins at St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary School at 127 Gray Road and travels west on King Street East to Battlefield Drive, passing through the heart of Stoney Creek.
The Stoney Creek Lions Club runs its annual food drive for the Stoney Creek Food Bank during the parade, with Lions coming along the route with shopping carts to collect non-perishable food. The parade is presented by Heritage Green Community Trust, the City of Hamilton's City Enrichment Fund and a volunteer parade committee. It is a classic small town parade that is easy to enjoy with young children.
Parent tip: Have a non-perishable food item ready for the Lions Club carts as they pass by.
See dates and details from Volunteer Stoney Creek Santa Parade Committee (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Binbrook
2 confirmed events in Binbrook, soonest first.
Binbrook Tree Lighting & Christmas Bazaar (Binbrook)
Visit with SantaFreeBinbrook BIA · Binbrook
- Host
- Binbrook BIA (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Binbrook Fairgrounds, 2600 Regional Road 56, Binbrook L0R 1C0 (near Hamilton)
- When
- Sun, Nov 15, 1 to 5:30 pm, tree lighting 5:45 pm
- Cost
- Free with a food bank donation
- Ages
- All ages, children, families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Binbrook Tree Lighting and Christmas Bazaar runs on Sunday, November 15, at the Binbrook Fairgrounds. The bazaar is open from 1 pm to 5:30 pm, and families can stay for the tree lighting at 5:45 pm, which organizers call a Binbrook tradition you will not want to miss.
During the afternoon, visitors can browse local vendors, take cozy horse and buggy rides and get a photo with Santa. Hot chocolate by the fire helps everyone warm up as the sun goes down. Admission is free with a donation to the food bank, so bring a non-perishable item. With Santa photos, animals and a tree lighting all in one place, it is an easy outing for families with young children.
Parent tip: Bring a food bank donation for admission, and plan to stay past 5:30 pm if you want to see the 5:45 pm tree lighting.
See dates and details from Binbrook BIA (opens in a new tab)Binbrook Santa Claus Parade (Binbrook)
Santa Claus paradeFreeBinbrook Santa Claus Parade · Binbrook
- Host
- Binbrook Santa Claus Parade (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Binbrook Fairgrounds, 2600 Regional Road 56, Binbrook L0R 1C0 (near Hamilton)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 2 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages, children, families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The 8th annual Binbrook Santa Claus Parade takes place on Saturday, December 12, from 2 pm to 4 pm, with the City listing the Binbrook Fairgrounds at 2600 Regional Road 56 as the location. It is a free outdoor event aimed at all ages, with children and families especially in mind.
Organizers describe it as a beloved community tradition that brings the heart of Binbrook together for an afternoon filled with lights, laughter and Christmas cheer. Whether you live in the area or are visiting for the first time, it is a friendly, small town way to celebrate the season. The parade has its own website at binbrookparade.ca and an Instagram account where updates are shared. It is a gentle, free way to celebrate the season with young children.
Parent tip: Bundle up for an afternoon outdoors, and check the parade's website or Instagram for any day of updates.
See dates and details from Binbrook Santa Claus Parade (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Ancaster
1 confirmed event in Ancaster, soonest first.
A Village Christmas (Ancaster)
Visit with SantaFreeAncaster Village BIA · Ancaster
- Host
- Ancaster Village BIA (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Ancaster Old Town Hall, 310 Wilson Street East, Ancaster L9G 2B9 (near Hamilton)
- When
- Thu, Dec 3, 6 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages, children, families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
A Village Christmas takes place on Thursday, December 3, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Ancaster Old Town Hall, in the heart of historic Ancaster Village. It is a free outdoor event for all ages, and a local favourite for families.
The evening includes the official tree lighting ceremony and a special visit and meet and greet with Santa at 7 pm. Live music, horse and wagon rides and festive holiday programming fill out the evening. Organizers encourage guests to bring a new, unwrapped toy, a gift card or a cash donation to support Ancaster Community Services and its holiday programs, which can be a meaningful way to involve kids in giving during the season. It is a gentle, free way to celebrate the season with young children.
Parent tip: Plan to be near the Old Town Hall by 7 pm for Santa, and bring a new unwrapped toy for the community drive.
See dates and details from Ancaster Village BIA (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Waterdown
1 confirmed event in Waterdown, soonest first.
Flamborough Santa Claus Parade (Waterdown)
Santa Claus paradeFreeFlamborough Santa Claus Parade · Waterdown
- Host
- Flamborough Santa Claus Parade (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Waterdown parade route, Hamilton Street at Rockhaven Lane, Waterdown (near Hamilton)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, 6:30 pm start
- Cost
- Free, donations welcome
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Flamborough Santa Claus Parade is an evening parade through downtown Waterdown on Saturday, November 28, starting at 6:30 pm sharp. As tradition goes, the floats and bands are lit up to light the way for Santa, with music and lighting that make the after dark setting especially fun for kids. The parade starts on Hamilton Street at Rockhaven Lane, across from Memorial Park, and winds through the downtown.
Watching is free, but the parade relies on donations, so spectators are asked to drop a donation in the bin as it passes, or tap a card on the TipTap Give machine. Spectators can watch from either side of the route. Parking is available around the parade area, but streets close at 6 pm until Santa crosses the finish line.
Parent tip: Arrive and park before streets close at 6 pm, and bring a small donation or a tap card for the TipTap Give machine.
See dates and details from Flamborough Santa Claus Parade (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cozy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)Hamilton Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Hamilton in 2026?
We confirmed 16 Christmas events for kids in Hamilton for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Hamilton Santa Claus Parade, Binbrook Tree Lighting & Christmas Bazaar (Binbrook), First Day of Christmas Open House, Dundas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dundas), Dickens of a Christmas (Dundas), Flamborough Santa Claus Parade (Waterdown), Holidays at the Gage Home: Open House (Stoney Creek), Family Christmas Decorating Workshop, A Village Christmas (Ancaster), Light Up the Creek 2026 (Stoney Creek), Christmas Model Train Show and Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade (Stoney Creek). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Hamilton?
Yes. 13 of the 16 events here are free, including Hamilton Santa Claus Parade, Binbrook Tree Lighting & Christmas Bazaar (Binbrook), First Day of Christmas Open House, Flamborough Santa Claus Parade (Waterdown), Holidays at the Gage Home: Open House (Stoney Creek), A Village Christmas (Ancaster), Light Up the Creek 2026 (Stoney Creek), Christmas Model Train Show, Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade (Stoney Creek), Holiday Storytime and Puppet Show, Holiday Storytime and Puppet Show and Binbrook Santa Claus Parade (Binbrook). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Hamilton this year?
Santa appears at Hamilton Santa Claus Parade, Binbrook Tree Lighting & Christmas Bazaar (Binbrook), Dundas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dundas), Dickens of a Christmas (Dundas), Flamborough Santa Claus Parade (Waterdown), A Village Christmas (Ancaster), Light Up the Creek 2026 (Stoney Creek), Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade (Stoney Creek) and Binbrook Santa Claus Parade (Binbrook). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Hamilton?
Christmas story times on this page: Holidays at the Gage Home: Open House (Stoney Creek), Holiday Storytime and Puppet Show, Holiday Storytime and Puppet Show and Holiday Storytime (Dundas). Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
