Hamilton
The Hamilton waterfront outdoor rink is open for skating on Dec.19. Between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekends and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, visitors can hit the ice as long as the weather and rink conditions are acceptable. For a fee, skate sharpening and rentals are available on site at 47 Discovery Drive in Hamilton.
Burlington
If you still need a gift for someone on your list, you might find it at the outdoor holiday market hosted by the Handmade House in Burlington. Every Saturday until Dec. 25 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., shoppers can explore items from more than 125 vendors. The market can be found at 460 Pearl Street in Burlington, with new makers featured every week.
Dec. 27 – Jan. 3
Hamilton
It’s time for a Victorian Christmas at Dundurn Castle Historic Site with afternoon and evening tours running until Jan.3. Tickets can be purchased in advance online for a guided tour of the property that has been decorated with cedar boughs and dried flowers in mid-19th century style by the Garden Club of Hamilton. The Victorian Christmas experience is available for all ages and proof of vaccination is required for all visitors at Dundurn Castle.
Burlington
The Burlington Festival of Lights is on at Spencer Smith Park until Jan. 8, 2022. The free display is open for anyone and everyone to enjoy during the holiday season between 4 p.m. and midnight daily. Extended hours for the light displays will be lit up in the park all day and night on Christmas Eve, Christmas day, Othodox Christmas and New Year’s Eve for visitors to take in.
The 13th annual Grimsby “Polar Bear Plunge” is set for New Year’s day at 2 p.m.. The icy dip will take place at Bal Harbour beach, with registration open at 1:30 p.m. for those who wish to join in on the fun. Funds raised during the event will be donated to support McNally Hospice.
Niagara
Over 3 million lights are on display for the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights this year. The free annual festival is set up for 101 days at Dufferin Islands, the Niagara Parkway and surrounding area. Visitors can walk along to view the lights or stay comfortable in the car, driving along the route. While some structures are larger than life, there are lots of interactive elements to walk through for those who decide to walk through on foot. Holiday and animal displays for the festival are set up until Jan. 9, then love themed displays will be showcased until Feb. 21.
Santa will also be visiting the Niagara Parks to take photos with visitors this upcoming weekend. All are welcome to visit and snap a picture from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Dec.17 at Dufferin Islands and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 18 and 19 in Queen Victoria Park at the gingerbread house.
Niagara Parks commission will offer firework displays from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 at 10 p.m. to celebrate the end of the year. On Dec. 31, there will be special firework shows over the falls at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. to ring in the new year. The fireworks are free to watch and can be seen from many vantage points along the Niagara Parkway and areas surrounding the falls.
Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/holiday-to-do-1.6284063