Christmas in Gore Park & Downtown Hamilton

Gore Park will be all a-buzz this weekend as Christmas kicks off in downtown.  With something for everyone, including many kid-friendly Christmas activities you won’t want to miss these holiday happenings in Hamilton.

To kick off the season, on December 6^th at 6:00 p.m. Y108 will broadcast live for the annual “24 in Gore” event where they will be collecting new toys for their CHML/Y108 Children’s Fund Operation Santa Claus.  The festivities then begin on Friday, December 7^th with the lighting of the enormous Christmas Tree of Hope and the entire downtown.  It is truly beautiful to see the core come to life with lights.  Two local food trucks, Southern Smoke and Sweetness Bakery, will be serving up delicious fare in the park and Hamilton’s own The Kevin MacLean Band (one of this City Mom’s fave local bands) will be rocking the park after the ceremonial lighting.

Kids can ride the miniature train or carousel starting on the seventh and throughout December and they can drop off their letters to Santa in a special mailbox.  On December 8^th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. bring the kids to the park to have their photo taken with Santa and while you’re there take care of some of your holiday shopping by picking up gifts from local vendors.  Tim Horton’s will be offering free hot chocolate and carolers will keep the mood light and joyful.

Downtown businesses and merchants are also participating in a window decorating contest so be sure to take a stroll and have a look at their hard work and merry displays.  You can vote for your favourite one of the following ways:  by e-mail: info@downtownhamilton.org, on Twitter: @DwntwnHamBIA, or by posting a message on the Downtown Hamilton BIA Facebook page.

Downtown Hamilton has so much to offer and is all a-glow at this time of year so be sure to bring your family to the core and enjoy the multitude of free activities.

Crafternoon Delight

Store-bought gifts can be great, but giving something hand-made is so much more personal and special.  If you’re looking for just such items, then Crafternoon Delight is a must-attend show.  This pop-up craft show and shop will be held on Saturday, December 8^th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 331 Dundurn Street South (former Dell Pharmacy building at the corner of Aberdeen).

The show will feature 24 unique handmade vendors with everything from soap to candles, pottery to jewelry, knitwear to plush art and so much more.  Hot apple cider will be on offer and there will be free face painting for the little ones.  To set the mood for the holidays, talented local musician, Rob Willet, will be playing some festive tunes.

Organizers Joey and Michelle will both be selling their wares too.  Joey crafts unique accessories from birch bark and up-cycled items, and Michelle makes funky messenger bags from vintage ties and remnants of fabric.

For more information visit the Crafternoon Delight Facebook page.

Christmas Eventschristmas shoppingcraftsholidaylocal craft fair

About the Author: Jennifer Alger Morse

Jennifer is a married mom of two sons born 15 years apart (yes, you read that right!) living in the wonderful city of Hamilton, Ontario. She and her family love to act like tourists in their city and enjoy exploring all that it has to offer. Some words to describe Jennifer: cupcake voyeur, recipe hoarder, food lover, avid reader, aspiring writer, and lipgloss aficionado.

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