Hamilton 
Looking for fun ideas on Christmas & Boxing Day in Hamilton? Here is a list of things to do on December 25 & 26 in Hamilton.
Admire Christmas lights
Go on a Christmas Lights Tour of Hamilton!
- Start your journey in a world of wonder as twinkling lights glimmer throughout the night at the Simcoe Panorama.
- Stroll through 60 magical lighting displays at Spencer Smith Park. The Lakeside Festival of Lights display will be on until January 8, 2024. Lights will be on all day and night on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Head over to Glenhyrst Art Gallery and see thousands and thousands of Christmas lights transform the beautiful gardens into a majestic winter wonderland.
- Rusty Griswold’s Christmas Light Display will run nightly until January 7, 2024.
Want more? Check out these spectacularly lit places in Ontario.
Do a Christmas Day Bird Count
Do a Christmas bird count on Christmas Day and enjoy a crisp morning walk! The Hamilton Christmas Bird Count will be held on December 26, 2023.
If you don’t want to venture outside, do an unofficial count of the birds that visit your bird feeder.
Birding is a fun activity to do in winter. Can you spot the popular winter birds? What changes do you notice? Visit any of the birding areas near Hamilton, download a bird ID app, and try to name all the birds that you can spot. Use this guide to check out the birds in Birding in the Hamilton Area.
Geocaching
Find hidden treasures and discover the many geocaches located throughout the city. This family-friendly activity uses a mobile app or a GPS device. This is also a fun way to interact with nature while getting mild exercise and exploring new areas.
Enjoy a Walk/Picnic
Enjoy a refreshing walk! Enjoy a family walk in the green spaces in Hamilton. Try one of the many trails in the City. Explore the trails and pathways in your neighbourhood using the ParkFinder.
You can also head to Hamilton Conservation Areas. The areas will be open on Boxing Day (but will be closed on Dec 25th). Gage Park is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year.
The adventurous can try trekking to one of the many waterfalls in the City! Waterfalls are beautiful in the summer, but the frozen versions are even more so! Do exercise caution!!!
Check out the picturesque Village setting at Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area. The Conservation Area is open daily (except Christmas Day) from dawn to dusk (about 5:00 p.m.) for hiking and walking.
Royal Botanical Gardens will closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
25 Outdoor Winter Activities in Hamilton
2023 Boxing Day Run
Join recreational runners and walkers for a 4 mile run at Bayfront Park on December 26, 2023. (Do note that this is not the historic boxing day run.)
See a Movie
Checkout Landmark/Cineplex Theatres.
Hit the Trails
Hamilton maintains many trails for residents to enjoy the winter season. Lace-up your winter shoes, grab your skis or snowshoes, get ready to get some exercise.
The Waterfront Trail at Hamilton Harbour, the Escarpment Rail trail from Wentworth Street South to Corktown Park, Waterdown Wetland Trail starting in Joe Sams Park, and Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail are few of the trails you can explore.
Christmas Brunch/Dinner
Support local restaurants this holiday season and enjoy a festive meal.
A few options:
- Carmen’s Catering
- The Innsville
- Baci Ristorante
- Ancaster Mill
- The Keg Steakhouse
- Radius Restaurant
- Moxie’s Restaurant
- Aberdeen Tavern
- Milestones Restaurant
Public Art
There are many beautiful street arts to enjoy in Hamilton.
Go Tobogganing
Let it snow! If it snows, go to one of the City of Hamilton’s designated toboggan hills during the winter season. Stay safe and have fun!
Plan a trip to a nearby Provincial Park/Conservation Area
Skiing in Kelso, winter hiking at the Hilton Falls, winter camping at Rattlesnake Point, and cross-country skiing are a few popular activities that one can do at Conservation Halton parks.
Hamilton Conservation Authority conservation areas are a hub of winter activities from ice fishing, ice climbing, skating, cross country skiing, and more.
25 Ontario Provincial Parks to Visit During Winter in Ontario
Take a Twirl on the Ice
Enjoy skating at the City’s skating rinks. Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink – Pier 8 will be open throughout the season. Skate rentals are available on-site at the Pier.
More activities:
Check our family fun activities during Christmas Break for activities to do during the winter break and Things to do this weekend for concerts, sports and more!
Winter Fun in Hamilton: Top Events, Festivals and Outdoor Adventures
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