Winter Fun in Hamilton: Events, Festivals and Outdoor Adventures
The weather outside is frightful… but that doesn’t mean there aren’t delightful things to do out there! Although you may have to dress warmer, there’s no shortage of fun activities to do in winter. Here are a few of the best activities that you’ll find in Hamilton!
Events and Festivals
The Music of Queen
Experience the legendary music of Queen performed with Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and guest artists Jeans ’n Classics, starring Grammy award winning vocalist David Blamires. Details
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | 7:30 PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton
Nature’s Superheroes: Life at the Limits
Get ready to encounter nature’s super-adapted superheroes as you explore the incredible adaptations of plants and animals across the planet’s most extreme environments, where even the most extraordinary features serve the simplest of life’s tasks, from reproducing and breathing to sensing the world and finding sustenance and safety. Details
January 27 to April 21, 2024
RBG Centre, 680 Plains Road W., Burlington
Mini Pop Kids Live – The Good Vibes Tour
The Mini Pop Kids, Canada’s #1 kids’ music brand, brings an energetic concert experience for all ages to Hamilton. Enjoy hits by top artists, including Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and timeless classics, making it a must-see show for kids and adults alike! Details
January 28, 2024 | 3:00 PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton
Harlem Globetrotters
Prepare for a thrilling Harlem Globetrotters basketball spectacle at FirstOntario Centre on January 30th, featuring incredible dribbling, spinning, and dunking action against their rivals, the Washington Generals. Plus, enjoy enhanced fan experiences with Spalding® as the official ball partner, including opportunities to acquire official Harlem Globetrotters basketballs and engage in pre-game and post-game activities. Details
January 30, 2024 | 7:00 PM
FirstOntario Centre, 101 York Blvd, Hamilton
RBG WinterTide
Experience a unique Canadian winter at the Rock Garden, now a stylish indoor and outdoor jazz lounge adorned with lights and firepits. Enjoy live music, classic cocktails, and seasonal delights at the Rock Garden Bistro while embracing the snowy landscape. Details
Thursdays to Saturdays, February 8 – March 16, 2024 | 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Royal Botanical Gardens, 1185 York Blvd
Hamilton Winterfest
Hamilton Winterfest gives you every excuse to get out of the house to connect with your community with more than 60 events across the city from pancake breakfasts to art exhibitions, concerts to sporting events. Details
February 2-19, 2024
Various locations, Hamilton
Canada’s Drag Race
Mark your calendars for February 11, 2024, as Hamilton hosts Canada’s Drag Race: The Official 2024 Tour. Get ready to witness incredible performances by Brooke Lynn Hytes, Jaida Essence Hall, and finalists from Seasons 3 and 4 of the show. Details
February 11, 2024 | 8:00 PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton
ONES – The Beatles #1 Hits
Get ready for a thrilling Beatles experience in Hamilton! “ONES – The Beatles #1 Hits” is a unique show that takes you on a chronological journey through every number one song from The Ed Sullivan Show to the Apple Rooftop. With captivating narrations, stunning visuals, and a 24-piece performance featuring top musicians, this is a must-see event for Beatles fans at The FirstOntario Concert Hall. Details
February 17, 2024 | 7:30 PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton
Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame Festival
From February 21-24, 2024, Hamilton will host the Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame Festival, featuring comedy events and inducting legends like Eugene Levy and Martin Short. The festival will celebrate Hamilton’s comedic connections and include performances by local artists, with a closing gala on February 24 honoring Jim Carrey and the SCTV cast. Details
February 21 – 24, 2024
The Studio, 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton
Because Brrr Craft Beer Sessions
Brrr is returning to Bridgeworks with three distinct sessions on February 16th and 17th, featuring craft beer and cider from nine local breweries and cider houses, live music, delectable food options, and a nostalgic arcade experience! Details
February 17 – 18, 2024
Bridgeworks, 200 Caroline St. N., Hamilton
Hamilton I❤︎BEER & Taco Festival
Enjoy two fun filled days or nights of beer, cider and spirits sampling, games, dancing and tacos! Details
February 23 – 24, 2024
Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s, 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton
Annie
The iconic musical “Annie” is returning in a new production, offering a timeless message of hope, resilience, and the American spirit. Directed by Jenn Thompson, this show, featuring a Tony Award®-winning book and score by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin, is a must-see experience that will uplift and inspire you. Don’t miss it!! Details
March 5, 2024 | 7:30 PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton
Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars
Experience Disney On Ice as it takes you through classic and modern Disney and Pixar stories, featuring beloved characters, new additions, and magical moments. Details
March 14 – 17, 2024
FirstOntario Centre, 101 York Blvd, Hamilton
Corb Lund: The El Viejo Release Tour
Don’t miss Corb Lund’s exceptional musical performance in Hamilton on March 18, blending Western heritage and indie rock influences in a must-see experience. Details
March 18, 2024 | 8:00 PM
Bridgeworks, 200 Caroline St N, Hamilton
Around the Bay Road Race
Participate in North America’s oldest running road race, the Around the Bay Road Race, dating back to 1894. Join the legacy of past champions, including Boston Marathon winners and Olympic gold medalists, by tackling the challenging course around Hamilton’s scenic natural harbor. Details
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton
HeritageCon XVI
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend HeritageCon, Canada’s premier plastic scale model competition and sales event, where you can admire exceptional model displays while immersing yourself in rich historical context within a hangar surrounded by iconic Canadian aircraft, including the rare Mynarski Memorial Lancaster bomber, one of only two currently in flight. Details
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton
For more events & activities, see: Things to Do This Weekend in Hamilton
Outdoor Adventures
FYI: All outdoor activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing are weather-dependent and are not available during warm winters.
Explore Cootes Paradise
If you haven’t visited Cootes Paradise in winter, add it to the list! This is Royal Botanical Garden’s largest sanctuary and one of the most significant wetland on this part of Lake Ontario.
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Go Tobogganing
The Chedoke Golf Course at 563 Aberdeen Avenue has one of Hamilton’s four designated tobogganing hills. Grab your sled and your warmest pair of boots and head to this hill. You’ll have hours of fun at this hill!
Another of Hamilton’s designated tobogganing areas, the hill at King’s Golf Course is a great place to spend some time sledding with friends or family. You’ll find the hill at the 9th hole in front of the 9th green. You can also toboggan downhill at the city’s old reservoir, the Garth and Stonechurch Reservoir. Plus, you’ll get in some exercise as you hike back up the hill. Not only is the Waterdown Memorial Park a great place for a walk, but you can also for tobogganing! You’ll find Waterdown Memorial Park’s hill just west of baseball diamond #3.
Visit Tew Falls
Did you know that Hamilton is known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World?” One of these waterfalls includes Tew Falls. Spend some time exploring the beautiful falls which are just as stunning in the winter.
Address: 581 Harvest Rd.
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Go Ice Climbing
Come winter and ice climbers can head to Tiffany Falls to enjoy ice climbing (weather permitting). Climbers must be members of the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC), or be attending an ice climbing class with OneAxe Pursuits.
Explore Felker’s Falls
Located in an eastern subdivision in Hamilton, Felker’s Falls is one of the area’s many waterfalls. Pack your camera to take pictures of the frozen water, and remember to keep an eye out for the area’s wildlife. And don’t forget to dress warm!
Address: Ackland St.
Winter Walking at Waterdown Memorial Park
This lovely park is a great place to go for a walk—yes, even on a winter’s day! Visit the park’s many paths where you can enjoy a peaceful winter’s afternoon. With the sun setting earlier this time of year, there will also be lots of opportunities to catch a sunset.
Another play to enjoy a walk is the King’s Forest Golf Club that has a 2.5 km winter walking trail. Nordic walking poles and snowshoes can be rented for 2-hours on a first come first serve basis.
Address: 200 Hamilton St.
Snowshoe at Dundas Valley Conservation Area
Snowshoeing may not be as easy as walking. But it’s a great way to enjoy wintertime and explore the trails. There are a number of trails you can choose from – Headwaters Trail, Dundas Valley Lookout Trail, Sawmill Trail, Heritage Trail, Vista Trail, and others
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Visit Little Davis Falls
Little Davis Falls is by no means the largest waterfall in Hamilton, standing only 10 feet tall. It does, however, flow year-round. This means you’ll get to witness its true beauty even in the winter!
Address: Ackland St.
Go Skating
Who doesn’t love a good outdoor rink? If you feel like getting your skate on, drive down to Dundas Driving Park, where they maintain an outdoor rink in the winter. You’ll have hours of fun skating in this park!
Drop-in skating programs are offered at various City Arenas throughout the season. The City’s outdoor ice rinks are also open daily for free drop-in skating until 10 p.m. at Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre – Serafini Family Ice Pad, Dundas Driving Park, Freelton Community Park, and Waterdown Memorial Park. Community city rinks will also be open until 11 p.m. as weather permits.
Pier 8 is also a great spot for ice skating in the city. If you don’t have your own skates, not to worry! You can rent a pair here once you arrive.
Take A Walk Along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
These hiking trails span a significant portion of the Great Lakes on the Ontario shores. And luckily for those living in or visiting Hamilton, part of the trail is within the city! Enjoy the lake views which are still beautiful in the winter.
Explore the Escarpment Rail Trail
Grab your hiking boots or your snowshoes and head to the Escarpment Rail Trail. This multi-use trail is great for any kind of activity, whether you feel like walking, fat biking, or snowshoeing. It also provides you with a great opportunity to escape the business of the city!
Climb the Wentworth Stairs
Hamilton has 5 sets of stairs that connect the lower parts of the city to the mountain. The Wentworth stairs are one of the oldest sets, as well as the tallest. Climb up the 498 steps that make up the stairs—just watch for ice!
Address: Wentworth St.
Confederation Beach Park
Although this is a hot spot in the summer, there are still fun things to do at Confederation Beach Park in the winter. Explore the lakeside, and look out across the wintery shores of Lake Ontario. You’ll find it’s beautiful no matter the season!
Address: 585 Van Wagners Beach Rd.
Winter Camping
Want to try camping out in winter? Valens Lake has a number of campsites that are available for winter camping. Contact the Valens Park for their winter camping program or try the nightly off-season camping.
Check out Hamilton’s Street Art
Hamilton is a city full of wonders—and that goes for their art! Explore the more urban parts of the city by searching for all the public art. You’ll be amazed by all the beautiful murals throughout the city!
Visit Bruce Trail
Escape the business of the city and explore Hamilton’s portion of the historic Bruce Trail. Located on the Niagara escarpment, this beautifully kept and maintained trail is great even in the winter. You’ll have a whole new appreciation for the city when you visit this trail!
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Go Geocaching
Geocaching is a great activity to do either by yourself or with a friend! Hamilton has tons of geocaching opportunities, so check out the geocaching trails and see what you can find. At the very least, you’ll go on a fun adventure!
Winter at Westfield Heritage Village
The grounds at Westfield Heritage Village is a great place to enjoy walking, especially during the winter season. Historical buildings set in snowy winter wonderland make for stunning photos.
Address: 1049 Kirkwall Road Hamilton
Bring Your Dog to Heritage Green
Looking to exercise your pooch this winter? Head to Heritage Green! This park has an area for dogs, where your pup will be able to romp and play!
Address: 447 1st Rd. W
Play Winter Golf
Want to go golfing in winter? Check out Chedoke Gold Club- Martin Course. It offers winter golf from November 22, 2022 to March 11, 2023.
Address: Chedoke Golf Club – Martin Course, Aberdeen Avenue, Hamilton
Climb the Chedoke Stairs
If you really want to get in some exercise, visit one of Hamilton’s set of escarpment stairs. The Chedoke Stairs are made up of 280 steps, a great way to challenge your endurance. And don’t worry—going down is easier than going up!
Address: Chedoke Park
Try your hand at Disc Golf
A championship-level 18-hole disc golf course is offered at King’s Forest Golf Club from December 1, 2023, to March 17, 2024. You can rent or buy the equipment onsite.
Address: Kings Forest Golf Club, 100 Greenhill Ave, Hamilton
Explore the Festive Lights
Spend some time walking through the city’s urban centre to check out the holiday lights. This is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit! Plus, you’ll be getting some exercise in if you go on foot.
Check out Albion Falls
One of Hamilton’s many waterfalls, Albion falls is stunning in the winter. Head to the south access to get to the viewing platform and take in the beauty of the falls. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Address: 885 Mountain Brow Blvd.
Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse
Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse is a fully accessible 14,000 square-foot facility housing subtropical plants, palm trees, exotic fruit trees, rare species, and serene water features, providing an educational and enchanting winter escape.
Address: 1000 Main St E, Hamilton
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Visit Hamilton’s Downtown Area
Check out the city’s urban centre. With a healthy mix of historic buildings and new businesses, you’ll find a little bit of everything in Hamilton’s downtown! There are also plenty of places to stop by for some shopping or grab something to eat or drink.