Hamilton is an easy Christmas outing from Toronto, about an hour by car or GO Train. The city has a big Santa Claus Parade, a holiday train stop, historic sites decorated for the season and growing food and arts neighbourhoods.
Hamilton Christmas highlights
- Hamilton Santa Claus Parade: organised by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, usually on a Sunday in mid-to-late November. Check the Chamber’s site for the 2026 date and route.
- CPKC Holiday Train: the lit-up train stops at West Kinnear Yard, across from Gage Park, on November 20, 2026, 8:00 to 8:40 p.m. Bring a food bank donation. More on the Holiday Train
- Hamilton Farmers’ Market: a downtown indoor market with a holiday celebration and gift ideas in December.
- Dundurn Castle: the 19th-century villa is traditionally decorated for a Victorian Christmas; check the City of Hamilton’s museum schedule.
- Gage Park and the city’s holiday lights.
- James Street North and Locke Street for indie shops, galleries and cafés.
More things to do in Hamilton at Christmas
- Visit the Hamilton Farmers’ Market in the downtown Jackson Square area for local food, gifts and holiday treats.
- Explore James Street North and Locke Street, two of the city’s best streets for independent shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants.
- Walk the waterfront at Bayfront Park and Pier 4 Park for views of Hamilton Harbour.
- Chase frozen waterfalls: Hamilton calls itself the City of Waterfalls, with more than 100 along the Niagara Escarpment. In very cold weather, some freeze into dramatic ice formations. Stick to official viewing areas and trails, and never climb on the ice.
- Skate at outdoor rinks downtown and in parks.
- Visit Dundurn Castle, a 19th-century mansion that has hosted Victorian Christmas programming.
- See the Royal Botanical Gardens in neighbouring Burlington for winter light displays when offered.
A Hamilton Christmas day trip
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | GO Train or drive to Hamilton |
| Late morning | Hamilton Farmers’ Market |
| Lunch | James Street North |
| Afternoon | Dundurn Castle or a waterfall viewpoint |
| Evening | Dinner on Locke Street, then the GO home |
Hamilton’s food and arts scene
Hamilton has a vibrant arts community, with monthly art crawls on James Street North and galleries throughout downtown. Its restaurant scene has grown rapidly, with excellent independent spots that make for a festive dinner out.
Hamilton at Christmas: FAQ
How far is Hamilton from Toronto? About an hour by car or GO Train.
When does the CPKC Holiday Train stop in Hamilton in 2026? Friday, November 20, 2026, from 8 to 8:40 p.m. at West Kinnear Yard, across from Gage Park.
More: Christmas day trips from Toronto
Getting there
About 60 to 75 minutes from Toronto via the QEW. GO Transit’s Lakeshore West line serves Hamilton (West Harbour and Hamilton GO Centre).
More: Christmas day trips from Toronto · Burlington Christmas events · Santa Claus parades near Toronto
