Festive things to do, local favourites to discover and ways to make the most of the season in Hamilton.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, planning your holiday dinner, treating your four-legged family members or simply settling in for a cozy night at home, we’ve rounded up some ideas to help you enjoy the holidays around Summit Park.
In This Holiday Guide
- Get into the holiday spirit at a local festival
- Bake something delicious (or visit a local bakery!)
- Don’t forget your furry family members
- Make time for your favourite winter sports
- Get a head start on your holiday feast
- Plan a cozy holiday movie night
- Make the most of the little moments at home
1. Get into the holiday spirit at a local festival
There’s something special about a neighbourhood coming together to celebrate the holidays. Fortunately, Hamilton and the surrounding communities have plenty of festive events to enjoy throughout the season.
Here are a few to add to your holiday calendar:
- Hamilton Santa Claus Parade – November 14, 2026 – Bundle up, find a spot along the parade route and enjoy one of Hamilton’s favourite holiday traditions.
- Binbrook Tree Lighting & Christmas Bazaar – November 15, 2026 – Head to the Binbrook Fairgrounds for a festive afternoon of holiday shopping, activities and seasonal fun.
- CPKC Holiday Train at Gage Park – November 20, 2026 – Enjoy the beautifully decorated holiday train, live music and festive lights at this free, family-friendly event.
- Street Eats Winterfest at Lime Ridge Mall – November 21-December 20, 2026 (weekends) – Explore local vendors, seasonal treats, a giant Christmas tree and fun activities for the whole family.
- Hess Village Holiday Market – November 20–22, 2026 – Browse local vendors, enjoy the holiday atmosphere and take in the Christmas tree lighting.
- Dickens of a Christmas in Dundas – November 28-December 20, 2026 (weekends) – Experience the charm of a traditional Christmas celebration in historic downtown Dundas.
- Stoney Creek’s Light Up the Creek – December 4, 11 and 18, 2026 – Enjoy autism sensory friendly lights, carriage rides, live music, an artisan market and visits with Santa.
- Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade – December 5, 2026 – A fun afternoon of floats, holiday music and Christmas cheer.
- Binbrook Santa Claus Parade – December 12, 2026 – Another great opportunity to enjoy a festive community tradition close to home.
And if you’re still looking for winter fun after the holidays, Hamilton Winterfest returns January 31 to February 16, 2027, with a variety of arts, entertainment and family activities.
2. Bake something delicious (or visit a local bakery!)
Few things make a home feel more festive than the smell of freshly baked cookies, gingerbread or cinnamon treats coming from the kitchen.
Make an afternoon of holiday baking with the family. Put on some Christmas music, bring out the sprinkles and icing, and try a new recipe together. Whether it’s decorating sugar cookies, making gingerbread houses or preparing a batch of your favourite holiday squares, it’s a wonderful way to create traditions at home.
Not much of a baker? No problem! These are some sweet local stops worth exploring:
- Krispy Kreme – Located at 1280 Rymal Road East, it’s an easy stop for a box of doughnuts, seasonal flavours or a sweet treat to share.
- Beyond the Batter – A family run bakery on Stone Church Road East worth checking out for delicious & peanut-free baked goods. Gluten-free and vegan options also available.
- Baklawa King – Pick up an assortment of Middle Eastern pastries and sweets including baklawa, assabeh, basma, mammoul and chocolates for your holiday dessert table.
3. Don’t forget your furry family members
The holidays are for the whole family, including the four-legged members! While you’re picking up gifts and stocking up for the season, why not find something special for your pet, too?
The Bone & Biscuit Co., located at 2172 Rymal Road East, is a convenient neighbourhood stop for pet food, treats, toys and accessories.
Pick up a festive treat, a new toy or a little something to tuck under the tree. After all, they deserve to be part of the holiday celebrations, too!
4. Make time for your favourite winter sports
Winter is a great time to get active, try a new sport or enjoy a favourite seasonal activity with family and friends. Whether you prefer skating, hockey or a little friendly competition, there are plenty of ways to stay active around Hamilton.
Looking for somewhere to lace up your skates? Valley Park Arena has an indoor ice rink located at 970 Paramount Drive in Stoney Creek, just minutes from Summit Park. It’s a convenient spot for family skating, public skate sessions and hockey throughout the winter.
Prefer to enjoy the outdoors? When the weather cooperates, you can also:
- Explore winter trails: Bundle up and enjoy a winter walk at Eramosa Karst Conservation Area, with 285 acres of nature to explore.
- Go skating outdoors: Check out Hamilton’s seasonal outdoor skating locations for a chance to enjoy some fresh air on the ice.
- Try a little tobogganing: Grab your sled and head to one of Hamilton’s approved tobogganing hills when the snow arrives.
5. Get a head start on your holiday feast
Hosting family or friends this holiday season? Whether you’re preparing a big Christmas dinner, planning a holiday brunch or putting together a festive spread, having great grocery options nearby makes getting ready a little easier.
There are several convenient places around Summit Park to pick up everything you need, including:
- Lococo’s – Visit the Nebo Road location for fresh produce, quality meats and grocery essentials.
- Fortinos – The Upper Centennial Parkway location is a convenient stop for fresh ingredients, bakery items and holiday dinner essentials.
- Healthy Planet – Find specialty grocery items, snacks and other household essentials at the Rymal Road East location.
- Walmart – A convenient one-stop shop on Rymal Road East for groceries, household supplies, gifts and more.
From picking up ingredients for your favourite family recipes to finding those last-minute items before guests arrive, having everyday conveniences close to home can make the holiday rush a little more manageable.
6. Plan a cozy holiday movie night
Not every holiday activity needs to involve going somewhere. Sometimes, the best way to spend an evening is right at home.
Pick a favourite Christmas movie, get comfortable in your coziest pajamas, grab a few blankets and settle in for a relaxing night with family.
Need something delicious to enjoy while you watch? Skip the cooking and order takeout from a nearby restaurant. There are plenty of options around Summit Park when you’re craving something comforting:
- Carlo’s Pizza & Grill – A neighbourhood favourite for pizza, wings, shawarma and comfort-food classics.
- Poppi’s Pizza & Grill – Freshly made pizza, wings, panzerotti or a family combo for an easy night in.
- Shiro Ramen – Warm up with a comforting bowl of Japanese ramen and some delicious sides.
- Toma Lá – The Portuguese Pit Stop – Enjoy Portuguese-style BBQ chicken, hearty sides and flavourful sandwiches.
- Grind Hamburgers – Satisfy your cravings with made-to-order burgers, crispy fries and classic comfort food options.
Sometimes, a great meal, a favourite movie and a little time together are all you need to make an evening special.
7. Make the most of the little moments at home
The holidays don’t have to be filled with big plans and busy schedules. Some of the most memorable moments happen right at home.
Decorate the tree together, put up your favourite holiday decorations, invite friends over for a festive dinner or enjoy a slow weekend morning with coffee and something delicious.
It’s these everyday moments, shared with the people who matter most, that make a house feel like home.
And if you’re still looking for a place to create those memories, Summit Park’s freehold townhomes offer a wonderful setting for your next chapter.
Here’s to a holiday season filled with good food, great company and the comforts of home.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Multi-Area Developments!
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