Things to do during the holidays in and around Hamilton

'Tis the season to come together and spend time with your loved ones if you're looking for ways to spread holiday cheer, CBC Hamilton has you covered.

Here's a list of ways to keep your holidays bright.

December 21

Hunker down for some family Christmas movies at The Westdale.The Westdale BIA is showing"White Christmas" at the theatre this weekend, and tickets are a toonie.

Spend the longest night of the year at the Hamilton Winter Solstice Festival with dancers, aerialists, and projections, abound.Or see what's buzzing in Dundas atHumble Bee'ssolstice ball, which is raising funds forWildlife Preservation Canada's pollinator initiative.

Head over to theHamilton's Farmers Market for free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause before they head back to the North pole for their busiest night of the year.

Take a free Ferris wheel ride at Gore Park until December 23.

December 22

The Downtown Dundas BIA is hosting a 'Dickens of Christmas,' featuring breakfast with Santa, carolers, horse and trolley rides, and free hot cider. Catch the last one of the season!

The Stoney Creek BIA is also closing out December with Kringle in the Creek, a "European style Christmas market"featuring food and goods vendors.

Carols will be sung at the North Burlington Baptist Church by Jacob Moon and the Commissionaires.

Celebrate the holidays with the Glenn Miller Orchestra atFirstOntario Concert Hall with Christmas jingles.

Stroll the winter lights on select days at the Royal Botanical Gardens, including December 20 to 23 and 27 to 30. It also runs into January.

December 23

The 11th annual Acoustic Christmas Concertisraising money for local charities around Hamilton and will feature various artists. Surprise tickets will be released periodically, along with ticket contests.

Show off your holiday movie knowledge at the Toast Wine Bar'strivia night dedicated to your obsession.

Cheer on Hamilton Public Library puppeteers at the Locke Branch for theirChristmas Puppet Show.

Get cozy and head out The Zoetic's pyjama screening of The Polar Express. Kids can don their pjsto watch the holiday classic with treats and hot chocolate.

Christmas Eve

The Westside Church is hosting "Christmas Eve in Hamilton,"where everyone is welcome to visit andenjoy music and Christmas Eve celebrations.

You can go back in time with the McQuesten Family Christmas celebration at Whitehern Historic House & Garden. Explore how families celebrated the holidays from the 1850s to the 1930s.

And if that's not enough historic Christmas for you, you can head to the infamous Dundurn Castle and enjoy the castle's decor, Victorian splendour, and some of that iconic shortbread.

Christmas

Call ahead to local restaurants formore some information on their hours.

December 26

The 99th Boxing Day run is taking place through the downtown and waterfront. Runners take off from the YMCA at noon.

December 27

Winter fun continues atthe Hamilton Children's Museum where kidscan enjoy crafts and activities.

TheHamilton Museum of Steam & Technologyis also running a drop-in activity centre where familiescan explore the science of music and sound.

December 28

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear..." or by watching Elf atThe Westdalefor a toonie. It also plays again on December 29.

Enjoy a classic game of hockey as the Hamilton Bulldogs take on the North Bay Battalion.

It's not the holidays without something sweet! There's a truffle making class for chocolate lovers who just can't resist.

Celebrating Christmas: Punjabi styleand enjoy a Christmas dinner and dance. Proceeds from the event go toward a local meditation group.

December 29

Salute to Vienna, an early New Year's concert, featuresmusic and dance.

Check out the Rock & Pinball exhibition at the Joseph Brant Museum, with playable pinball machines and a KISS drum kit.

December 30

The dance troupe, Shen Yun, will be in town for a performance at FirstOntario Concert Hall.