Hamilton Civic Museums
Christmas at Hamilton Civic Museums
Holiday Tours
Dates November 27 to December 30
Hours 12 to 4 pm
Closed Mondays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Contact Us
For more information
Call 905-521-3168
Email [email protected]
‘Mary’ Christmas from Hamilton Civic Museums
Among the three National Historic Sites that jointly present more than 100 years of Christmas, eight Marys once graced their collective halls. Visitors are invited to explore Dundurn Castle, Whitehern Historic House and Battlefield House Museum on guided tours with costumed interpreters.
Battlefield House Museum
Former home of Mary Gage (1777 to 1853) and her 10 children - gather your family together for Christmas Past Times and step back in time to walk the beautiful landscape of BattlefieldPark, followed by a guided museum tour to experience an early 19th century home in wintertime with warmth, welcome and enticing aromas in the air.
Dundurn Castle
Former home of Mary MacNab (1812 to 1846) and her children - rediscover a Victorian Christmas as Sir Allan MacNab and his daughters Minnie (Mary) and Sophia might have enjoyed in 1855. Cedar garlands grace the drawing room, and the dining room is set for a gracious Christmas feast. Encounter the story of the family who lived above stairs and the servants who lived and worked below stairs.
Whitehern Historic House
Former home of Mary McQuesten (1849 to 1934) and her six children – immerse yourself in the McQuesten’s Childhood Christmas, complete with their original toys and holiday décor including cedar garland, rich satin ribbons, and a twelve-foot high tree trimmed with tinsel and glass ornaments.
Hamilton Civic Museums
Christmas Events
Christmas Evening Tours
December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 30, 7-9pm, all ages, $35/person
Engage in carol-singing in the front hall and sample traditional foods in the historic kitchen during an extended tour.
The McQuesten Family Christmas
Enjoy this special time of year as the McQuestens look back on the Christmas of their childhood. Once a year, the family's toys are gathered under a whimsically decorated tree. The table is beautifully set with the China they used for Christmas and New Year's. Cedar roping and satin ribbon complete the picture. Come to Whitehern and experience the holidays as they were celebrated through the eras, from the 1850s to the 1930s.
Winter Past Times
Gather your family together, take a break from holiday shopping and step back in time to walk the beautiful landscape of Battlefield Park, followed by a guided museum tour to experience an early 19th century home in wintertime with warmth, welcome and enticing aromas in the air.
Victorian Christmas
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle. The Garden Club of Hamilton decorates the Castle in Victorian splendor with cedar boughs, ribbons and dried flowers. Bring your family and share a Hamilton holiday tradition.
Winter Break Drop-In Activity Centre: Victorian Toy Makers
Try out some classic Victorian toys and make your own keepsake to take home.
December 27-31 & January 3-8, 12-4pm, 3+ years, FREE event
Winter Whimsy – Dig It! Archaeology 101
December 27, 28, 29, various times, 5-12 years, $5/person
Join us as we learn about how people lived in the past by looking at the objects that are left behind.
New Year's Eve – Family Ball
December 31, various times, all ages, $7.50/person.
Engage in games, dancing, and crafts and take part in the Wilson Street Stroll Parade.
Date modified
December 14, 2022