Holiday Traditions Canadian winter traditions, Ontario 150

Holiday Traditions

In this, Canada's 150th year, Royal Botanical Gardens is going bigger than ever with our holiday celebrations. Join us for performances, Santa experiences, exhibits and more as we welcome the holiday season. Check the full calendar to see what's happening the date of your visit.

Tickets now available for the general public!

Included in your General Admission or Membership, no registration required. Separate Ticketed Event. Pre-registration required, member discount applies.
Included in your General Admission or Membership, pre-registration required.

North Pole Experiences

Santa's Signature Experience

November 23 to December 23
Time-Ticketed; Hendrie Park

Santa returns to his favourite garden and he’s brought along his merry elves to deliver the most joyous holiday celebration yet! This year, Santa has created a signature experience for all of his little visitors to enjoy. Learn More >>

Tickets & More Information

Visits With Santa

November 22, 29, December 6, 13, 20
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Hendrie Park

November 24, December 1
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Hendrie Park

Santa Claus is coming to town! While the elves are hard at work up at the North Pole, Santa Claus is visiting RBG and is ready to hear what's on your wish list this holiday season. Just be sure you're on the nice list! Learn More >>

Included in your General Admission

Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus

December 9, 10, 17
10 a.m.; RBG Centre

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a delicious brunch buffet! Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, enjoy all of the day’s activities too! Learn More >>

Tickets & More Information

Storytelling with Mrs. Claus

Saturday December 2 and 16
10:30 a.m.; RBG Centre

Mrs. Claus invites all the good girls and boys to Santa’s Cabin to settle in, snuggle up, and listen to her read some of her favourite holiday tales. Learn More >>

Included in your General Admission (Pre-Registration Required)

Holiday Entertainment

HPO Rocks RBG

Wednesday December 6
7:30 p.m.; RBG Centre

The HPO Brass Quintet, composed of five core musicians from the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra will perform seasonal classics and Christmas carols perfect for the whole family. Learn More >>

Tickets & More Information

The Second City:
The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly Sweater

Wednesday December 13
7:30 p.m.; RBG Centre

We invite you to laugh along at The Second City Toronto Holiday Show as we make fun of all the washed up, broken down traditions that tend to plague the holiday season. Learn More >>

Tickets & More Information

Weekly Entertainment

Wednesdays and Weekends
See full schedule; RBG Centre

Come visit the gardens for a variety of performances including choirs, carollers, children's entertainment, and more! See the full schedule for more information. Learn more >>

Included in your General Admission

Displays & Exhibits

Winter Lights at the Rock

November 17-19, 23, 24, 26, 30
December 2, 7-8, 10, 14-17, 21-23, 27-30

5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (last admittance is 7:30 p.m.); Rock Garden

Let the light be your guide as the Rock Garden awakens the spirit of winter! Explore how multicultural traditions and activities that make us quintessentially Canadian are rooted in natural phenomena that change the seasons. Immerse yourself in a story of celebrations and adaptations. Learn more >>

Tickets & More Information

NEW Escarpment Train Exhibit

Weekends, November 18 - December 24
Daily, December 27 – 31
January 2 – 7

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Rock Garden

RBG’s newest train experience takes you on a journey through four seasons of whimsical Canadian landscapes while telling the story of how railroads shaped our history. Learn more >>

Included in your General Admission (Pre-Registration Required)

Botanical Train Display

November 18 to December 24
Sun. to Tues. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Wed. to Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
RBG Centre

December 27 to January 7
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; RBG Centre

Constructed from over seven tons of cedar slabs, 3,000 pounds of rock and 250 feet of track, the Botanical Train Show features famous Canadian landmarks from coast to coast! Learn more >>

Included in your General Admission

Holiday Activities

While you are visiting RBG Centre for Holiday Traditions, join us for some hands-on activities, seasonal stories, and to explore the outdoors! See the full schedule below for activities included in your general admission or membership.

December 23 to January 7

December 24 and 31 programs will run until 12:30 p.m. RBG is closed December 25, 26, and January 1.

Daily

Winter Walks

11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Hendrie Park

Take a guided walk to discover how the forest has changed to survive the coming winter. Meet in the Hendrie Park Tunnel

Daily

Storytime

10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; RBG Centre

Join an Interpreter to hear a fun holiday story.

Daily

Craft a Character

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; RBG Centre

Create your very own character and complete a winter adventure story.