2025 Exhibit and Events
2025 Exhibit- Handcrafted History from A to Z
The love and energy that goes into handcrafted items spans centuries. Castle Kilbride has a huge collection of handcrafted items, some are on permanent display like the wall and ceiling murals however many of these items are kept in storage. This is their time to enjoy the spotlight. From items dating to 1820 to today from fashion to furniture, from functional to fun every item has a story to tell. This exhibit highlights the hard work and love that has gone into creating works of art whether it was for practical reasons or just for show.
Begins March 12th!
Are you a local artisan? Castle Kilbride would love to hear from you! Contact us!
Belvederes in the Belvedere
It is not a cupola, and it isn’t a widow’s walk….it is a Belvedere! Translating to “beautiful view” in Italian, this unusual architectural feature adorns unique homes across North America. Visit Castle Kilbride to see other homes with beautiful views!
On display until November 9th, 2025, in the Belvedere Gallery!
Castle Kilbride Costume Pet Parade
Date: Sunday October 5, 2025
Time: 1 p.m.
Cost: Free participation
Pet owners are encouraged to bring their costumed pets to the front lawn of Castle Kilbride for a parade around the heart-shaped driveway and around the block! Show off your furry friend in this community event! Rain or shine.
Participants are required to observe the following guidelines:
- Pet owners are responsible for their animals and are responsible to ensure that their pet is properly socialized, non-aggressive towards strangers and other dogs.
- Pets must be neutered or spayed to participate.
- Pets must be on-leash (non-retractable) or in a carrier.
- Pets must be accompanied by an adult leash-holder.
- Pet owners must pick up after their pet.
- Pet owners are legally and financially responsible for any damage or injury caused by their pet.
- No exotic pets please.
- Castle staff and volunteers reserve the right to ask pet owners to remove their pet from the event as needed.
- Please obey traffic rules.
Please register your pet before the event.
Thank you!
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo at Castle Kilbride!
Come dressed in your favourite costume and help Castle Kilbride’s Fairy Godmother create a magical spell to prepare Cinderella for her magical Halloween Ball!
Explore the Castle for magical supplies, paint your very own pumpkin coach and meet the one and only Cinderella!
Fairy Godmother wishes to welcome as many children as possible to this kid's only event. Tickets required in advance.
Saturday October 25th 1-3 p.m.
Ages: 5 - 12
Cost: Child - $17 (Child only event)
Whimsical Weekends: Handmade Hobbies Edition
Date: Select Weekends throughout the year
Time 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Cost: $8/Adult, $5/Child, $25/Family (in advance)
Whimsy and wonder are planned for these days to pair with our special exhibit Handcrafted History from A to Z. Visitors will enjoy a guided tour of the Castle and exhibit. After, make a themed based craft to take home!
September 20 & 21– Watercolour Bookmark
October – To be Announced
November 22 & 23 – Kirigami Snowflakes (Paper cutting)
December – To be Announced
Ghost Walks
They’re back………
Take a walk on Castle Kilbride’s eerie side. The tour features frescoes from an artist who should have been dead, playful kids throughout, including Kilbride’s resident spirit and haunted antiques that have found their way back to the Castle. Participants secluded inside the house with their guide creates a perfect environment for experiences. This indoor tour has not disappointed it has been Ghost Walks most active.
Tour with costume guide as they present an out of the ordinary tour. In partnership with Ghost Walks.
Upcoming Dates...
Saturday September 27
Saturday October 4
Friday October 10
Saturday October 11
Friday October 17
Saturday October 18
Friday October 24
Saturday October 25
Saturday November 1
For tickets please go to ghostwalks.com and click on the Castle Kilbride tile.
Christmas at the Castle
An enchanting, lavish and magical! Christmas at the Castle is the most wonderful time of the year to visit. The halls and rooms of the Victorian mansion are beautifully bedecked with trees, ribbon and garland just as the Livingston family did over one hundred years ago.
Beginning November 19th, until January 4th the Castle will be fully decorated.
Open Wednesday to Sunday 10-3
Extra Holiday hours:
- December 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 and Jan. 2, 3 & 4
Herner's Victorian Village
This display will transport you to Victorian England at Christmastime. Inspired by locations from Dickens novels, this enchanting miniature village features and array of tiny homes, shops, British landmarks and figurines. Created and kindly loaned by David Herner and family. On from November 19th until January 4th in the Belvedere Gallery with regular admission. *Please note stairs are required to access this display.
Story Time with Father Christmas
Date: Thursdays Nov. 27
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 and 7:00 – 8:00
Cost: $12/adults or $8/child
Story time with Father Christmas, photo with the jolly man himself and tour of decorated Castle. Tickets are required.
Christmas at the Castle with Elsa
Help Elsa get ready for Christmas by touring through Castle Kilbride to find the best decorations for her Christmas tree!
Explore the Castle for festive decorations, create your very own take home ornament and meet Elsa herself!
Elsa wishes to welcome as many children as possible to this kid's only event. Tickets required in advance.
Saturday November 29th 1-3 p.m.
Ages: 5 - 12
Cost: Child - $17 (Child only event)
Castle by Candlelight
Offered: Thursdays December 4 & 11
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tour style: self-guided with costumed guides in various rooms
Cost: $12 adults/$7 child
Warm yourself in the glow that emanates from every room of the decorated Castle and imagine yourself as a guest of the Livingston family Christmas in 1895. A self-guided tour with costumed staff in rooms. Entertainment by Local Vocals, Finish your tour with shortbread and warm cider. Tickets are required.
Sugarplum Tea & Tour
Offered: Sunday December 7 &14
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Tour style: guided tour first with tea to follow
Cost: $22 p.p.
A yuletide tour of the decorated mansion by a costumed guide followed by treats of cranberry/white chocolate scone, shortbread cookie paired with “gingerbread house fruit tea.” Tickets are required.
Sugarplum Tickets Coming Soon
Homeschool Day at Castle Kilbride
Dates: Thursday December 11 or Friday December 12
Times: 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person
Homeschool Days include a guided tour of Castle Kilbride decorated for the holiday season, activities and take-home craft. This year we are focusing on Handcrafted Histories which features one-of-a-kind toys that students can play with. For students 5 years and older.
Castle Kilbride Book
Castle Kilbride: The House That Flax Built is the definitive book about Wilmot Township's beloved National Historic Site, written and compiled by the Castle Kilbride Advisory Committee. For the first time in full colour, this gorgeously illustrated book recounts the history of the house back to its very beginnings in 1877 and illustrates that history with stunning photographs dating from over a century ago to today. For anyone who is curious about the eye-catching mansion in the middle of a quiet village, and for visitors who simply can't see everything in just one tour, this book will be a treasured keepsake. Cost $26 including tax. Available in the Castle's Gift Shop
Contacts