St. Joseph's Villa Foundation holds its annual Holiday Handbags gala on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Liuna Station in Hamilton, Ont., starting at 5:30 p.m. The evening raises money for Margaret's Place Hospice and St. Joseph's Villa, and last year's edition brought in more than $350,000 net, according to the foundation.

What happens during the evening?

Guests arrive to a cocktail reception and a European-inspired Holiday Market, both opening at 5:30 p.m., before a sit-down dinner at 6:30 p.m. Bidding in the silent auction ends at 8 p.m.; the live auction and Gift of Care follow five minutes later. Closing remarks and giveaways are set for 9 p.m., and winners can collect their items from 9:30 p.m. The organizer expects the night to wrap up around 10 p.m.

More than 150 lots go under the hammer, the event listing says, spanning designer handbags, fashion accessories, experience packages and goods from local businesses. Guests can also try their luck with Paper Purses, the Money Bags Raffle, the Golden Ticket and the Wine Wall.

Why you should go

  • Dinner and shopping in one night: The evening combines a sit-down meal with a holiday market that opens during the reception.
  • Plenty to bid on: Silent and live auctions together offer more than 150 items, including designer bags and accessories.
  • Several ways to win: Draws and contests such as Paper Purses and the Wine Wall give guests extra chances to take home a prize.
  • Money stays local: Ticket and auction proceeds fund hospice and campus-of-care services in the Dundas area.
  • Bring a table: Individual seats and tables of ten can both be arranged through the organizer.

What to know before you go

Holiday Handbags 2026 runs Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Liuna Station, 360 James Street North, Hamilton, in the Grand Central Ballroom. Doors, the reception and the market open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets went on sale Monday, Oct. 5 through www.holidayhandbags.com, and individual seats or tables of ten can be booked with the organizer. The brief does not give ticket prices, so check the event website or call the foundation at 905-627-9011. Fengate is the presenting sponsor.

FAQ

When is Holiday Handbags 2026?

It is on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Liuna Station in Hamilton, with doors at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.

How much are tickets and where can I buy them?

The event information does not list prices. Seats and tables of ten are available through www.holidayhandbags.com or by contacting the St. Joseph's Villa Foundation.