Get in the holiday spirit with Holly Jolly Hamilton
Holly Jolly Hamilton is back, bringing twinkling lights, festive events, and endless holiday cheer! From dazzling decorations and family-friendly fun to local shopping, dining, and seasonal surprises, there’s magic around every corner. Bundle up, gather your loved ones, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
November:
November 20, 2026 | 5 - 9 PM
Experience the magic of Music on Main, where local live music sets the stage for an evening of shopping, dining, and DORA delights! Enjoy extended hours at your favorite local spots, snap a photo with Santa, frolic in the falling "snow," and join in caroling with the community. It’s a holiday celebration you won't want to miss!
HAMILTON WELCOMES THE HOLIDAYS: TREE LIGHTING
November 21, 2026 | 5 - 8 PM
Celebrate the season at the annual Christmas tree lighting at Marcum Park! Enjoy festive music, live reindeer, enchanting carriage and train rides, face painting, balloon artists, holiday treats, and so much more. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable evening of seasonal fun!
November 29, 2026 | 10 AM - 3 PM
Celebrate the season with an unforgettable holiday shopping experience at Champion Mill Conference Center. Discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts, festive decor, and tasty treats from local artisans, crafters, and vendors — perfect for everyone on your shopping list.
December:
December 4 - 5, 2026
Step into the magic of an authentic German Christmas Market at Hamilton’s Christkindlmarkt! Enjoy two days filled with festive food, drinks, gifts, and cherished German traditions.
December 6, 2026 | 12 - 4 PM
Enjoy an afternoon filled with free carriage rides, live music, and festive fun! Sip on hot chocolate, coffee, or Glühwein, and savor authentic German sweets and eats in an outdoor, picnic-style setting — with covered tents to keep you cozy.
December 12, 2026 | 7 PM
Break out your bicycles and deck yourself out in all things glowing and bright! Glow together as you take a cruise around Marcum Park and through German Village, ending at Municipal Brew Works. This is not a race, all riders are welcome, no registration necessary.
December 13, 2026 | 6 - 8 PM
Light up the Loop is a 2.3-mile journey through glowing luminaries in the Washington Neighborhood. Whether you stroll or roll, enjoy the festive sights as carolers fill the air and Santa makes special appearances along the way.
December 16, 2026 | 6:30 - 8:30pm
Enjoy a traditional holiday Latin American celebration with food, music, and fun.
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA
December 21, 2026 | 6 - 7 PM
Join in on a fun, festive evening in the historic rotunda at the Lane Library! Enjoy a holiday craft, milk and cookies, and a special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with Santa himself. Don't forget to wear your holiday pajamas.
December 31, 2026 | 5 - 7:30 PM
This year marks the third annual Hollow Earth Drop, and in its honor, the glowing 6-foot Hollow Earth has received a dramatic redesign that’s sure to spark wonder. Get ready for an illuminated descent over Main & D — a moment any true believer in Hamilton’s weirdest theory won’t want to miss.
All Season Long:
This drive-thru adventure features 2.5 miles of holiday lights, light-based art installations, and music at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027
THE GREAT ELF-SCAPE
Santa's elves have escaped the North Pole and are running wild in Downtown Hamilton! Follow the clues, explore downtown shops, and keep your eyes peeled for elves getting into all sorts of holiday shenanigans! Gather your family and friends for a FREE, self-guided holiday scavenger hunt full of festive fun, mischievous surprises, and chances to win prizes!
SANTA HOUSE
A beloved fixture of downtown Hamilton’s holiday season returns! Located on Second Street by the courthouse, you can visit Santa every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Don’t miss the chance to meet the big man in red and capture special holiday memories.
LETTERS TO SANTA
Pick up your Letters to Santa stationery at the Santa House or any participating downtown business, then drop off your completed letters at one of Santa’s magical mailboxes; located in Marcum Park and at the Government Building. Each letter travels straight to the North Pole! Be sure to include a return address—Santa’s elves just might write back!
DORA ON ICE
Embark on a festive flavor adventure with an exclusive DORA on Ice cocktail and craft beer guide! From seasonal cocktails to local brews, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the magic of Holly Jolly Hamilton while treating yourself to a delightful taste-testing journey around town.