Events & Festivals
Holly Jolly Hamilton
Posted on Nov 5
Tis the Season! Get in the holiday spirit with Holly Jolly Hamilton.
There's a series of holiday events and festivities all across the city of Hamilton. Through November and December, you can join in on all the fun with Holly Jolly Hamilton. There is a full schedule of winter events to help support local businesses and get you in the holiday spirit. Check out the schedule below.
November:
HOLIDAY HAMILTON SNEAK PREVIEW
November 1, 2024 | 5 - 9pm
Get an exclusive first look at the season's festive finds from the local small businesses. Get an exclusive first look at the season's festive finds from the local businesses. Snag the perfect gifts before they're gone, then top off your evening with dinner and drinks in the DORA district. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
November 6, 2024 | 5:30-7:30pm
Enjoy an evening of great conversation, a fun white elephant gift exchange, and holiday cheer! There will also be a collection for personal care items for The Caring Closet of Hamilton. Bring your neighbors and celebrate the season with 17STRONG!
Y NOT EAT & DRINK LOCAL
November 11-24, 2024
Celebrate Hamilton's vibrant food and drink scene! Restaurants, bars, and breweries will offer special prix fixe menus and drink options, with $1 benefiting the YMCA's Y Club and Y Achievers programs. Enjoy local flavors while supporting a great cause!
November 16, 2024 | 10am-3pm
Celebrate the season with an unforgettable holiday shopping experience at Champion Mill Conference Center, hosted by Petals & Wicks. Discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts, festive decor, and tasty treats from local artisans, crafters, and vendors — perfect for everyone on your holiday list.
UGLY SWEATER BAR CRAWL
November 16, 2024
Don your most festive and ugly sweater for a night of fun in the DORA! Get extra points if your sweater is lit—both figuratively & literally! This event requires a ticket purchased through the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
November 22, 2024 | 5 - 9pm
Experience the magic of Music on Main, where local live music sets the stage for an evening of shopping, dining, and DORA delights! From 5-9 PM, 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!
November 22, 2024
Experience Hamilton’s first ever Pink Friday, a special shopping event dedicated to supporting local businesses! Discover unique finds, exclusive deals, and one-of-a-kind gifts while celebrating the charm and creativity of small businesses in the community. It’s the perfect way to shop small and show your love for local this holiday season!
November 23, 2024 | 5 - 8pm
Stop by Marcum Park for Hamilton’s Annual Tree Lighting event and be part of the holiday magic! 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 30, 2024
Shop local and support community! After Black Friday, it’s time to celebrate Small Business Saturday, a day devoted to our local treasures. Discover unique shops offering extended hours and special deals. Let’s support the heart of our community, one purchase at a time!
December:
December 6-22, 2024
Crawl around town to collect unique ornaments from local Hamilton shops - each valued up to $15. This event requires a ticket purchased through the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
December 6-7, 2024
Step into the magic of an authentic German Christmas at Hamilton’s Christkindlmarkt! Join us at the Butler County Fairgrounds on Friday, December 6th (5-9 PM), and Saturday, December 7th (11 AM-9 PM), for two days filled with festive food, drinks, gifts, and cherished German traditions. It’s a holiday celebration like no other!
SANTACON HAMILTON & 1K FUN RUN
December 7, 2024
Grab your hats for the second annual SantaCon as the merriest Santas take over town! The festivities kick off at Marcum Park with a spirited 1K SantaCon Fun Run. After that, the jolliest crowd of Santas will hit the DORA District for a full day of holiday fun—and maybe a little playful mischief. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!
December 8, 2024 | 1 - 4pm
Enjoy Christmas in Hamilton’s Historic German Village on Sunday, December 8th, from 1–4 PM at the North 3rd Street Plaza! Free carriage rides through the village, Christmas Carol Karaoke, live music, local choirs, and a DJ. Treat yourself to delicious food from the Creampuff Truck, German fare, donuts, kettle corn, and festive drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, and Glühwein.
SPOKEN SPECTACLE OF LIGHTS
December 13, 2024 | 7pm
Break out your bicycles and deck yourself out in all things glowing and bright! Meet up at 7 p.m. sharp in front of Municipal Brew Works where all will “glow” together as bicyclists take a cruise around Marcum Park and through German Village. This is not a race, all riders are welcome, no registration necessary. Minors must be accompanied by a glowing parent.
SANTA PAWS PET PARADE
December 14, 2024 | 11am
Whether your pet has fur, feathers, or scales, all friendly pets are welcome! Dress them in their holiday best and enjoy a fun parade, followed by pet-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. It’s the paw-fect way to celebrate the season with your beloved companions!
December 14 | 11am-3pm
Spend your afternoon art Linden Elementary School for some festive fun. Every child will receive a special gift, and families can capture memories with photos alongside Santa himself. Savor free cookies and sip on hot chocolate as soak in the holiday spirit.
LIGHT UP THE LOOP
December 15, 2024 | 6-8pm
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 with holiday cheer and Santa makes special appearances along the way. Start your adventure at Cleveland Ave and Tabor Lane. All are welcome to this magical evening!
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA
December 19 | 6-7pm
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. For ages 11 and under.
THAT'S A WRAP
December 21, 2024 | 12pm - 5pm
This is your final chance to check off everything on your list, and the local shops are open 12 pm to 5 pm, ready to help with plenty of unique stocking stuffers, thoughtful gifts, and gift cards galore. Don’t miss out on the festive fun—support local and wrap up your holiday season in style! Don’t forget to grab your free custom Holly Jolly Hamilton wrapping paper sheet while you are out and about.
December 31, 2024 | 5pm - Midnight
Come sip, stroll, and celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hamilton's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). Enjoy live music, local food, and craft beverages as you explore the vibrant streets and festivities leading up to the big countdown.
All Season Long:
PYRAMID HILL LIGHTS
November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Experience this one of a kind holiday light show at the famous Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. This drive thru adventure features 2.5 miles of of holiday lights, light-based art installations, new media artwork, and music! If you're a Hamilton resident, you get FREE entry with proof of residency every Tuesday night.
SANTA HOUSE
A beloved fixture of downtown Hamilton’s holiday season, the Santa House has undergone a complete refurbishment and is ready to spread festive cheer once again! Located back on Second Street by the courthouse, you can visit Santa every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 1 onwards. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of the season and capture special holiday memories.
We > Me: 17 Artists Explore Hamilton Neighborhoods
In collaboration with Hamilton’s dynamic citizen-led initiative, 17STRONG, the Fitton Center proudly presents We > Me, a captivating photographic journey through the lens of local artists, each capturing the heart and soul of Hamilton’s 17 unique neighborhoods. This powerful exhibition is part of the 2024 FotoFocus Biennial: Backstories, offering a fresh perspective on the stories that shape our community. Free & open to the public during November & December regular gallery hours.
LETTERS TO SANTA
Spread the holiday magic by penning your wishes on our exclusive Holly Jolly Hamilton postcards, available at local shops and restaurants around town. Once your letter is ready, drop it in Santa’s magical mailbox at Marcum Park, and keep an eye on the mail—Santa's elves might just send a special letter back just for you!
DORA ON ICE
Embark on a festive flavor adventure with our exclusive DORA on Ice cocktail and craft beer guide! Sip your way through Hamilton’s DORA-serving establishments, where special holiday offerings await. 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. Cheers!