Events & Festivals
Holly Jolly Hamilton
Posted on Nov 1
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. From scavenger hunts and Santa sightings, to holiday lights and gift shopping— there's a lot of holly jolly to go around. Don't miss out! Check out the schedule below.
November:
HOLIDAY HAMILTON SNEAK PREVIEW
November 3, 2023 | 5 - 9pm
A downtown Hamilton holiday shop hop for you to get a 'first look' at holiday inventory. Your chance to grab the best gifts before they are gone!
CHRISTMAS VACATION TRIVIA & UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER CONTEST
November 15, 2023 | 7 - 9pm
Enjoy a Christmas Vacation trivia from 7-9pm at Casual Pint Hamilton. Make sure to wear your ugliest sweater -- there will be a contest!
November 17, 2023 | 5 - 9pm
Enjoy a night filled with festive live music to really get everyone in the holly jolly spirit. Santa will be attending too, so bring the kids for a festive photo opportunity!
November 18, 2023 | 5 - 8pm
Hamilton's Annual Tree Lighting Event with Holiday music, live reindeer, carriage & train rides, face painting, balloon artists, cookies, Santa and more!
17STRONG FRIENDSGIVING ORNAMENT EXCHANGE
November 21, 2023 | 5-7pm
It's give & take this Friendsgiving! Join 17Strong at Basil 1791 for a fun ornament exchange. Also, bring a canned good for good measure for Shared Harvest Food Bank.
November 25, 2023
The Saturday after celebrating Thanksgiving is your chance to go out and support your favorite local shops and boutiques. Hamilton is full of unique small businesses offering one-of-a-kind gifts. Get your holiday shopping done early, or treat yourself!
December:
December 1 - 2, 2023
An authentic German Christmas market in the tradition of those held throughout Germany. Head to the Butler County Fairgrounds for a tradition unlike any other -- filled with magnificent crafts, sweet treats, and so much more!
SANTACON HAMILTON & 1K FUN RUN
December 2, 2023
Santas are coming to town with Hamilton's inaugural Santacon! The day kicks off at Marcum Park with a jolly 1k Santacon Fun Run. Then the jolliest bunch of Santas will take to the Dora District for a full day of fun and maybe a little mischief.
ORNAMENT CRAWL
December 1 - 17, 2023
Collect 10-20 ornaments, valued up to $15 each from businesses around Hamilton. Note: this event requires a ticket, purchased through eventbrite.com
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE LANE LIBRARY
December 3, 2023 | 1 - 3pm
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with live holiday jazz and piano music performed by the talented Chris Comer Trio. Create festive seasonal crafts and make cherished memories.
UGLY SWEATER BAR CRAWL
December 9, 2023
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 and literally! This event requires a ticket purchased through the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
JOY TO THE WALD
December 9, 2023 | 11am - 3pm
Bring the kids for this family-fun event. Come meet Santa Claus, and he will greet you with a FREE gift, hot chocolate, and cookies for every child.
ILLUMINATE HAMILTON
December 9, 2023 | 5 - 9pm
A night of dazzling lights! Downtown Hamilton will be glowing with an abundance of luminaries. Participating businesses will be staying open with extended hours and have special light displays at their storefront. Special deals will be available to those who get in the spirit and dress up in glowing outfits. Grab a DORA drink and a glowstick, and get ready for a bright night.
LIGHT UP THE LOOP
December 10, 2023 | 6 - 8pm
Stroll or roll through the Washington neighborhood to experience 2.3 miles of glowing luminaries. Santa will be out and about and carolers will be singing.
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
December 16, 2023 | 10am - 8pm
Enjoy Christmas Wonderland at Markets at Pleasant Treasures, a free event for people of all ages. Browse a craft show, bake sale, activities for kids, raffles, pictures with Santa, and even a visit from the Grinch!
December 16, 2023 | 12pm - 5pm
Time to get the last few items on your list checked off? Grab your gifts in downtown Hamilton and get free gift wrapping all day!
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA
December 21, 2023 | 6 - 7pm
Gather around at the Lane Library for a magical evening as we bring 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to life. Put on your coziest pajamas and join us for enchanting storytelling, festive crafts, and delicious cookies and milk.
All Season Long:
November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023
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'S HOUSE
December 1 – 24, 2023
Santa is coming to Hamilton! The big man himself will be returning to the Butler County Courthouse located on High Street. This is your chance to see if you made the naughty or nice list.
REINDEER GAMES
Hamilton needs your help! When Santa and his reindeer stopped in Hamilton to explore, silly Santa lost some of his reindeer...can you help him find all 9 of his missing reindeer? There are clues all around Hamilton to help you save Christmas. At each location, scan the QR code with the photo. Once you find all 9 reindeer and collect 9 letters of the code word, send it to [email protected] for your chance to win one of the holly jolly prizes.
LETTERS TO SANTA
Pen your wishes on our custom Holly Jolly Hamilton postcards - available at local shops and restaurants in Hamilton. Drop your letters in Santa's mailbox at Marcum Park and his elves will send you a letter back.
DORA ON ICE
Sip and savor this Holly Jolly Hamilton with our exclusive Dora on Ice Cocktail and Craft Beer Guide! Enjoy offerings from Hamilton's Dora serving establishments.