'Tis the Season! Get in the holiday spirit with Holly Jolly Hamilton
Through November and December, you can join in on all the seasonal fun with Holly Jolly Hamilton. There is a full schedule of events to help support local businesses and get you in the holiday spirit. Check out the schedule below.
November:
November 15, 2025
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!
November 16, 2025 | 10am - 3pm
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.
November 21, 2025 | 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! 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, 2025
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!
December:
December 5-21, 2025
Crawl around town to collect unique ornaments from local Hamilton shops.
December 5-6, 2025
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. It’s a holiday celebration like no other!
December 7, 2025 | 12 - 4pm
Enjoy free carriage rides through German Village, live music, and vendors. Treat yourself to delicious food and festive drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, and Glühwein.
December 7, 2025 | 12 - 4 PM
Spend your afternoon in Lindenwald 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 you soak in the holiday spirit.
December 13, 2025 | 7pm
Break out your bicycles and deck yourself out in all things bright for a glowing night ride through Marcum Park and German Village!
December 13, 2025 | 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, 2025 | 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 and Santa makes special appearances along the way.
December 18, 2025 | 6:30 - 8:30pm
Enjoy a traditional holiday Latin American celebration with food, music, and fun.
December 20, 2025 | 12 - 5pm
This is your final chance to check off everything on your list, and the local shops are ready to help with plenty of unique stocking stuffers, thoughtful gifts, and gift cards galore. Don’t forget to grab your free custom Holly Jolly Hamilton wrapping paper sheet while you are out and about.
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA
December 22, 2025 | 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.
December 31, 2025 | 5pm - Midnight
Enjoy live music, local food, and craft beverages as you explore the vibrant streets and festivities leading up to the big countdown — where a dazzling 6-foot glowing globe lights up the night as it descends at Main & D Street! After the drop, keep the celebration going as you sip, stroll, and toast to 2026 throughout Hamilton’s lively DORA.
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!
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 from December 1 onwards. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of the season and capture special holiday memories.
LETTERS TO SANTA
Spread the holiday magic by penning your wishes on 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 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.