Tree lighting to usher in holidays in city Saturday
Hamilton will kick off the holidays with an annual tree lighting event that features live reindeer.
The community is invited to “Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays” from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Marcum Park in downtown Hamilton. Activities include music, the reindeer, carriage and train rides, face-painting, balloon artists, plus cookies and hot chocolate.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be there to visit.
Marcum Park has become the popular spot for some of Hamilton’s biggest events. It is located at Dayton and Second streets behind the Marcum Apartments, near the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. Folks may park at surrounding spots or in the nearby McDulin parking garage.
The Santa House will also return to downtown Hamilton this season. Visitors will find it at Second and High streets by the historic courthouse.
The Santa House will be open beginning Dec. 3 for children and families to deliver their Christmas wish lists and take their own photos with Santa Claus.
The Santa House requires facial coverings and social distancing will be monitored during visits. The hours for the house are:
■ 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3
■ Noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 4-5
■ 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10
■ Noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 11-12
■ 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 17
■ Noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 18-19
■ 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20-22
■ Noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 23
■ Noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 24, Christmas Eve
The Santa House is sponsored by McDonald’s Levajo and the Downtown Special Improvement District.
Also on deck in Hamilton is the annual German Village Christmas Walk. It takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 in the historic neighborhood that also includes Marcum Park. The German Village event takes place at local businesses and on the porches of some of the homes. There will be glassblowing, storytelling, decorations, craft vendors, German food and live music.
The Christmas Walk also includes a horse-drawn wagon ride around the neighborhood.