Christmas is just around the corner and it's certainly going to be the season to be jolly in Hamilton this year.
Plans for a host of festive events have been revealed as the town centre gets set to sparkle once again.
As always the celebrations will be run by Hamilton Our Town, whose seasonal street markets have proved popular in recent years.
In a recent ballot, local firms voted yes for the business improvement district to represent them for the next five-year period, meaning more festive cheer is on the way!
After last year's successful initiative, Hamilton's Christmas lights will once again be turned on by a community hero voted for by the public. The campaign is currently ongoing and locals are invited to nominate their 'Hamilton Hero' by Thursday, November 17 at 5pm.
The event in 2021 saw over 3000 people turn out for the occasion.
The Christmas lights will be switched on by the winner on November 26 at 5.30pm. You can nominate your community hero by contacting the Hamilton Our Town Facebook page.
The campaign is looking for someone who has went above and beyond to help others and their community in Hamilton over the past year.
The winner will also receive £100 in vouchers from the Regent Shopping Centre and a special ‘Premier 10’ membership package for Hamilton Park Racecourse, including Admission to all 10 premier race meetings (ticket value £292).
Also taking place during the Christmas lights switch-on event, Quarry Street will host a full day of free festive entertainment, featuring Hang On Climbing Centre, Christmas markets, live music at the band stand, and lots more. The event runs from 10am to 6pm.
The following week sees the return of the much-anticipated reindeer parade where Santa will visit the town centre with his sleigh-pulling helpers.
The event takes place on Saturday, December 3 between 10am and 4pm where the Christmas markets will be back open with lots of free family entertainment for all t enjoy once again.
The parade commences at 2pm.
The final festive event is scheduled for Saturday, December 17, and will be the Hamilton Christmas Gala.
Taking place the weekend before Christmas, locals are invited to join in the celebrations in the town, with plenty of vendors on hand at the Christmas stalls, food and drink markets, and lots more.
Live music, entertainment and free activities will all be on show for everyone to enjoy on the day, running from 10am to 4pm.
Hamilton Our Town would like to thank the Regent Centre, Juniors Play Café, Hamilton Park, South Lanarkshire Council, the team at Halo Arts and David Johnstone stall hire for their support in this year's festivities.
Gearing up to the events, Hamilton Our Town manager Malcolm Thomas-Harley told Lanarkshire Live: "We’re really looking forward to these festive events as we’ve really packed in a huge amount into each day.
"Our performers range from fantastic community acts to nationally recognised performers as we continue our aim of providing a high quality, free and engaging visitor experience.
"The market also adds so much to the events and we’re hugely proud to be working with David Johnstone Stall hire once again who runs the market at Chatelherault.
"We’ve a great set of vendors selling all manner of unique products and just in time for Christmas!
"We’re hugely aware right now of the financial challenges for families, this is why these events are open to all, free and include kids’ activities such as free kids climbing in the Hang On Climbing centre, free face painting and kids outdoor play.
"These are going to be events not to be missed….and are for all the family to enjoy this Christmas."
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