Hamilton businesses have been invited to get creative for the festive season in the city’s annual Christmas Window Decorating Contest.

Size is not a factor, according to marketing co-ordinator Sideya Dill, who said the most beautiful display could be found in the smallest of windows.

She added: “Each business that enters has a unique approach to decorating their space and it is always exciting to see the final product.

“It has been great to watch the contest grow over the last few years seeing more and more participants enter from all over the City of Hamilton.”

Businesses within the city limits are eligible, with two categories up for grabs:

• Best Christmas Window 2022, selected by a panel of industry-relevant judges;

• People’s Choice, selected by the general public through a City-hosted voting process.

Each business can enter just one window in the contest.

They must also display the window decorating participation notice issued by the City of Hamilton before the opening of voting.

The prizes for best Christmas window are a $1,000 Belco gift certificate, a $1,000 donation to the winner’s charity of choice, a social media feature, or a dedicated media release.

For the people’s choice, prizes are a $500 Masters Gift Certificate, a $500 donation to the winner’s charity of choice, a social media feature, or a dedicated media release.

Decorating has to be complete by 5pm on November 28 and remain up until at least December 16.

All participating windows will be professionally photographed for judging and public voting between 6pm on November 28 and 6pm on November 29.

Voting and judging will take place between December 1 and December 14, with winners announced on December 16.

Applications, due by 5pm on November 4, can be found online at the city’s website.