Santa will stop by for festive fun in Hamilton while guests can enjoy hot chocolate and pose for pictures.

Residents were invited to Rockin’ Around the City Tree on November 25, from 6.30pm to 9pm for the lighting of the City Hall Christmas tree.

A City of Hamilton spokeswoman said: “A professional photographer will be on hand to take free portraits which attendees can walk away with on the night as a special holiday keepsake.

“Complimentary Santa hats and cups of hot chocolate from Ashley’s Lemonade will be given to attendees.

“There will be live entertainment and dynamic performances on the lawn to keep spirits high.”

Tamara Smith, a senior events and marketing co-ordinator at the City, added: “Nothing signifies the start of the Christmas season more than a visit from Santa and hot chocolate around the iconic City Christmas tree.

“For the past two years, the City had to pivot away from its annual tree lighting event and adopt a different format for the evening as per Covid-19 restrictions.

“However, this year we are so pleased to bring back the traditional Tree of Lights event which has always been a highly anticipated occasion as it is the official way that the City welcomes Christmas to Hamilton.”

Families were encouraged to “make a night of it” and enjoy dinner at a Hamilton restaurant or take on some holiday shopping before the event.

The spokeswoman said: “In the spirit of giving, on-site donations will be encouraged to charitable partner, Tomorrow’s Voices — Bermuda Autism Early Intervention Centre, which has been a longstanding collaborator of the annual tree-lighting ceremony.

“Tomorrow’s Voices has been the charitable partner with the City for the annual Tree of Lights event since 2017.

“Designed to meet the needs of those diagnosed with autism and on the autism spectrum, the contribution to the Bermuda community that Tomorrow’s Voices has made since its inception in 2007 has been invaluable as they help parents and guardians subsidise the therapeutic costs associated with their child’s developmental needs.”

Stacy Hill, the charity’s funding and development officer, added: “Tomorrow’s Voices is happy to partner with the City of Hamilton for the annual lighting of the tree ceremony event.

“Rockin’ Around the City Tree is a great opportunity to spread awareness on the significance of autism in our community as well as highlight the services of Tomorrow’s Voices supporting those touched by autism.

“We thank the City of Hamilton for giving us an opportunity to be a part of this historic event.”

For more information, e-mail events@cityhall.bm or visit www.cityofhamilton.bm.