Votes can now be cast for the island’s best Christmas-themed window display.

According to Sideya Dill, the Corporation of Hamilton’s marketing co-ordinator, 27 participants, ranging from retail shops to real estate firms, have entered this year’s competition — the most entrants in five years.

Ms Dill said: “2023’s contest has brought a good mix of first-time participants as well as veterans and past winners of the competition.”

She also highlighted Dellwood Middle School, the first school to enter the contest, saying: “It is exciting to see Bermuda’s youth getting involved in helping us spread some holiday cheer around Hamilton’s streets.”

Similar to last year, the contest has two winning categories: Best Christmas Window, chosen by a panel of five judges, and the People’s Choice, selected by the public.

The best window will receive a $1,000 Belco gift certificate and a $1,000 donation to an organisation of its choice, and it will be highlighted on social media.

The People’s Choice winner will earn a $500 Masters gift card a $500 contribution of the same amount to its chosen charity, and will also be featured on social media.

This year’s judges are Cyniqua Anderson, lead designer and creative director of Just Dreams event planning, Lorraine Shailer, director of retail at the Hamilton Princess, award-winning local photographer Melanie Fiander, Amanda Duncan, the Chamber of Commerce’s marketing and events manager, and Nick Thomson, president of Scooter Mart.

Votes can be cast by scanning the barcode in any participating window or by visiting the City’s website.

Voting closes at noon on December 14, and the winners will be announced on December 15.