Businesses have been invited by the City of Hamilton to prepare themselves for the festive season and the return of the Christmas Window Decorating Contest.

The annual competition offers prizes for enterprises in the city who put together the most eye-catching holiday window displays.

Talisa McGlashan, the City’s marketing co-ordinator, said: “This contest is about more than decorations.

“It’s about building a festive spirit that draws people into the City and reminds them why Hamilton is the heart of Bermuda, especially during the holiday season.

“Every window tells a story, and together those stories create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to shop local, explore and celebrate together.

“We can’t wait to see how businesses light up the City this year.”

The competition includes two categories including the Best Christmas Window 2025, which is selected by a panel of judges, and the People’s Choice, selected through a public voting process.

Participating businesses can only enter one window into the contest and must display the participation notice issued by the City of Hamilton in the competition window before the start of voting.

The winner of the Best Christmas Window will claim a $1,000 Belco gift card, a video advertisement produced by the City of Hamilton, a social media feature, a dedicated media release from the City and a $1,000 donation to a charity selected by the winner.

The People’s Choice winner, meanwhile, will win a $500 Masters gift certificate, a social media feature, a media release from the City and a $500 donation to the charity of the winner’s choosing.

Only businesses located in the city limits are eligible, and the window decoration must be completed by 5pm on December 2 and remain in place until December 17.

All participating windows will be photographed between 6pm on December 2 and noon on December 4, with the voting and judging to take place between December 5 and 15.

Businesses must register to take part through the City of Hamilton website before 5pm on November 5.