Traders have been gearing up for the official start of the festive season with a series of events planned across the Island.The North East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ) will be hosting hourly fashion shows at 7pm and 8pm on Friday December 16 and Friday December 23, while retailers will be open for business on Sunday between 1pm and 5pm.The Winter EEZy Shopping, Dining and Living promotion which runs from now until Saturday December 24 at participating North East Hamilton EEZ retailers will enable customers who buy any items during that time to redeem discount coupons in store between January 1 and February 29, 2012.In the Somerset EEZ the Hidden Treasures Flea Market will be held at Sandys Community Centre (Old Springfield) on Saturday from 10am to 4pm, while Somerset Cricket Club will be putting on its Christmas party and happy hour and karaoke on Friday, starting at 6pm.The Cricket Club’s Christmas parade featuring dance groups, majorettes, SMS drum line and Gombeys will take place the following day, with Sandys Parish Council’s ‘Christmas in Wonderland’ being held at Somerset Bridge Park with the lights being turned on at nightfall on Sunday and continuing until the end of the festive season.The Olde Towne Market in St George’s will be held in Water Street and at the Market Wharf on Sundays between 2pm and 5.30pm.Late night shopping will also be on offer on Saturday December 17 and Saturday December 24 from 6pm to 9pm. Participating businesses include Bermuda Beauty Crafts, Chris Dawson Fine Art Studio, WJSeason.com, Bermuda Linens & Gifts, Whistling Frog, CV Cafe, Conscious Vibes Fair Trade Store, The Island Shop, Burrows Lightbourn, Golden Dragon, Tavern by the Sea Restaurant, Polaris Restaurant at the Carriage House, Belinda Tartaglia Gallery, Tranquil Hair & Beauty, Wahoo Bistro & Patio, Churchills Wines, Spirits & Cigars, Pier Vu, East End Flower Alley, Robertson’s Drugstore (until 7.30pm), Globe Museum gift store section and other stores.The Rubber Tree Market in Warwick will take place between 12pm and 8pm every Saturday until the end of the year.