Hamilton is again transforming itself into the home of festive cheer with several initiatives rolling out for Hamilton Christmas City.
A Festive Guide to Christmas in Hamilton is available to inform residents and visitors of the main festive events which are all family-friendly and confirm Hamilton as the home ofChristmas festivities.
Copies of the guide can be collected from key locations throughout the city, including council facilities, or downloaded from www.hamilton.co.nz/ChristmasCity.
Events featured in the guide include the popular Christmas Cheer with the Mayor, which is running for a third consecutive year.
Mayor Julie Hardaker welcomes residents to join her on the ninth floor of the council's Municipal Building in Garden Place for the evenings of December 10 and 11 from 8.15pm.
"I am looking forward to sharing a great view of the city and to see the Christmas tree lights come on, and welcome people to join me for cake and punch, and a few Christmas goodies," she says.
As part of Hamilton Christmas City, a free Christmas GO Bus service will tour Harrowfield and Temple View Christmas lights on December 16, 17 and 18. The special service will depart from Caro St at 9pm for a gold coin donation. Seats are limited, so bookings are essential. Those interested should email tracey.wood@hcc.govt.nz by Friday, December 13.
Meanwhile, Hamilton is painting itself red - and green - in celebration of the festive season.
The lights on Victoria Bridge will be glowing red and green, along with the fountains in Garden Place and central city street poles.
About 200 Christmas-themed pole banners have been installed throughout the city, festive designs are being projected on to the pavement in Hood and Victoria Sts and the large Norfolk pine on the Bridge St/Anglesea St roundabout is lit up for the festive season.
Visit www.hamilton.co.nz/HamiltonChristmasCity for more details about local Christmas initiatives.
