Hot chocolate around a sparkling Christmas tree, festive films and a chance to meet Santa himself are all in the offing as part of a series of upcoming events.

The City of Hamilton has announced its Christmas line-up which includes the return of Rockin’ Around the City Tree at City Hall on November 26 from 7pm to 9pm.

A spokeswoman for City of Hamilton said: “Join Santa for some free, festive and physically distanced photo ops.

“A professional photographer will be on hand to take the portraits which families can take away with them as a special holiday keepsake. Complimentary Santa hats and cups of hot chocolate from Brew will be given to attendees.”

Physical distancing, mask-wearing and safety measures will be in place.

The City will also host a three-night open air film event at the top of Bull’s Head Car Park from December 10 to 12 in partnership with sponsor HSBC.

Each guest can enjoy a drive-through photo booth, live activities, prize giveaways and a double header of films from the comfort of their vehicles.

December 10 will feature Home Alone 2 at 7pm followed by Love Actually at 9:30pm, December 11 will feature The Grinch at 7pm, followed by Four Christmases at 9:30pm, and Sunday, December 12, will feature Elf at 3pm with This Christmas screening at 5:30pm.

The gates will open an hour before the first screening on each night.

To gain access to the Fresh Air Films: Drive-In Pajama Jam, guests must present a receipt valued at $35 or more from a Hamilton retailer or boutique. The same model was used for entry at the Taste of Bermuda event in October 2020 which generated a stimulus of $40,000 for city eateries.

Food and drink vendors will be on site and guests are encouraged to wear their favourite holiday sleepwear.

While a SafeKey is not required for event entry, it will be required to visit the vendor area and restrooms.

The City of Hamilton had to rethink its Tree of Lights Christmas tree-lighting tradition on the steps of City Hall owing to Covid-19.

Tamara Bradshaw, senior events and marketing coordinator, said: "While we are unable to have the event continue in its usual format due to safety measures, we’re still able to offer a special experience for everyone, especially the kids.”

Donations can be made to autism charity Tomorrow’s voices, Bermuda’s early intervention centre.

For more information, contact the City of Hamilton at events@cityhall.bm or visit the City’s website at www.cityofhamilton.bm