The chance to win prizes for spreading Christmas cheer was offered to Hamilton businesses.

The City of Hamilton announced this year’s Christmas window decorating contest with cash and other prizes up for grabs.

Sideya Dill, the city’s marketing coordinator, said the aim was to end the year on a high note with hopes for 2022.

She added: “2021 has been a bit of a rough year for many of us due to the pandemic, so we really hope that city businesses take part in this contest to add some much needed Christmas cheer around the streets of Hamilton and to entice shoppers into their stores.”

Windows and displays can be any size.

The city will also make a donation on behalf of the winner to a charity of their choice.

The two categories are Best Christmas Window, to be selected by a panel of experienced judges, and the People’s Choice, chosen by the public in a vote to be organised by the public.

Businesses can only enter one window and must display the competition participation notice issued by the City of Hamilton in their window before voting opens.

The best window winner will get a $1,000 Belco gift certificate, a $1,000 charity donation, a social media feature and other publicity from the city.

The winner will also get a 60 second video business spotlight to be played online and given a prime time spot on the Bermuda Broadcasting Company.

The People’s Choice winner will be awarded a $500 gift certificate for hardware store Masters and a $500 charity donation.

They will also get a social media feature and other City-generated publicity.

Window decorations must be completed by 5pm on November 29 and must remain in place until at least December 17, when winners will be announced.

The entries will be professionally photographed to help the judges and public make up their minds.

Voting and judging is will run from December 1-15.

Businesses inside the city limits are eligible to compete.

Applications can be made here.