The City of Hamilton rang in the Christmas season last night with the return of its annual Rocking Around the City Tree event.

The front of City Hall was packed with families adorned in Santa hats eager to get a start on the festive season, enjoy live entertainment and watch the City’s Christmas tree be lit.

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, welcomed the crowds to the event, saying the corporation was happy to once again celebrate without the need for Covid-19 restrictions.

He also urged attendees to support Tomorrow’s Voices, an autism charity that has collaborated with the City on the annual event since 2017, to ensure that it is able to continue its work in the community.

Thomas Medeiros, who attended the event with his five-year-old daughter, Megan, said he was shocked by the turnout for the event.

“I honestly wasn’t intending to come around, but she wanted to see what was going on and now she wants to see Santa so I guess I’m sticking around,” he said.

“It feels good that we can have these kinds of events again, and it is pretty exciting to see this many people out and about in town.”

Lauren Hart said that she was thrilled to see the event return to its former scale.

“I love seeing the Christmas lights up around the City and the stores opening late,” Ms Hart said. “It’s hard not to get a little excited about Christmas.”

She added that while she was excited about the holiday, she was concerned about the cost of Christmas gifts this year.

“I’m trying not to think about that right now,” Ms Hart said.

Dion Washington said that while he enjoyed the atmosphere, it was important for people to remember the meaning of the holiday and the spirit of giving.

“Everyone’s having a harder time than usual right now,” he said. “It’s really easy to get caught up in the music and the hot chocolate and we have to remember we are here to take care of each other.”