People can now vote for their favourite Christmas-themed window display.

Twenty-four Hamilton businesses ranging from retail stores to restaurants have entered this year’s competition.

The City of Hamilton’s marketing co-ordinator, Sideya Dill, said: “We are absolutely thrilled about the number of entries this year and want to thank those businesses for answering the City’s call to help create a magical holiday spectacle for our island’s residents and entice shoppers into their stores.

“We also hope to encourage businesses to add to the festive atmosphere of the City while also enticing shoppers.”

There are two winning categories this year: the Best Christmas Window, chosen by a panel of judges, and the People’s Choice, selected by the public.

The best window will win a $1,000 Belco gift card and a donation for the same amount to an organisation of its choice.

The People’s Choice winner will receive a $500 Masters gift card and a like contribution to its chosen charity.

The judges are Jasmine Lee, from Masterworks; Selange Gitchner, from the event company Dasfete; John Harvey, from the Corporation of Hamilton; the graphic designer Avarie Graham; and the photographer Shawn Simmons (aka Mr Fotogenik).

People can vote for their favourite displays by scanning the barcode seen in any participating store window or by visiting the City’s website. Voting closes at 5pm on December 14 and the winners will be announced on December 16.