The countdown to Christmas will soon get under way when the Corporation of Hamilton holds its annual tree-lighting ceremony this month.

There will be an hour of live entertainment on the steps of City Hall, before the Christmas tree lights are officially switched on.

Santa Claus will also fly in to pose for photographs, and if the weather does turn frosty, free cups of hot chocolate will be on hand to warm the spirits of revellers.

A corporation spokeswoman said: “The City encourages families to make a night of it and add a stop to a City restaurant for dinner or tackle some holiday shopping with a City retailer.

“In the spirit of holiday giving, our charitable partner, Tomorrow’s Voices-Bermuda Autism Early Intervention Centre, will have a fundraising and informational booth with baked goods available for purchase.”

The event, on November 24, will start at 6.30pm with some “high-energy festive performances”.