A string of events designed to brighten up the festive season were announced today by the City of Hamilton, despite Covid-19 restrictions.

A spokeswoman for the City said the celebrations had been adapted to comply with health regulations.

The public can visit City Hall on November 27 from 7pm to 9pm for Rockin’ Around the City Tree and get their photographs taken with Santa and the traditional Christmas tree.

The City appealed to attendees to “make a night of it” by eating out at a restaurant and doing some festive shopping to boost businesses hard-hit by the coronavirus.

Allison Tucker, the City’s senior events and marketing coordinator, said: “The Tree of Lights event has always been a highly anticipated evening as it is the official way that the city welcomes Christmas to Hamilton.

“While we can’t 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 to charitable partner Tomorrow’s Voices, an autism centre and longstanding supporter of the annual tree lighting ceremony, will be encouraged.

The city has also planned a three-night Drive-in Holiday Pajama Jam on the top floor of Bull’s Head Car park off Dundonald Street from December 11 to 13.

Guests can visit a drive-through photo booth, enjoy live entertainment, car ‘carol-oke’, prize giveaways and a double header of holiday films from the comfort of their cars.

Attendees must present a receipt valued at $35 or higher from a city retailer or boutique to enter.

The city said the move was to help will help encourage people to shop at city businesses.

The same model was used for entry to the Taste of Bermuda event last month, which generated $40,000 for the city.

Ms Tucker added: “With such an amazing response to the monies spent for entry to Taste of Bermuda, we’re thrilled to be able to offer the same model to benefit the city’s retailers and boutiques.

“The holiday season will organically drive more shoppers into stores but we hope this added incentive to spend will serve up an added boost for our stores.

She told the public: “So, save those receipts, Bermuda, and we’ll see you at the movies.”

Families are encouraged to wear their pyjamas enjoy the fun and some holiday film classics.

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