The City of Hamilton has launched a citywide competition, challenging businesses to create spectacular Christmas window displays.The Christmas Window Display Competition will begin on the first evening of late-night shopping, November 29, and with other holiday events is hoped to encourage Bermudians to shop locally this Christmas season.Danilee Trott, events project manager for the City of Hamilton, said: “We know that in order for Bermuda to get through the current economic challenges we are experiencing, we must work together. To this end, we have created a window display competition, together with other events.”The competition will be open to retailers throughout the City, and offers prizes including $500 gift vouchers from Belco and Bermuda CableVision.Paula Clarke, of the Retail Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, said the competition will be just a part of the efforts to bring a festive atmosphere to Hamilton this holiday season.“The hope is to encourage people to spend their holiday budget in Bermuda in support of the local economy and to keep Bermuda working,” he said.“The Chamber of Commerce very much appreciate the City of Hamilton’s leadership and its willingness to work with the interested parties to achieve what we believe will be a better Christmas offering and a more festive atmosphere in the city for all to enjoy.”And Roxanne Christopher, of the Economic Empowerment Zones Agency (EEZA), said North Hamilton businesses were excited to be part of the Christmas initiative.“Our members will be participating in all activities taking place throughout the holiday season and are thrilled to be partnering with the City to showcase what makes North East Hamilton such a special place to eat, shop and play,” she said.Application forms are available on the respective websites of City of Hamilton, Chamber of Commerce and the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) and hard copies can be collected from City Hall on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.All completed applications must be in by November 13 at 5pm. Application forms can be e-mailed to events@cityhall.bm or brought into the administration offices of the City of Hamilton.