Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, November 30, 2023
Christmas is around the corner, and it is refreshing to see the City of Hamilton in a jolly mood, with malls and shopping outlets seeing a buzz, despite the various challenges the year has brought on for the public at large.
Indian Newslink has consolidated a few family-friendly events that will be full of cheer, and help you get in the holiday spirit if you have not already. So make sure to jingle all the way to celebrate the Christmas season in the city.
Carols by Candlelight
With the festive season right around the corner, Hamilton City Council is bringing Carols by Candlelight back and it promises to be better than ever.
On Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm, Hamiltonians will make their way to the Rhododendron Lawn at Hamilton Gardens for a Christmas movie, carol singing, a live gospel choir and brass band, donation drives, face painting and more.
Whether it is getting dinner at one of the food trucks, or packing a picnic from home, everyone is in for a holly jolly time.
Tracey Wood, Council’s Event and Engagement Manager, said there is something truly special about Carols by Candlelight. “We love to connect with the community, it is a focus for the Council in every season. Carols by Candlelight is the perfect chance to bring communities together and gather your whanau and friends to celebrate the holiday season.”
The Council has partnered with the Salvation Army to provide opportunities for the community to give back at Carols by Candlelight.
“If you are able, a donation of canned goods, non-perishable food or a gold coin to buy an LED candle will go a long way. All donations will go to the Salvation Army. We understand not everyone has the means to donate but even a small contribution can help families during the holiday season,” said Ms Wood.
Christmas Parade
The Hamilton Christmas Charitable Trust was established in January 2004 to ensure that the annual Christmas Parade in Hamilton remained a permanent feature of the Christmas calendar.
The Trust promotes the theme of Christmas for the benefit of the people of Hamilton and its surrounding districts through entertainment and enjoyment, with particular emphasis on entertainment for children.
The annual First Credit Union Christmas Parade is a must-do Christmas experience for the young and young at heart. Come with your friends and family for the festival fantasy as around 80-90 floats parade down Anglesea Street in central Hamilton on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
This year’s beloved holiday parade will feature colourful grand floats representing the unique communities of Hamilton. With some loved characters, lively marching bands, dance groups, ethnic groups, cartoon characters, balloons, and of course Santa Claus himself on his sleigh, it is an experience that brings the city together in the festive spirit.
New Zealand’s Biggest Christmas Tree
In July 2011, the Hamilton Christmas Charitable Trust was also gifted the Christmas tree that stands throughout December each year in Garden Place, Hamilton. A lighting ceremony and carols concert is held on the night that the lights are switched on for the first time every year.
It is 27 metres tall to the tip of the star. That is over 6 stories high. It takes a team of 15 people to install the frame and the lighting, fluff the branches and hang the baubles and is a constant attraction for children and adults alike, who spend a few minutes after a stroll through Victoria Street, admiring the lights and colourful display.
The tree will shine brightly in Garden Place once again in 2023 and will be a great focal point for the community to gather, watch, perform and celebrate the festive season.
The Christmas Tree was lit up with a community event featuring performances, music and food trucks on Saturday, November 25, 2023, and will light up the nights right through to the first week of the New Year.
For all those who would like to meet Santa Claus, He will be at the Christmas Tree in Garden Place on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
