The City of Hamilton has launched its 2026 Christmas Window Decorating Competition, with applications from City businesses due by Monday, November 9.
A spokesperson said, “Hamilton’s shop windows are set to get a festive makeover as the City launches its 2026 Christmas Window Decorating Competition.
“The annual competition invites businesses across the City to pull out all the stops and transform their storefronts into eye-catching Christmas displays, bringing colour, creativity and a little friendly competition to Hamilton throughout the holiday season.
“From traditional Christmas scenes to bold, imaginative displays, participating businesses will be competing for both the title of Best Christmas Window 2026 and the public-voted People’s Choice Award, along with a range of prizes.
“Beyond spreading festive cheer, the contest also aims to encourage foot traffic and support economic activity in Hamilton during the busy holiday season. The City hopes the decorated storefronts will inspire residents and visitors to spend more time exploring the capital, supporting local retailers, restaurants and other businesses along the way.
“Families are also encouraged to make an outing of it, taking a stroll through the City to admire the festive displays and perhaps combining their window browsing with some Christmas shopping, dinner at a local restaurant or a festive treat.”
City Marketing Coordinator Mrs. Talisa McGlashan said: “One of the things that makes Hamilton feel so special at Christmas is seeing the City come alive for the season, and our businesses play a huge part in that. The window contest gives them a chance to have some fun, show off their creativity and give people another reason to wander through the City and see what they’ve come up with. We’re always amazed by the effort that goes into the displays, and we’re looking forward to seeing what businesses have in store for us this year.”
The spokesperson said, “There are two categories –
- Best Christmas Window 2026 [selected by a panel of industry-relevant judges]
- People’s Choice [selected by the general public through a City-hosted voting process]
“Each participating business may enter only one window into the contest.
“The prizes are as follows:
“Best Christmas Window 2026
- $1,000 BELCO Gift Voucher
- $1,000 Donation to the Charity of the Winner’s Choice
- A Video Advertisement produced by the City of Hamilton
- A Social Media Feature
- A Dedicated Media Release from the City
“People’s Choice
- $500 Masters Gift Certificate
- $500 Donation to the Charity of the Winner’s Choice
- A Social Media Feature
- A Dedicated Media Release from the City
“Businesses must be located within City limits to be eligible for entry into the contest.
“The window decorating must be completed by Tuesday, December 1st at 5:00 PM and must remain in place at least until Wednesday, December 16th, 2026.
“All participating windows will be professionally photographed for judging between 6:00 PM on Tuesday, December 1st and noon on Thursday, December 3rd. Businesses must display the window decorating participation notice issued by the City of Hamilton in their window before the opening of voting. Public voting and judging will take place from Friday, December 4th to Monday, December 14th, 2026.
“The winners will be announced on Tuesday, December 15th, 2026. To apply to enter, go to this link. All applications are due Monday, November 9th at 5:00 PM.”
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