Checking in with Downtown

Part 24: Hamilton Holiday Guide #2

Not only are we well into the holiday season, but the end of the year is fast approaching. While there may only be nine days left in the rest of the year, that does not mean that there is little left to do in downtown Hamilton for the rest of the year. There are still a variety of exciting events happening in the area and fun places to visit and this is the second installment of two blog posts that act as a downtown Hamilton holiday guide, with suggestions for both events and gift ideas that are sure to make the holiday season special. Not only will any place you visit from this list prove to be enjoyable and exciting, they also offer opportunities to support the local businesses and the people that make our community so incredible year-round. These guides are not comprehensive of all the fun to be had in downtown Hamilton during the holidays, but are instead designed to act as a starting point for ideas on how to enjoy the holidays around downtown Hamilton!

EVENTS

One incredible event happening in downtown Hamilton during the holiday season is The Mule’s New Year’s Eve Party, located at 41 King William Street. The Mule is a taco and tequila bar that has become a favourite for many in downtown Hamilton, with a great atmosphere and even better food. This party happens on December 31st from 10 pm to 2 am, with tacos and tequila, while DJ GSSO provides the music. Not only will this party be an exciting night filled with great food and people, but it is also the perfect opportunity to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023 in style! You can find out more about The Mule by visiting their website here, and then follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Another event in downtown Hamilton that you will be sure to enjoy is Hamilton’s Finest Annual Boxing Day Event happening at Zen Lounge, located at 69 John Street South. It returns for 2023 and promises to be a fun and exciting event to mark the end of the year. The event takes place on December 26th from 10pm to 2am, and there will be music by DJ VerseOne, Gfuss, and DJ Tunekilla, while Deemx will host. You can purchase tickets here, and then find more information about Zen Lounge on their website here before following them on Facebook and Instagram.

GIFT GUIDE

Clothing

If you are looking for the perfect gift for the clothing lover in your life, look no further than Charles & Hunt, located at 28 James Street North, unit 155. This men’s clothing store focuses on high quality and modern clothing pieces, offering a wardrobe styling and personal shopping service that includes a consultation, stylist selection and a fitting session. In addition to these incredible personal shopping services, they also offer a variety of clothing pieces, shoes, accessories, and gifts, ensuring that you will find something for that extra special person on your list. You can find more information about Charles & Hunt and shop online through their website here. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Another great option to get clothing in downtown Hamilton is City Threadz, located at 17 King Street East. This clothing store focuses on fashion sportswear, with accessories and apparel at a discounted price. In addition to clothing for men, women and children, they also offer luggage, handbags, tracksuits and much more, making it the perfect one-stop-shop for all your gifting needs. You can find more information about City Threadz and shop online through their website here, and you can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Food and Drinks

One incredible gift idea for the foodie in your life is one of the many delicious holiday treats from Sugar Daddies Bakery, located at 118 King Street East. Sugar Daddies is a bakery that focuses on keto-friendly treats, and any of their menu items are sure to be the perfect sweet treat for the holidays. With items like Hazelnut Brownies, Cranberry White Chocolate Bars, Gingerbread Caramel Scones and Gourmet Cupcakes in the flavours Egg Nog, Chocolate Gingerbread, Merry Berry, Caramel Turtle and Chocolate Mint, you are sure to find something that you enjoy and find delicious. You are sure to become a quick favorite if you bring any of these treats to your holiday get-togethers! You can find more information about Sugar Daddies and shop online through their website here, and then follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Another amazing option for the food connoisseur in your life is a gift card for Electric Diner, located at 28 James Street North. This 80s-themed restaurant is a relatively new addition to downtown Hamilton but has quickly become a favourite for many. With a menu that includes all-day breakfast, breakfast, appetizers and snacks, burgers, soups, salads and bowls, sandwiches, blue plate specials and a kids menu, the recipient of this gift card is sure to find something they enjoy and find delicious. They offer electronic gift cards which you can purchase here. You can find more information about Electric Diner and view their menu here, and then follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Accessories

One of the most exciting places to shop for gifts is Len: Democratic Purveyors of Fine Art & Beautiful Things, located at 22 Wilson Street. This gift shop is full of amazing items that will make the perfect gift for anyone in your life, regardless of their interests. It would be impossible to list every item or category of item that this store currently has, but just some of their stock is dedicated to Hamilton, music, and general pop culture, in addition to many other incredible items that anyone on your gifting list would enjoy. You can find browse their stock and shop online on their website here, and then follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Another perfect gift option for the accessories category is merchandise from Relay Coffee Roasters, located at 27 King William Street. This café has become a favourite for many people in the city looking for a great cup of coffee and an even better atmosphere, and their merchandise is the perfect way of showing your love! They have a hoodie, prints and pins, each one offering a cute and amazing way to show your support for this staple of downtown Hamilton. You can find more about Relay Coffee Roasters and shop online through their website here, and then follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

**

The businesses and events listed in this holiday guide are only a small sample of the incredible holiday opportunities that downtown Hamilton has to offer. Many stores and restaurants not listed here offer gift certificates, and you are sure to find a hidden treasure in any downtown business that you step into. The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to shop local, ensuring that local business owners feel the love during the holiday season. This is the second of two holiday guides that went out over the last two weeks, providing you with some guidance on how to enjoy the holiday season in downtown Hamilton!

If you are a Downtown Hamilton BIA member business and would like to be featured in a blog post, please email Emily Gilruth at emily@downtownhamilton.org.

NEWSLETTER

SIGN UP

The Downtown Update is the e-newsletter sent by the Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement Area to keep both members of the BIA and interested supporters of Downtown up-to-date with activities and issues in the core of our community.
SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE UPDATES