Part 24: Holiday Guide to Downtown
We have officially entered December, meaning that preparations for the holiday season are now in full swing! This time of year brings a sense of comradery and magic, with many people across all walks of life coming together to celebrate. This blog post is designed to act as a guide for the holidays in the downtown core, providing you with some event and gift options that are sure to make the holiday season that much better. This is not a comprehensive list as the opportunities in the downtown core are too numerous to list completely here, but it is instead a starting point for readers to highlight what the area has to offer. There are plenty of amazing businesses in the downtown core that are sure to make your holiday season amazing, so continue reading for some suggestions about where to visit!
Holiday Party Venues
The Mule (41 King William Street): This restaurant focuses on chef-inspired tacos and delicious drinks, and you are sure to enjoy anything that you order on the menu. They offer two different options for holiday parties, as you can choose from an Industry Holiday Party or a Holiday Lunch Party. You can find more information here.
RELAY Coffee Roasters (27 King William Street): This café specializes in small batch, fair trade, and organic coffee, with a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere that is sure to make you feel right at home. They can accommodate evening holiday parties for 15-40 people, with delicious appetizers, snack food, beverages, and coffee. You can find more information here.
Berkeley North (31 King William Street): This West-coast inspired restaurant focuses on delicious food and drinks in addition to empathetic and genuine service. Their holiday party options can be catered to your specific needs, complete with delicious food and an inviting atmosphere. You can find more information here.
Conversate Steak & Seafood (38 King William Street): This fine dining establishment provides a traditional steakhouse fare with a unique modern flair. If you are looking for delicious food with an inviting and elegant atmosphere, this venue is sure to impress for your holiday party. You can find more information here.
Events
Electric Diner (28 James Street North): Join Electric Diner for Brunch with Santa! They are hosting Brunch with Santa on Saturday, December 16th from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sunday, December 17th from 1 to 5 pm. You can take photos with Santa, enjoy festive-themed drinks, pancakes, and cocktails, and enjoy the decorated venue. You can find more information about this event here, and then RSVP here.
Club 77: If you are looking to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024 in style, visit Club 77 for New Year’s Eve: NYE 2024, happening on Sunday, December 31. This event will be hosted by The Hammer, with music by DJ Danny D and MXJ. You can find more information about this event here, and then buy tickets here.
Taste of Lagos (54 John Street North): If you are looking for a fun night out for the holiday season, visit TOLAGOS for their Find Your Holidate event. Happening on December 8 from 7 to 9 pm, this speed dating event allows you to put yourself out there and connect with new people just in time for the holiday season. You can find more information here, and then purchase tickets here.
Zen Lounge (69 John Street South): Look no further than Zen Lounge for your New Years Eve plans! Join them on Sunday, December 31 for their Hello 2024 event, and ring in the new year with high energy excitement. You can find more information about this event here, and then buy tickets here.
Mystic Ramen (51 King William Street): If you are looking for a fun holiday themed activity, join Mystic Ramen for their Drag Brunch: Holiday Edition! There are two shows on Sunday, December 10, one at 11 am and one at 1 pm. You can find more information about this event and book tickets here.
Gifts
Visit any one of these amazing businesses within the downtown core to grab a present for that special someone in your life!
- Leathers (157 King Street East)
- Dr Disc (20 Wilson Street)
- LEN: Democratic Purveyors of Fine Art & Beautiful Things (22 Wilson Street)
- Charles & Hunt (28 James Street North Suite 155)
- Downtown Bike Hounds (19 John Street North)
- BDRK (6 John Street North)
- Watch V Repair (91 John Street South)
- Container57 (65 John Street South)
- City Threadz (17 King Street East)
- Hi & Buy Dollar Discounts & Beauty Supplies (81 King Street East)
Gift Cards
These incredible businesses offer gift cards, which can function as easy gifts to pop into someone’s stocking!
- Capri Ristorante (25 John Street North)
- Starbucks (112 King Street East)
- Escape Manor (103 King Street East)
- Burrito Boyz (66 King Street East)
- Redchurch Café + Gallery (68 King Street East)
- The Diplomat (43 King William Street)
- The French (37 King William Street)
- Tim Hortons (80 John Street North and 35 King Street East)
- Earth to Table: Bread Bar James (14 James Street North)
- Jamrock Irie Jerk (96 Main Street East Unit 4)
- Skin Vitality Medical Clinic (25 Main Street West Unit 101)
Visit any one of these amazing businesses in the downtown core to add something special to your holiday festivities! You can find a full list of the businesses within our boundary here, any of the businesses are a great place to visit for both the holiday season and beyond. If you are a Downtown Hamilton BIA business member that would like to be featured on this list, please email operations@downtownhamilton.org. There are plenty of amazing businesses in the downtown core, and shopping local this holiday season can help support businesses that make our community so great all year long!
If you are a Downtown Hamilton BIA member business and would like to be featured in a blog post, please email Emily Gilruth at operations@downtownhamilton.org.