As we approach the end of the year and the weather gets colder, our minds instinctively turn to festive holiday traditions. One of downtown Hamilton’s most popular holiday traditions is the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree of Hope, and we are excited to bring it back to Gore Park for 2023! Join us on Friday, December 1st, from 5 pm – 7 pm to witness the transformation of Gore Park as it lights up to mark the start of the holiday season.
Visitors can snack on some delicious treats before visiting Santa and two princesses for a meet and greet. There will be festive aerialists roaming the park, and you can enjoy a live musical performance from the Salvation Army Mountain Citadel Brass Band while taking a spin on the exhilarating Ferris Wheel. In addition, Gore Park will be completely decorated for Christmas, creating a winter wonderland that will jump-start your Christmas spirit.
The annual Children’s Fund Christmas Tree of Hope was founded in 1976 to bring hope to children and families struggling through the holiday season and has been providing valuable festive joy ever since. For those interested in donating to the 900 CHML/Y108/Energy 95.3 Children’s Fund, there are plenty of easy and accessible ways to do so. You can text DONATE to 30333 to make a $10 or $20 contribution, or you can donate by calling 905-521-2310. You can donate in person at the CHML Studio (875 Main Street West) or online at 900chml.com via PayPal or CanadaHelps.org. Additionally, donations of new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Downtown Hamilton BIA office (20 Hughson Street South, Suite 104) during office hours (Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) from November 15th to December 15th.
The fun doesn’t stop there! The Ferris wheel will keep on spinning in Gore Park until December 10th, 12 pm – 8 pm daily. A great pitstop while Christmas shopping or enjoying a meal with friends, and it’s completely free! Please note: operation of this Ferris Wheel is weather dependent and there is a minimum height restriction of 48″ without an adult and 36″ with an adult. All passengers must fit comfortably within the lap bar passenger restraint safety devices. Loading is directed by the device Operator to maintain a “balanced load” for proper operational function of the ride cycle.
We wish to thank Corus Entertainment and the City of Hamilton for their continued support in making this event possible and a success every year.