Christmas in Gore Park Returns for 2025!

Downtown Hamilton celebrates the season with a night of music, lights and holiday cheer.

As the weather cools and the holidays draw near, one of Hamilton’s favourite holiday traditions once again takes centre stage. Hamilton’s Holiday Tree Lighting, presented by the City of Hamilton and the Downtown Hamilton BIA, takes place Friday, December 5 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Gore Park.

Attendees will find Gore Park transformed into a winter wonderland that is sure to impress every member of the family. Corus Entertainment’s Y108 and Energy 95.3 will broadcast live from Gore Park throughout the day, sharing the excitement with listeners across Hamilton. Visitors can grab a sweet treat, visit Santa for a photo, and say hello to the ice princesses before taking a ride on the carousel. Don’t miss the countdown as the tree sparkles to life at 7 p.m. Gore Park will be beautifully decorated for the season, offering the perfect backdrop for festive photos and holiday memories.

The excitement doesn’t stop at just one night! The festivities will continue as the carousel will stay in Gore Park until December 15th, running from 12 to 8 p.m. daily. It is completely free to ride, so grab your loved ones and come take a spin. Riders over 100 lbs are asked to stand beside children or use the carousel benches, ensuring everyone can ride safely.

Hamilton’s Holiday Tree Lighting is held in support of the Tree of Hope. 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 this valuable work has continued ever since. For those interested in donating to the Children’s Fund, donations can be made online (payment by credit card) at childrensfund.ca or via e-transfer to accounting@childrensfund.ca.

The Downtown Hamilton BIA extends its thanks to the City of Hamilton, Corus Entertainment, and the Rotary Club of Hamilton for their continued support in making this beloved event possible. For details and updates, visit downtownhamilton.org/treelighting or follow @dwntwnhambia on Instagram and @DowntownHamiltonBIA on Facebook