How to do Christmas Hamilton-style
Lights: Holiday Lights on the Hill: Pyramid Hill; 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, Oh 45013 (ends January 1, 2019); Monday – Thursday 6 – 9 PM ($20 Per Carload), Friday – Sunday 6 – 10 PM ($25 Per Carload)
How do you know that it’s Christmas time? Why, the twinkling lights of course! Holiday Lights on the Hill, located at Pyramid Hill off Hamilton Cleves Road, assures that you see more than a twinkle as you make your way around the two-mile stretch. With a spectacular display spread over the 300-acre park, this event boasts over a million lights used to create the winter wonderland each year. Open until January 1, 2019, Holiday Lights on the Hill is sure to bring in the Christmas spirit.
Tree: John T. Nieman Nursery; 3215 New London Rd, Hamilton, Oh 45013: Open until December 23rd; Monday – Saturday 10am-8pm Sunday 10am-6pm
There’s just something about a fresh cut pine tree that screams ‘home for the holidays’. This year, why not make those family memories and head over to the John T. Nieman Nursery? With 75 years of experience in the Christmas tree business, the nursery provides over 60,000 trees to choose from, spread out over 125 acres of land. With so many choices, the hardest part will be deciding which tree is the best. After selecting your tree, families are welcomed into the Christmas barn for cookies and hot cocoa, on the house.
Dinner: Serve City; 622 East Ave, Hamilton, OH 45011;
It is said that through giving, we receive, but we often forget that giving isn’t about receiving at all. In Hamilton alone, approximately 200 families are homeless. The folks at Serve City work hard to provide dinner every single day to those in need, but for many, this is the only meal they receive. Contact Serve City today to see how you can help feed Hamilton’s homeless this Christmas season.
Dessert: Kelly’s bakery: 1335 Main St, Hamilton, OH 45013; Tues-Fri: 5a-12:30p, Sat-Sun: 6a-12p
When Santa comes down the chimney, he looks for his milk and cookies. Luckily, for the city of Hamilton, the folks at Kelly’s Bakery have just what you need to keep Santa holly jolly. From round sugar cookies with red and green drizzle to the classic cutout cookies, Kelly’s has it all. If you don’t see exactly what you want on the shelf, that’s no problem because Kelly’s also does special orders to make sure you get the perfect cookies.
Music: “Come and See, Go and Tell”, First Baptist Church of Hamilton; 1501 Pyramid Hill Blvd, Hamilton, OH 45013; December 16th; 9:30a
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, according to Buddy the Elf anyway. In addition to your rounds of caroling, stop in at First Baptist Church of Hamilton on December 16th at 9:30 a.m. and enjoy their annual Christmas Cantata.
Christmas Story: The Presbyterian Church of Hamilton; Live Nativity Story; Front Street Court; 23 S Front St, Hamilton, OH 45011; December 14-16, 7p-8p
Each year, the Presbyterian Church on Front Street acts out the nativity story. What makes this particular rendition so special? The Presby is known for using live animals during their performance! This is a great way to engage children in the spirit of the nativity story during this holiday season.
Presents: Hamilton Hobbies; 1534 Plaza Drive, Hamilton, OH 45013; Monday- Friday 10am – 7pm; Saturday 9am – 5pm; Sunday 11am – 4pm.
Whether it’s stocking stuffers or shiny wrapped packages, gifts are a staple at Christmas time. That’s where Hamilton Hobbies comes into play. Between the mainstream stores and online shops, Hamilton Hobbies is a local family run business that specializes in RC cars, planes, and other related hobbies. One stop in and you’re inner hobbyist will thank you.
Santa: Joy to the Wald; December 15th, 11a-3p; Heaven Sent Reception Hall, 223 Pleasant Ave.
Minus the tree, the most prominent symbol of Christmas is Santa Claus himself. Dressed in his red suit, Santa will be stopping by the Lindenwald area later this month for pictures and presents for all the girls and boys. After you see Santa, stop into the Heaven Sent coffee shop for cookies and hot chocolate!
Decorations: Ruffles & Rust Expo: Holiday Edition; Butler County Fairgrounds Office; 1715 Fairgrove Ave, Hamilton, OH 45011 ; December 1-2, Saturday 9am-5pm / Sunday 10am-4pm
To complete your holiday look, you have to start at the Ruffles & Rust Holiday Edition Expo. This particular holiday-themed expo will be full of all the Christmas crafts, décor, and gifts your jolly little heart desires. Help support your local boutiques this holiday season. Tickets are only $6 each and are good for the whole event. Children 12 and under get in free.
Quality Time: Alive After 5; December 6th, 5p-9p:
One of the most overlooked but widely appreciated parts of the holidays is the time we get to spend with friends and family. Take advantage of the Christmas spirit and get to know your fellow Hamiltonians at the final Alive After 5 of the year in downtown Hamilton.