Holidays go International in Hamilton Village

Schedule Released

(Hamilton, NY) Passports to the World of Holidays in Hamilton don’t have nearly the wait-time of US passports and are twice as much fun! Twenty-two local merchants will have holiday passports available for issue to shoppers this week, beginning on Saturday, November 21st.

Shoppers who present their passports when making purchases at participating locations will receive a validation stamp. Passports with seven or more stamps are eligible for a drawing for some excellent prizes, including the Grand Prize: an overnight stay at the Renaissance Hotel in Syracuse and a gift certificate to SpaZend, central New York’s Asian-inspired day spa.

All around Hamilton’s downtown village, merchants are preparing to welcome shoppers who decide to forgo trips out of town for holiday purchases with refreshments, in-store specials, and the excitement of learning about holiday celebrations around the world. This year, more than ever, it is important to bolster our local economy.

“Downtown merchants have been busy decorating their storefronts for the holiday season,” said Lauri Tomberlin of Evergreen Gallery. “We invite our friends and neighbors to enjoy a stroll downtown to view the displays, begin their holiday shopping, and perhaps have a nice meal.”

The World of Holidays Kickoff will begin with a day of open shops, sales and specials from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the village. Free gift-wrapping will be offered at the Colgate Inn from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. A buffet dinner will also be available for $15 from 5-8 p.m. and shoppers may enter to win a gift basket of items donated by local merchants. Joy’s Dance Studio and the Peppermill will each host an Open House during the afternoon, the Colgate Bookstore will offer 20% off children’s books, toys, games, calendars and non-Colgate gifts, and the Palace Theater will present live entertainment with “The Water Coolers” at 8 p.m. (tickets are $25).

Pick up your very own World of Holidays passport from Adventure Bikes & Boards, Alliance Bank, the Barge Canal Coffee Company, Colgate Bookstore, Colgate Inn, Curtis Lumber, Evergreen Gallery, Hamilton Massage Therapy, Hamilton Village Real Estate, The Hour Glass, Joy’s Dance Studio, La Iguana Restaurant, MAD Art, Inc., Maxwell’s Chocolates, Nichols & Beal Bar and Grill, Oneida Savings Bank, Palace Theater, The Peppermill, Porter Studios and Fine Arts Gallery, Steph Boutique, Sushi Blues, or 22 Utica St. Café and get involved in Hamilton’s unique holiday celebration this year.

Hamilton’s World of Holidays 2009 Event Schedule

Friday, Nov. 20 – The Peppermill celebrates France; 4 pm till close; French cheeses and sweets; free.

Saturday, Nov. 21 – World of Holidays Kickoff Event and Passport Distribution; shopping in Hamilton village 10-5 pm; free gift wrapping 12-6 pm at Colgate Inn; buffet dinner at Colgate Inn 5-8 pm $15.

Saturday, Nov. 21 – Colgate Bookstore Kickoff Sale; 10 am-5 pm; 20% off all children’s books, games, and toys; 20% off all non-Colgate gifts; 20% off all calendars.

Saturday, Nov. 21 – Open House at Joy’s Dance Studio; 1-4 pm; refreshments; door prizes; open registration for classes.

Saturday, Nov. 21 – The Peppermill celebrates France; 1-6 pm; French cheeses and sweets; free.

Saturday, Nov. 21 – Live entertainment at the Palace Theater with The Water Coolers; 8pm; general admission $25.

Tuesday, Dec. 1 – Book Lovers’ Club Holiday Reception at the Colgate Bookstore; 6-7:30 pm; holiday treats, free books, holiday shopping assistance; Not a member? Join for free at the Bookstore.

Thursday, Dec. 3 – Steph Boutique; 5-7 pm; complimentary Scottish shortbread; select sale item of the evening.

Friday, Dec. 4 – Open House at Colgate Bookstore; 9 am-9 pm; 10% off entire purchase (some restrictions); 2-6 pm in Gift Wing: Vera Bradley giveaways, free paraffin hand treatment, and raffle to benefit local breast cancer fund; free hot, mulled cider, tea, and traditional English holiday treats throughout the day.

Friday, Dec. 4 – Open House at Hamilton Village Real Estate; 5-7 pm; holiday refreshments; free.

Friday, Dec. 4 – Annual tree lighting on the Village Green & appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus 5:30 pm; refreshments; trolley rides from 5-7; free.

Saturday, Dec. 5 – Breakfast with Santa at the Colgate Inn; 8-1 1am; $10.95 adults, $5.95 children (5-12 yrs), under 5 free; price includes photo with Santa.

Saturday, Dec. 5 – English Christmas children’s program at Colgate Bookstore; 11 am; featuring Christmas stories by English authors and traditional Christmas snacks; free.

Saturday, Dec. 5 – Open House at Evergreen Gallery; 10 am-3 pm; free sampling of Japanese cuisine; one-day sale with 20% discount on vintage kimono scarves and tea sets.

Saturday, Dec. 5 – A Holiday Classic Double Feature at Hamilton Movie Theater with Rudolph & Frosty; 12:30 pm; sponsored by Leigh Baldwin & Co.; visit with a real reindeer; free.

Saturday, Dec. 5 – Richard Frost and Tapestry: All Centuries Singers; vocal performance and book-signing; Colgate Bookstore 1^st Floor; 3 p.m.; free

Saturday, Dec. 5 – Santa visits the Palace Theater/North Pole; 3-6pm; crafts, reindeer games, cookies and hot chocolate; free.

Saturday, Dec. 5 – “Share the Spirit” reception and silent art auction at MAD Art, Inc.; 5-7 pm; features the art and photography of Greece; beer, wine, tasty hors d’oeuvres and door prizes will be offered. Bring a friend and join MAD Art!

Thursday, Dec. 10 – Steph Boutique; 5-7 pm; complimentary Scottish shortbread; select sale item of the evening.

Thursday, Dec. 10 – Hamilton Book & Movie Club presents “A Good Year”; 5:30 pm movie followed by dinner & discussion; $16 for book/movie/dinner, $8 for movie/dinner. Sign up in advance at the Bookstore.

Saturday, Dec. 12 – The Muppet Christmas Carol at the Hamilton Movie Theater; 12:30 pm; sponsored by Dunn, Bruno and St. Leger; featuring a performance by HCS instrumental groups; free.

Saturday, Dec. 12 – Family entertainment at the Palace Theater – Babes in Toyland; 1:30 pm; general admission $7 students/seniors, $10 adults, children under 2 sitting on lap are free.

Monday, Dec. 14 – Sushi Blues hosts the 3^rdAnnual Bentley the Dog Memorial Dinner and Auction, benefitting the Norwich SPCA; 5 pm – on; contact store for more details.

Tuesday, Dec. 15 – Tabernacle Chorus, Colgate Inn Lobby; 7-8 pm; free

Thursday, Dec. 17 – Steph Boutique; 5-7 pm; complimentary Scottish shortbread; select sale item of the evening.

Holidays go International in Hamilton Village

M3P Media LLC © 2009