Locke Street tree lighting spreads Christmas cheer

Hamilton’s Locke Street displayed the magic of Christmas with a tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa, and some old-fashioned holiday spirit.

From Nov. 15 to 16 an event called the Magic of Locke took place on the city’s Business Improvement Area (BIA) street of the same name.

At 5 p.m. on the 15, Santa Claus visited from the North Pole to take photos with a long line of locals waiting to see the jolly man.

As the sun set, anyone at the event could see sparkling wreaths hanging on streetlights.

A horse-drawn wagon made its way along the street, carrying families with large-eyed children looking at the two white horses ahead.

A large, bright red 18-wheeler truck was parked on the street – white lights outlining the front of it and a photo of an old-fashioned-looking Santa holding a Coca-Cola bottle printed on its side.

Named the Coca-Cola Caravan, the truck’s driver was giving out Oreo-flavoured Cokes to passersby.

When 6 p.m. rolled around, everyone gathered at West Town Bar and Grill where a two-person band was playing Christmas tunes.

When Santa made his way over to the bar and the band stopped singing, the tree lighting began.

After counting down from three, the crowd shouted, “Merry Christmas,” and a six-foot-tall Christmas tree filled the sidewalk with a bright yellowy glow.