Press Release

Hamilton, Ontario, October 23, 2024 - The local area businesses on Hess Street and George Street have come together to create a magical Holiday and winter experience for Hamiltonians. Nestled in the heart of Hamilton’s downtown core, the Hess Village Winter Market will celebrate Hess Village’s rich history and charm, Victorian architecture and cobblestone streets, mixed with the new energetic atmosphere brought by current businesses. By partnering with surrounding establishments and local makers, the winter market will showcase Hamilton’s incredible community of artists, entrepreneurs and restaurateurs and what can be created when they work together.

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The initiative will kick-off on Saturday, November 23rd and run for two consecutive weekends. The winter décor and lights will carry on until February. The theme of the event will celebrate Hamilton’s strong arts and community culture, putting a fresh take on winter traditions we know and love. The village will be designed and decorated by Hamilton stylist April Maciborka from Olive Studio who will transport attendees to various winter themes. 

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"The Hess Village Winter Market highlights what makes Hamilton special—our creative entrepreneurs, vibrant businesses, and a strong sense of community,” adds Ryan McHugh, Manager of Tourism & Events. “This market offers a wonderful way to experience the season, celebrate local talent, and support the businesses that make Hess Village unique. Tourism Hamilton is proud to support this exciting initiative and encourages everyone to join the festivities and shop locally." 

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The creators of Hess Village Winter Market have teamed up with Olivia Settle and Katie Wilkens of Ginkgo Group Marketing, founders of The Fenwick Market, to lead the sales and marketing of this initiative, as well as the curation of the vendor market. There will be over 20 makers around the village for the ultimate local shopping experience. 

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"It takes a village to create this one-of-a-kind holiday experience," states Erika Puckering, CEO of Electric Diner, as she proudly makes known the collaboration of the businesses on Hess and George Street. Puckering continues, “we believe that Hess Village is one of Hamilton’s best kept secrets, a hidden gem, and we look forward to our fellow Hamiltonians rallying with us to revitalize the area and show the world the power of a village has in building a safe, prosperous and vibrant community."

The Winter Market will be family friendly and free to the public, with an opportunity to purchase a Hess Village Winter Experience Passport that provides exclusive offers and experiences for guests, along with a donation to our charitable partner, the Charity of Hope. Community advocate, Mindy Tweedle will lead our partnership programs, working alongside Daniele Dagenais from the Charity of Hope. 

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About the Charity of Hope

The Charity of Hope has given hope to thousands of children, youth and their families since 1996.  The organization provides funding to schools and teachers to help students stay engaged and thrive in school. Community associations, non-profit organizations and hospitals count on their support and funding for their programs that help underprivileged children and youth. In addition, they provide acts of hope through funding to children and families that need immediate support. 

 

About Hess Village

Hess Village is entering a new era, a fusion of the old and the new. An inspired blend of Victorian architecture and 21ˢᵗ century design and creativity, with a mix of the relaxing atmosphere found in Europe intertwined with the hip, vibrancy of city life found in Toronto or New York City. The local businesses within Hess Village have come together to form a new vision for the streets of Hess and George; to become a vibrant, progressive destination that the locals and surrounding communities want to visit for dining, entertainment, shopping and art.

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Businesses on Hess and George Street include: Gown and Gavel @gownandgavel Radius @radiusdining | Drop Dead Gorgeous Med Spa @ddgmedspa | Amigos Tex-Mex @amigoshamont | Moody’s Pizza Bar & Arcade @moodyshamont | Selo Café @selohamilton | Electric Diner @electricdinerhamont | Coletera Development @coletaradevelopment | Pizzeria Bros @pizzeriabroshess | Smoke's Poutinerie @smokespoutineriehamilton | Andiamo @andiamohamilton | The King George @thekinggeorgepub | Limani on Hess | Sinaloa Factory @sinaloafactoryh | SIX15 @six15.club | Hamilton Tattoo Parlour @hamiltontattooparlour | Pub 36 On Hess @pub36_onhess | @d.eyes_brows.beauty | Harvey Katz Law Office | Queen King
Dental | Home Instead | BBS Realty

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Sponsor and partners include Molson Coors, TERRA Greenhouses, FirstOntario Credit Union, CARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres, Southbrook Golf Club, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Staybridge Suites, StoneRidge Insurance, Cintas, Carmens Group, Mama Yolanda’s, PJKL Law, Agro Wholesale Produce, Hamilton Tourism, Invest in Hamilton, Hamilton Public Library, City of Hamilton, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Studio E, Gordon Food Service, the Vrancor Group and MMI Mercanti Management Inc.