Celebrating 50 Years of ‘Christmas on Stanton’

Each Christmas, HGC invites Walnut Hills’ neighborhood families to gather for hot chocolate, gift bags and family photos with Santa Claus. Since the early 1960s, HGC Group of Companies has been headquartered in historic Walnut Hills. And while the neighborhood has continuously evolved since the tradition began 50 years ago, HGC’s connection with the community remains strong.

The day begins early with employees gathering to assemble gift bags for the community before Santa arrives. This year, Santa and his trusty elf arrived at our Stanton Avenue headquarters promptly at 10:00 AM where an excited crowd was already gathered around the fire. The festively decorated courtyard was transformed into a winter wonderland inviting families in for hot chocolate, photos with Santa, gift bags and holiday music.

“Christmas on Stanton has been a part of my life for over 27 years. As a child growing up in Walnut Hills, I always looked forward to seeing Santa with my siblings. It was an exciting time of the year with my grandmother and the rest of my family,” says Chanel Sanders.  “My favorite part was my picture with Santa and my bag with goodies. I look forward to building new traditions with my own family at Christmas on Stanton and enjoying all the joy that the Christmas season brings,” she continued.

Not only is this a special tradition for neighborhood residents, but many members of the HGC team have participated in this tradition since they were children, as well.

“I have been coming to Christmas on Stanton for 20 years as the son of a long-time employee.  Now as an adult, working at HGC, I’m able to appreciate the camaraderie and joy it brings to the neighborhood and employees alike. It really is a great party,” says HGC Project Manager Kevin Gilbert.

HGC handed out over 250 bags at this year’s Christmas on Stanton event. The remainder of the bags were donated to the Parish Kitchen in Covington, KY and the Joe Williams Family Center in Lower Price Hill, Cincinnati, OH. Take a look at the WKRC Cincinnati clip from the event below.