A message from your local

The Christmas season is one of the most important times of the year for our local traders. Every purchase made close to home helps small businesses thrive, supports local jobs, and keeps our shopping villages vibrant and welcoming. When our community chooses to shop local, it strengthens the relationships that make Hobsons Bay such a special place to live, work and visit.

Below are messages from our trader presidents, sharing what this season means to their precincts and why your support makes a real difference.

Newport Traders Association

Newport dancing christmas trees in front of East of Africa

 

The festive season has arrived, and Newport is coming alive with community spirit, music, and Christmas cheer! Our traders and local groups have come together to host a wonderful line-up of events to bring joy to families, friends, and visitors throughout December.

Join us on Saturday 6 December for Carols on the Green at Paine Reserve from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. Presented by the Newport Fiddle & Folk Club, this much-loved community event is a celebration of song and togetherness. Pack a picnic rug, bring your own dinner, or grab something delicious from one of our local food vendors and enjoy a night under the stars.

The festive fun continues the following weekend with Santa Photos in Paine Reserve on Saturday 13 December from 10AM to 1PM. Gather the family, bring your Christmas wish list, and snap a special photo with Santa right here in Newport!

And don’t miss the return of The Dancing Christmas Trees on Saturday 20 December—the happiest Christmas trees you ever did see! They’ll be spreading joy, dancing to upbeat tunes, and posing for photos throughout our shopping precincts. Catch them at:

  • 10:00AM – 10:30AM Challis Street shopping precinct
  • 11:10AM – 11:40AM Mason Street shopping precinct
  • 12:20PM – 12:50PM Hall Street shopping precinct
  • 1:30PM – 2:00PM 330 Melbourne Road

There’ll be giveaways from local businesses, sweet treats for the kids, and plenty of opportunities to share in the festive fun.

On behalf of Newport Traders Association, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful community for shopping locally this holiday season. Your support keeps our small businesses thriving and helps our village continue to grow as a vibrant, welcoming place for all.

Wishing you and your families a joyful Christmas and a happy New Year!

Gill Gannon
President, Newport Traders Association

Williamstown Chamber of Commerce

As we head toward Christmas 2025, I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a happy and safe New Year, and joyful celebrations, whatever you may be observing during this festive season.

Our traders are already hard at work preparing their shops, setting up specials, and decorating their windows to welcome you. You can explore their latest deals and offers on our social channels or on their websites. Shopping local is more important than ever—it keeps our traders’ doors open and our community thriving. Our motto, Love, Live, Local, truly says it all.

The Williamstown Chamber of Commerce continues to grow, with strong engagement across our socials, increasing trader memberships, and a rapidly expanding mailing list.

And there’s room for you to be part of it. If you're a trader, we invite you to become a member. And everyone is welcome to sign up for our monthly newsletter, filled with information, upcoming events, and exclusive offers. Williamstown has an incredible variety of shops and experiences, so get out there, explore, and be part of the vibrant community that makes our town special.

As you stroll through Williamstown, keep an eye out for the festive chalk art and beautifully decorated shopfronts—Dog Town, Tick Tok, and many others are already spreading Christmas cheer. The festive spirit is building and will burst into full celebration on December 6th at the WCC Family Christmas in the Park.

Starting at 10am, the day will be headlined by Polyglot Theatre’s interactive performance Boats. Bring the kids, bring the family - this fully interactive experience is one you won’t want to miss. Pack a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch from one of our many food traders (and don’t forget to check out their specials!). We’ll have giant games, mini golf, farm animals, and even a very special guest—Santa will be there, with free Santa photos (12pm - 3pm) for all. If you are you an ABBA fan be there at 3pm for something special.

The ever-popular Treasure Hunt Map also returns. Collect 12 stamps from participating traders, bring your completed map to the picnic, and receive a showbag (best suited for ages up to about 12).  Look out for the traders displaying the Treasure Hunt Stop signs to collect your stamps.

While collecting your stamps, don’t forget to vote for your favourite decorated window as you could win a $100 voucher from the winning store! And be sure to visit the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce marquee on December 6th, for your chance to win vouchers, pick up a gift bag, or even take home our generously donated hamper.

On behalf of the WCC Committee, our volunteers, and all our Trader Members, thank you for your ongoing support. It is truly appreciated. Stay safe throughout the holiday period, enjoy the festive bargains, and we hope to see you on December 6th.

Warm regards,
Rosemary Angyasy
President
Williamstown Chamber of Commerce

 

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