It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, with Festive Facades spreading holiday magic throughout the shire. Bass Coast Shire Council is excited to launch a holiday shopfront display competition, inviting local businesses to turn their storefronts into a showcase of Christmas wonder through November and December. Plus, there are prizes to be had for both businesses and voters, tis the season!
As part of Council's Shop, Eat, Love Local campaign, Festive Facades encourages locals and visitors to explore Bass Coast's shopping precincts, decked out in their holiday best. For businesses, this is your chance to be creative and to be noticed during the bustling holiday season.
Now in its second year, Festive Facades celebrates the creativity and community spirit of Bass Coast's business owners. Last year saw 42 businesses light up their windows and 395 community votes cast for their favourite displays. Taking out the top spot was the Inverloch Red Cross Shop, whose volunteers decorated the windows beautifully. At the time, they shared that they planned to use their prize voucher for a special team outing - a wonderful way to celebrate and thank their volunteers for their hard work and festive flair.
Festive Facades is a fun way to celebrate the season and local business, so dust off those decorations in storage and sleigh the display. Council encourages businesses to embrace sustainable decorating options, whether by reusing existing decorations or sourcing eco-friendly materials.
And for a little extra cheer-businesses with the most community votes will win fantastic prizes. The top-voted display will receive a prize valued at $200, with $150 for second place, and $100 for third.
Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead said she loves seeing the creativity and community spirit that comes to life at this time of year.
"I absolutely love Christmas - the lights, the laughter, and that wonderful energy around town. It's a time to celebrate everything we have right here in Bass Coast. Whether you're shopping for gifts, grabbing a bite to eat, or planning a fresh, locally sourced Christmas lunch, there's no need to drive to the city."
The holiday season is the busiest time of year for Bass Coast businesses, and there's no better way to support them than by shopping local. The Shop, Eat, Love Local campaign encourages everyone to explore our shire to find unique gifts and experiences right here at home. Follow the festive trail and keep an eye out for the creative displays showcasing the Festive Facades poster and QR code. By voting for your favourite display, you'll be entered to win one of two $100 prizes - a merry bonus for shopping local!
Registrations and voting kick off are now open, and winners will be announced in January 2026.
How to join the festive fun:
- For Businesses: Spread the holiday cheer by registering your shopfront via basscoast.vic.gov.au/FestiveFacades.
- For the Community: Stroll through each Bass Coast town and vote for your favourite shopfront by scanning the QR code in-store or by visiting basscoast.vic.gov.au/FestiveFacadesVoting
Dash on over to basscoast.vic.gov.au/FestiveFacades
