A series of free activities and events will bring Hobsons Bay to life this festive season, spreading joy, supporting local traders and bringing the community together.
From pet-friendly Santa photos to roving entertainment and a shop local competition, there are plenty of ways for community members to celebrate close to home.
Residents of all ages, and even their furry friends, can once again enjoy free, pet-friendly Santa photos in Williamstown, Newport and Altona throughout December.
In Spotswood, roving Christmas entertainment and live music will add festive cheer to the precinct, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and local businesses.
There's an added incentive for shopping local this Christmas, with prizes up for grabs while also adding to the local economy.
Shoppers who spend $30 or more at local retail and service businesses before 21 December can enter the draw to win one of three $300 vouchers.
Free community Christmas carols return this year, with events at Newport, Altona, Altona Meadows and Williamstown.
The festive cheer has been spread across the city with a range of decorations in place, including trees in Altona and Williamstown, interactive photo boards and new festive window art features on 60 shop fronts across Hobsons Bay, designed by local artist Rachel Gyan.
And there is still time to donate to the Hobsons Bay Christmas Drive, with items being accepted until 12 December before they are packed into hampers for local families experiencing hardship.
For a full list of Christmas activities, event dates and details, visit
Santa photos
Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown - Saturday 6 December, 12pm to 3pm
Paine Reserve, Newport - Saturday 13 December, 10am to 1pm
Civic Centre, Altona - Saturday 20 December, 10am to 1pm
Hudsons Road, Spotswood (Roving Santa) - Saturday 20 December, 10am to 1pm
Community Christmas carols
Carols on the Green, presented by Newport Fiddle and Folk Club
Saturday 6 December - 6.30pm to 8.30pm - Paine Reserve, NewportCarols in the Park presented by Altona Laverton Council of Churches
Saturday 7 December - 6pm to 8pm - Logan Reserve, Altona
Carols by Candlelight Altona Meadows presented by Hobsons Bay Churches
Saturday 20 December - 6.30pm to 10.30pm - Trafalgar Reserve, Altona Meadows
Carols by Candlelight Williamstown presented by Hobsons Bay Churches
Sunday 21 December - 7pm to 10pm - Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Diana Grima:
"This is a special time of the year, where we spend time with friends and family and celebrate the best of our community.
"There's no shortage of Christmas fun to enjoy, so I'd encourage all community members to get out and about and embrace the festive spirit across Hobsons Bay."
