It's starting to look like Christmas on the Bass Coast as the popular Festive Facades competition spreads Christmas magic to our surrounding towns and villages.
Bass Coast Shire Council has invited local businesses to transform their storefronts into a showcase of Christmas wonders throughout November and December.
Tis the Season with practical prizes for businesses and voters.
Last year, 42 businesses lit up their windows and cast 395 community votes for their favorite displays.
First place went to the Inverloch Red Cross Shop after volunteers beautifully decorated the shop windows. They planned to use their prize voucher for a special team outing, which was a wonderful way to celebrate the volunteers and thank them for their hard work and festive spirit.
Festive Facades is a fun way to celebrate the season and local business. So dust off the decorations in the warehouse and stroll through the exhibition.
Businesses are encouraged to utilize sustainable decorating options, whether by reusing existing decorations or sourcing eco-friendly materials. And as an added bonus, companies with the most community votes win fantastic prizes.
By voting for your favorite display, shoppers are automatically eligible to win one of two $100 prizes. A happy bonus for shopping locally.
Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead said she loves seeing the creativity and community spirit that comes to life at this time of year.
“I love Christmas, the lights, the laughter and that wonderful energy in the city. It's a time to celebrate everything we have here in Bass Coast. Whether you're shopping for presents, grabbing a bite to eat or planning a fresh, local Christmas meal, you don't have to drive into town.”
The Shop, Eat, Love Local campaign encourages everyone to explore Bass Coast Shire to find unique gifts and experiences right here at home. Follow the festive route and look out for the creative displays with the Festive Facades poster and QR code.
The winners will be announced in January 2026.
Businesses can spread the Christmas cheer by registering their storefront via basscoast.vic.gov.au/FestiveFacades. Local shoppers can stroll through any Bass Coast town and vote for their favorite store by scanning the QR code in store or visiting basscoast.vic.gov.au/FestiveFacadesVoting
For more information about Festive Facades, visit basscoast.vic.gov.au/FestiveFacades.