IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the Bass Coast with the popular Festive Facades competition spreading holiday magic throughout our local towns and villages.
Bass Coast Shire Council has invited local businesses to turn their storefronts into a showcase of Christmas wonderment through November and December.
‘Tis the season’ with handy prizes are on offer for both businesses and voters.
Last year saw 42 businesses light up their windows and 395 community votes cast for their favourite displays.
Taking out top spot was the Inverloch Red Cross Shop after volunteers decorated the windows beautifully. They planned to use their prize voucher for a special team outing, which was a wonderful way to celebrate and thank the 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.
Businesses are encouraged 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.
By voting for your favourite display shoppers automatically become eligible to win one of two $100 prizes. A merry bonus for shopping local.
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 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 trail and keep an eye out for the creative displays showcasing the Festive Facades poster and QR code.
Winners will be announced in January 2026.
Businesses can spread the holiday cheer by registering their shopfront via basscoast.vic.gov.au/FestiveFacades. Local shoppers can stroll through each Bass Coast town and vote for their favourite shopfront by scanning the QR code in-store or by visiting basscoast.vic.gov.au/FestiveFacadesVoting
For more information about Festive Facades go to basscoast.vic.gov.au/FestiveFacades.
