Christmas Window Display Competition Returns

Published on 07 October 2025

Southern Grampians Shire Council invites local businesses to help share Christmas spirit by taking part in the annual Christmas Window Display Competition.

From 11 November, shopfronts across the Shire are encouraged to decorate with all things Christmas as traders compete for the title of best Christmas window.

The competition celebrates creativity, festive spirit and community pride, with prizes on offer for the winning displays.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the competition is a fun way to bring colour and character to our streets, while also encouraging residents and visitors to support local traders.

“The competition helps sets the tone for the festive period,” Cr Heslin said. “With beautifully decorated shopfronts, Christmas trees and events happening Shire-wide, it’s a wonderful way to showcase our businesses. Last year we saw some really fantastic entries and I can’t wait to see the participation number grow.”

In 2024, Belcourt Books and Brown Bird Haus in Hamilton took out the top prizes for their creative windows, with honourable mentions going to Tosca Browns Café and Patience Petal Florist in Penshurst.

This year, judging will again be split between a panel of judges and a community vote. The judge’s choice and people’s choice winners will each receive a $250 shop local voucher, with an additional $250 voucher also up for grabs for one lucky punter who casts a vote.

Businesses can register their window display online through Council’s website. Entries open on Monday, 10 November, and close on 15 December. Businesses are able to enter right up until 15 December but are encouraged to enter earlier in order to make the most of the public voting.

People will be able to vote for their favourite windows online or by following the QR code on promotional posters.

For more information, please contact Southern Grampians Shire Council Economic Development Support Officer Daniel Shaw at dshaw@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au.

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