Mayor's message Thursday 3 December

Very exciting to unveil the first of our 2020 CBD Christmas decorations this week, with an invitation to residents and visitors from all backgrounds and nationalities to stand together and celebrate the joy of Christmas 'Under the Same Stars'.

Christmas favourites the floral reindeer have arrived on Sturt Street; the Bridge Mall is illuminated with the photo­worthy Giant Bauble and Albert Street has been turned into a sugar wonderland with the construction of the popular Gingerbread House.

The centrepiece of this year's Christmas decorations integrating the under the stars theme is still to come - stay tuned. The Christmas Window Trail will weave visitors through the City with six local artists bringing to life their story of Christmas in 12 different window locations.

Expanding on the story of Christmas for different cultures, this year's Christmas installations and displays are aimed at uniting the community through acknowledgement and celebration of Ballarat as an intercultural and compassionate city.

2020 has been a year of hardship for many sectors of our community.

We want to make sure Christmas festivities are inclusive of all our residents, with the opportunity for people to reflect on our triumphs. Given our achievements and the easing of restrictions, I would like to encourage all our traders to really embrace the Christmas spirit this year, dressing their shop windows and creating a real festive, celebratory mood throughout our retail precincts.

Of course, as well as enjoying the Christmas decorations, please make sure you support local traders and hospitality providers throughout the municipality and discover some new businesses that have emerged this year.

Visit Christmasinballarat.com.au for further information about how you can shop local this Christmas, view gift guides, find Christmas offerings and visit open venues and attractions.