Shop, dine and enjoy local this holiday season

Ballarat locals are being encouraged to shop, eat and enjoy local this holiday season.  

Whether you are hosting family and friends, staying in Ballarat for some rest and relaxation or trying to add some Ballarat flair to your Christmas shopping, the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre can help you.  

The Ballarat Visitor Information Centre, located inside the Town Hall, is open seven days a week. Staff and volunteers are on hand to help with recommendations on retail, hospitality and activities across Ballarat and surrounds.  

The Made of: Ballarat shop in the centre showcases some of the best Ballarat has to offer, with gourmet products, candles, artwork and souvenirs, perfect for that hard to buy person, Kris Kringles, or even yourself.  

A wide range of custom hampers are also available to purchase seven days a week.  

To discover everything the city has to offer, locals are encouraged to visit www.ballaratintheknow.com.au, to see the wide array of events, eateries and retail to enjoy.  

The website also features a curated list of opening hours for businesses in Ballarat over the holiday period, so locals can plan to stay and enjoy the city during the holiday break. Check out the list here.  

Don’t forget to also take a look at the list on how to put Ballarat under the Christmas Tree, and discover a great selection of local creatives, producers and retailers.  

And when you have your family and friends visiting over the Christmas holidays, be sure to showcase all Ballarat has to offer by taking them to see a Christmas event and decorations, follow the Christmas Art Trail around the CBD, view an exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ballarat or enjoy some of the great food and retail offerings Ballarat has to offer.  

For inspiration, check out this list on Ballarat In The Know.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said Christmas holidays are a great time to enjoy Ballarat.  

“Visiting friends and visiting relatives are valuable to Ballarat’s visitor economy, accounting for half of the total visitors to Ballarat over recent years,” he said.  

“Why not show off our wonderful city to those visiting? There is an array of beautiful outdoor areas to enjoy, great cafes to eat in and plenty of events, markets and art to go and check out.”  

Ballarat Visitor Information Centre – Town Hall 225 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central

Open Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5:00pm

Open Saturday – Sunday (and Public Holidays) 10:00am – 4:00pm