Exclusive offers, Canberra’s finest gifts, and enchanting roving Christmas performances are set to make the City Centre and Braddon the ultimate destination for holiday spirit and support for local businesses, thanks to the new Festive Finds in the City Campaign, Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Business and Better Regulation, says.
The jam-packed program, created with business and property owners, promises free activities, entertainment, and events that will make City Walk and surrounds a wonderland of holiday joy – and those who shop in the City Centre have the opportunity to win prizes.
City Walk is now adorned with traditional Christmas trimmings, transforming Garema Place to the Canberra Times fountain into a magical ‘Christmas Walk’ – the perfect setting for the Canberra Centre’s ‘Festive Lane Market’ from tonight until Sunday.
Highlights include an enormous 16-meter Christmas tree donned with giant baubles, candy cane light poles, festive hanging decorations, and a fairy-lit pathway creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
“If you’re headed to Civic to get the Christmas shopping done, celebrating with an end of year party, or capturing the annual family photo with Santa, be sure to take a stroll down City Walk,” Ms Cheyne said. “There is plenty for people of all ages to enjoy, including all the decorations of a traditional Christmas.
“Between Garema Place and the Canberra Times fountain, visitors can immerse themselves in the free events, activities, and performances as they shop, eat, celebrate, and have fun.
“This is just the beginning. From 1 December, more decorations, activities and entertainment will be added to the program to bring friends and family together.”
From 1 December, there will be free merry-go-round rides, distinctively Canberran Christmas installations, and weekend roving entertainment.
This is also when businesses will unveil the season’s most compelling and unique ‘cracking offers’ – thoughtfully tailored Christmas deals to ensure Canberrans get exceptional value for their gifts.
Ms Cheyne said the campaign gives Canberrans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the joy of Christmas, find the ideal gifts, and support local business.
“Canberrans are fantastic at coming together to help each other,” Ms Cheyne said. “Shopping locally plays an important role in boosting our economy, especially over the Christmas and New Year period.”
The ‘Festive Finds’ curated gift guide will make gift-giving a breeze, Ms Cheyne says. Featuring the City Centre’s best product and service offerings, the online catalogue makes it easy to discover the perfect present or stocking stuffer.
“Finding the perfect present for your loved ones is simple and easy this Christmas,” Ms Cheyne said. “The Festive Finds in the City gift guide is filled with fantastic products, services, and experiences from local businesses.”
Anyone who shops in person in the City Centre from now until 31 December can upload their receipt online and go into a draw to win prizes – incentivising visitors from the Canberra region to spend local.
To explore the gift guide, view the full program, and learn more about the Festive Finds in the City campaign, visit festivefinds.inthecity.com.au. City Centre and Braddon businesses are invited to continue submitting their products, services, or special offers on the website until mid-December.
