Overview

The Christmas in Winchelsea campaign is a town-wide celebration designed to ignite festive spirit, support local businesses, and foster community connection in the lead-up to Christmas.  Bringing together multiple engaging events and initiatives — including the Winchelsea Christmas Elf Trail Campaign, Twilight Christmas Market, Lions Christmas Lights Competition, Carols by the Barwon, and Twinkle Trees on Main — the campaign will transform Winchelsea into a vibrant and magical destination for residents and visitors alike.

Key Campaign Elements

1. Winchelsea Christmas Elf Trail

A family-friendly, interactive town trail featuring hidden “Elf on the Shelf” characters placed in participating businesses.

• Encourages local shopping and business promotion through fun engagement.
• Shoppers collect entry forms after spotting elves, entering to win festive prize draws.
• Businesses are invited to offer specials, giveaways, or kids’ activities.
• Expands to market stalls at the Twilight Christmas Market, creating a seamless holiday experience.

2. Lions Club Christmas Lights Competition

Residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate their homes or shopfronts, adding sparkle to the town.

• Community judging with prizes awarded before Christmas.
• Lights create a cheerful night-time atmosphere and enhance town pride.

3. Carols by the Barwon

An annual event held along the picturesque Lions Park Barwon River.  In 2025 event will be held Saturday 6 December 2025 from 6 - 8.00 pm.

• Community choirs and local performers lead a night of traditional and modern Christmas carols.
• Family-friendly atmosphere with picnic-style gatherings and festive ambiance.
• Strengthens community identity and connection through music and shared tradition.

4. Twinkle Trees on Main

Main Street will be adorned with decorated Timber Christmas trees generously donated by the Winchelsea Men's Shed with possible support from Surf Coast Shire.

• Lights turn on nightly, adding charm and visibility to the town’s central hub.
• Encourages evening foot traffic and serves as a perfect backdrop for social media promotion.

Goals & Outcomes

• Drive economic activity through increased visitation and local spending.
• Enhance community engagement across all ages.
• Promote Winchelsea as a vibrant destination during the festive season.
• Create shareable moments that increase town exposure on social media.
• Celebrate local stories, culture, and the unique charm of Winchelsea.

Stakeholders

• Local Businesses & Traders
• Community Groups & Volunteers
• Winchelsea Lions Club
• Winchelsea Men's Club
• Surf Coast Shire Council
• Tourism & Event Promotion Partners
• Winchelsea Residents & Visitors

Timeline Highlights

• November 22 - December 6: Business registrations close, Elf setup, & campaign promotion
• December 6 Twilight Christmas Market with Santa
• December 6 Carols by the Barwon
• December 8 - 21 Elf on the Shelf Trail
• December 21: Prize draws
• Ongoing: Twinkle Trees & Christmas Lights displayed throughout December

Conclusion

Christmas in Winchelsea brings together joyful tradition, business innovation, and community spirit in a unified celebration of the holiday season.  By weaving together multiple events — from the whimsy of elf hunting to the warmth of carols by the river — this campaign ensures Winchelsea is the place to be this Christmas.