Local businesses invited to join the 2025 Winchelsea Christmas Elf Trail
Winchelsea is about to get a whole lot more magical!
Growing Winchelsea Inc. is calling on local businesses to be part of the festive fun and join the Winchelsea Christmas Elf Trail, running from 8–21 December 2025.
This year's Elf Trail is set to be bigger, brighter, and cheekier than ever — with hidden elves popping up in shops, cafés, and businesses right across town! Each time a shopper finds a Hidden Elf, they’ll jot down its name on their entry form for a chance to win fantastic festive prizes.
It’s all about bringing families into local stores, celebrating community spirit, and showcasing Winchelsea as a destination for Christmas cheer.
So far, eleven businesses have already signed up, with more expected as Growing Winchelsea reconnects with those who received Expressions of Interest early in August. Businesses can take part for one special day or be part of the entire 14-day campaign — it’s flexible, fun, and designed to fit every business.
Participating businesses will:
- Host a Hidden Elf in their shop or premises.
- Offer a small festive feature — a Christmas discount, special product, mini activity, giveaway, or just a warm, sparkly welcome.
- Have their Elf visit photographed for use on the Christmas in Winchelsea Facebook page and other promotions.
The Winchelsea Star will feature a four-page Christmas Feature, expected in the 1 December 2025 edition, with an extra 500 copies printed for community distribution. This feature will include:
- A two-week Elf Trail map and guide outlining each participating business and what festive fun or offer they’re featuring.
- Opportunities for participating businesses to book advertising space around the feature’s border — ideal for a Christmas greeting, discount, or thank-you to customers.
In the weeks leading up to December, The Winchelsea Star will also publish individual business profiles — short, feel-good stories highlighting the people and passion behind each business. To help make this process easy, a simple template will be created to guide businesses in writing their stories before submitting a photo and details to the Star’s production team.
The Elf Trail will culminate in the Christmas Family BBQ and prize draw on Sunday 21 December at 1 pm at the Mud Hut, where winners will be announced, prizes awarded, and plenty of Christmas joy shared.
Growing Winchelsea Inc. extends a huge thank you to the Winchelsea Star for their generous sponsorship and ongoing support of the Christmas in Winchelsea program.
Businesses keen to join the Elf Trail can contact:
Elaine Atkinson – 0458 009 616
secretary@growingwinchelsea.com
