Released 17/11/2023
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.
Created with involvement of business and property owners, the jam-packed program promises free activities, entertainment and events that will make City Walk and surrounds a wonderland of holiday joy – and the opportunity to win prizes for those who shop in the City Centre.
The ‘Festive Finds’ curated gift guide will make gift-giving a breeze. Featuring the City Centre’s best product and service offerings, the online catalogue makes it easy to discover the perfect present or stocking stuffer, available at festivefinds.inthecity.com.au.
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.
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 also 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.
Decorations and programming will ramp up on 1 December with 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.
Minister for Business and Better Regulation Tara 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. Shopping locally plays an important role in boosting our economy, especially over the Christmas and new year period,” said Minster Cheyne.
“Finding the perfect present for your loved ones is simple and easy this Christmas. The Festive Finds in the City gift guide is filled with fantastic products, services, and experiences from local businesses.
“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. There is plenty for people of all ages to enjoy, including all the decorations of a traditional Christmas.
“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.
“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.”
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.
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Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases