Hosted by ACE Radio and The Weekly Advertiser, the all-day shopping event encourages the community to shop locally.
Participating retailers will be offering a variety of deals and discounts, and The Weekly Advertiser, 3WM and MIXX FM street team will be broadcasting live on MIXX FM on the day.
The inaugural Ararat Christmas Market will kick off later in the afternoon, with market stalls and food vendors confirmed and prepped to set up their wares at Ararat Town Hall from 4pm to 7pm on Friday, as well as on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
Attendees can grab a bite while they explore the market, which will include a variety of handmade crafts and unique Christmas gifts, as well as some of the region’s best winemakers offering free tastings and bottles for sale.
The official lighting of Ararat’s iconic Christmas tree on the corner of Vincent and High Streets will also take place that evening.
To end the day’s festivities, the annual Ararat Carols by Candlelight will be at Alexandra Gardens.
Attendees are welcome to join from 6.30pm for a barbecue, followed by Christmas Carols from 7pm.
Hosted by the Ararat Y’s Menettes Club, the evening event will also include free face-painting, a visit from Santa, and a finale of fireworks.
Ararat Rural City Mayor Jo Armstrong said seeing the Christmas decorations being put up throughout the municipality gave a true sense of holiday spirit.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing our community come together to enjoy the festivities and support local businesses and organisations,” she said.
Over the Christmas and new year period, some council services might be unavailable or have varied closures, while others will operate as usual.
People can check council’s website for information on specific closures.
The entire December 4, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
