The Yarra Ranges Council has officially announced the winners of its highly anticipated annual Christmas Window Display Competition, celebrating the incredible creativity and festive spirit of local businesses across the region. With four winners chosen from distinct areas, the Dandenong Ranges, the Urban area, the Yarra Valley, and the Upper Yarra, each display brought a unique sense of holiday magic to the streets.
The competition showcased the dedication of retailers to brightening the community’s holiday season, transforming their storefronts into dazzling spectacles that captured the imagination of residents and visitors alike.
A touch of nostalgia in the Dandenongs
The winner for the Dandenong Ranges area is Geppetto’s Workshop for their enchanting display, “A Touch of Christmas Nostalgia.” The window offers a magical peek inside a storybook world, designed to evoke childhood wonder. It features classic elements like a snow-tipped tree, twinkling with charm, alongside plush teddies, hand puppets, and nostalgic toys gathered around a cozy fireplace. From a classic nutcracker standing guard to snowy garlands, the display successfully captured warmth and wonder, sparking smiles and a sense of Christmas past for passersby.
Happiness and cheer in the urban area
In the Urban area, Christmas at Shapers took out the top prize. Known for creating windows that radiate “Christmas cheer and happiness,” the team at Shapers, led by Lee, outdid themselves this year. The display, which Lee personally regards as their best yet, was partly inspired by gifted Christmas decorations from friends. The true measure of its success, however, is the joyful reaction it prompts from the community, with the team loving the “chatter and smiles” from people of all ages who stop to admire their festive creation.
A Ho Ho Haircutters Christmas
The title for the Yarra Valley went to Haircutters Gallery. Calling themselves “crazy Christmas lovers,” the team—Wendy, Tenielle, and Ashleigh—are known for their enthusiastic participation. Their award-winning display this year was enhanced by new additions to their festive collection, notably thanks to Glenda’s Candles, which added extra sparkle and ambiance. The gallery’s window was a vibrant effort to spread Christmas cheer to all who live in and visit the Yarra Ranges.
Gourmet gifts and a stuck Santa up the Yarra
Finally, the Upper Yarra winner is A Valley Christmas At The Deli. Their display, “A Valley Christmas At The Deli,” celebrated the magic of the holiday in the heart of Wandin. It featured a cosy sleigh brimming with local produce, handcrafted gifts, and gourmet treats, set against a backdrop of festive sparkle, snowflakes, and twinkling lights. Adding a playful touch to their local celebration, the window included a humorous scene asking passersby to help Santa, who was comically “stuck in the chimney.”
The Yarra Ranges Council congratulated all the winners and participants for their fantastic efforts, which have undoubtedly enhanced the festive atmosphere across the Shire.
