Hobsons Bay is a Creative City, with Council rolling out activities across the community for members to enjoy and connect this holiday season.
To stay up to date with programming, sign up to the Arts & Events eNews or contact the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre on (03) 9932 3016. If you’re a local or planning a visit, we encourage you to visit the Experience Hobsons Bay website for information about things to do, see, eat and stay.
For up-to-date details of each event, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/visit/Events-directory
Proudly supported by Williamstown Chamber of Commerce.
FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER | 4PM - 9PM
Come down to John Morley Reserve for a night of Christmas cheer. Tick off everything on your shopping list while enjoying live entertainment and a visit from Santa.
9 DECEMBER | FROM 3PM
Visit Williamstown on Friday 9 December from 3pm to 6pm and celebrate Christmas by the bay.
Enjoy face painting, balloon twisters, roaming entertainers, photo opportunities, and don’t miss Santa and his elves driving around the village in their vintage firetruck.
Pack a picnic and soak up the live music to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Bring your family and visit some local business precincts with roving performers to entertain the family while you shop local.
Williamstown – Douglas Parade and Ferguson St | December 10, 10am-12pm
Williamstown – Nelson Place December 10, 12.30pm-2.30pm
Laverton – Aviation Road December 10, 12.30pm-2.30pm
Altona – Pier St December 17, 10am-12pm
Altona – Harrington Square December 17, 12.30pm-2.30pm
Newport – Hall St and top of Mason St | December 17, 10am-12pm
Spotswood – Hudsons Road December 17, 12.30pm-2.30pm
Caravan Sounds will be spreading Christmas cheer. Carrying fresh beats and holiday themed tunes, this pop-up up DJ space will warm your spirits and get you “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree”. Bring a picnic rug and enjoy the music with family and friends.
Friday 16 December, Weaver Reserve, Altona | 4pm – 8pm Saturday 24 December, Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown | 12pm – 4pm
WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER | 7PM
Come play, sing, and celebrate with the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club at the Newport Bowls Club from 7pm on Wednesday 14 December 2022. Admission of $8 ($5 for members and concession, free for children) will be donated to Foodbank Australia. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER | 5PM - 9PM
Come down to Seaworks Friday 16 December between 5pm and 9pm for a night full of Christmas spirit. Enjoy Christmas carols, a wishing tree and of course our magnificent stall holders selling wonderful products for those who wish to buy last minute Christmas presents. Food vans will be on hand to fill hungry bellies and Santa may even make an appearance!
SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER | FROM 12PM
All are welcome at the RSL for our annual FREE and family-friendly Christmas Party. We will be providing light snacks and guests are welcome to bring a picnic. There will be free activities for children including a jumping castle and lawn games, raffles, and the bar will be open.
For someone who has everything
Get your little ones creative energy flowing this Christmas. Little Art Big Art gift vouchers can be used for workshops, term and online classes or art supplies.
Find a wide range of gifts at Wilde Interiors. The little department store in Challis Street Newport has a strong focus on local makers and suppliers along with well-known brands and the team will help you find that perfect something for everyone on your list.
Everyone can be musical! Grow your music potential with social, fun music experiences available for all the family. Adult workshops, kids classes, private music lessons, and more. Highly qualified, experienced teachers. Suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced musicians.
Give the gift of vitality this Christmas by purchasing a gift certificate for myotherapy or remedial massage. By creating a joyful connection, The Health Sanctuary facilitate improved health outcomes which means greater energy and vitality to enjoy life.
‘Be kind to yourself’ is the mantra at Lavanya, and a luxurious treatment for a loved one is the perfect gift after lock-downs and stressful times. Offering massage, organic facials and body treatments our gift vouchers come lovingly presented.
Know someone special who is in the need of some pampering? Purchase a gift voucher from The Rumours are True and send them on their way to get their hair done and relax with a glass of wine and cheese platter!
Do you know someone who would love to experience a remedial massage or acupuncture in a beautiful, serene and relaxing environment? Three Lanterns has beautiful gift vouchers available for any lucky person in your life, so treat your friend or loved one or even yourself.
The Indera experience is one that leaves clients feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and confident with results that speak for themselves. A gift voucher from Indera is a perfect gift for your loved one.
SPA & BEAUTY SPA & BEAUTY SPA & BEAUTY SPA & BEAUTY
Explore King William's Town, the original capital of Victoria, by lamp light. Steeped with history, apparitions and alleyways. Visit Victoria's oldest morgue and Australia's Timeball Tower.
Do you know someone who wants to try sailing? Let them learn with a voucher from Royals Training Centre. We have a range of sailing experiences available all in a fun and safe environment. All ages welcome, no prior experience needed.
Give the foodie in your life the gift of a degustation journey. A festival of food, drink and entertainment open every weekend. Vouchers accepted at all food and drink vendors.
Know an aspiring basketballer looking to bring their game to the next level?
Coaching sessions on Monday and Tuesday nights are designed to progress players aged 8 to 14 in skills, offense, defence, team play and confidence. Get your first 4 sessions (4 hours) for $60. Court hire and casual 3 x 3 basketball entry also available.
Climb West Melbourne is the first and only dedicated bouldering gym in Altona and Melbourne’s West. Purchase a gift voucher for a casual climb, 10 pass, or monthly membership and make somebodies day this Christmas.
Give the gift of swimming with a Paul Sadler Swimland gift voucher. Swimming really is a gift for a lifetime and you can choose a voucher for any amount towards regular lessons. Or you can gift a Holiday Program voucher for a specific intensive program during the school holidays.
Beach Volleyball Training session with Melbourne’s best coaches.
Imagine an engaging coach motivating you through each workout and a group of friends cheering you on. Imagine that each workout is fun, progressive, and a perfect mix of cardio and strength. That’s exactly what you will get at BFT.
This voucher will give you 2 weeks access to unlimited sessions.
FITNESS
Give the gift of movement this Christmas. Do you know someone who needs a little push to get moving? Start them on their Pilates journey with a one month subscription at Super Movement.
Don’t know what to get that special someone? Give the gift of memories! Create some art and capture your special couple, family or newborn moments during a mini photography session at the beach or amongst the trees. The experience will have you relaxed & comfortable with photos to treasure forever.
From
Give the gift of beautiful, professional portrait photography with JP Evermore Photography. Capture natural and heartfelt moments that will keep your memories alive for generations to come. JP Evermore Photography go above and beyond to ensure the whole experience is fun and exciting!
Protect your family and loved ones with the gift of safety and security.
Home Security Gift Vouchers from Excell Security offer home security solutions including alarm installation, CCTV cameras and security patrols.
SERVICE
Experience a night away at our beautiful waterfront location surrounded by local cafes and restaurants and walk to local shopping.
Enjoy a night away this Christmas period at Punthill Apartments Williamstown, only a short stroll away from cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and Hobsons Bay.
Quote the code ‘HobsonsBay’ to receive 10 per cent off direct or via our brand website.
Travel Period - 1 December 2022 until 31 January 2023.
Treat your family and friends to a relaxing night away at Quest Williamstown North by purchasing them a Gift Voucher this Christmas. Our spacious double storey townhouses overlook the stunning Jawbone Nature Reserve and lake - they are perfect for a relaxing night away.
Pier 71 Bar e Cucina prepare dishes using traditional Italian methods. Book a private function or the regularly scheduled live music sessions, best enjoyed with a glass of wine.
Organise a dinner at Hecho en Mexico this festive season - they cater to small or large groups including celebrations with friends and family. Enjoy authentic, lip-smacking street-style Mexican food made using only the freshest quality ingredients.
Unite friends and family over traditional Chinese hotpot dining with fresh ingredients cooked at your table at Seven Star Chinese Hotpot. All you can eat for $40.
Discover a festival of food, drink and entertainment with over 50 food vendors housed in repurposed shipping containers showcasing their uniquie and varied offerings with eye-popping design. This unique outdoor dining experience is open every weekend.
Available for breakfast or lunch, Hug a Mug café offers a wide selection of dishes from nourish bowls to sandwiches and burgers or Indian specialties. Stop by on your morning walk or meet a friend for a much needed catch up.
Celebrate your Christmas party with 3 GRAINS! Wrap up the year Roman-style with colleagues, family or friends. 3 Grains can also help with private catering, if you’re looking to host your Christmas party at home instead! Get in touch & plan your festive event!
This Christmas lunch Porters are offering a four course banquet to share with friends and family. The head chef has designed a menu with a combination of courses ready to heat and serve within 30 minutes that will take all the hard work out of Christmas Day.
Lower west side wine bar is your local wine bar and kitchen in the west. European inspired food and an extensive selection of quality local and international wines.
Celebrate with RAGUSA Restaurant & Bar located in a medieval heritage building across the pier in the heart of Williamstown. Ragusa offers traditional European cuisine à la carte, set menu and canape options, and private & semi-private rooms.
Specialising in small and large group functions, Customs House Hotel is the place to celebrate this festive season! Enjoy the traditional pub style restaurant and bar known for the best seafood and steaks in town while enjoying live music and special events Thursday to Sunday.
“The festive season is almost here and it’s time to get excited for that end of year buzz! As the Altona streets begin to bustle and decorations go up in windows, it sparks joy and a timely reminder that the silly season is just around the corner.
From the office Kris Kringle present to purchasing a special gift voucher for a loved one, Altona Village Traders Association (#thisisaltona) are here to remind you to shop local and support local business’ this festive season.
Our community has come together to support each other through tough times and the good times. This festive season is no different, so here are a few reminders of why Altona traders should be your go to shopping destination.
+ The effort and personalisation of small businesses are undeniable to help you find the perfect gift
+ The investment you give to support small businesses by buying your gifts in the Altona community it is then reinvested into the flourishing of a local community hub
+ The gift of community. Supporting the people, events and friends that help keep Altona the beautiful environment that it is.
Those are a few of our favourite things about shopping locally this festive season. We wish you happy holidays and look forward to helping you find the perfect gift or place to celebrate this festive season.”
“I am proud to be the President of the Newport Traders Association. We thank every member of our wonderful local community for their continued support.
I think many people are surprised by just how much Newport has to offer. From therapies, cafes, retail stores as well as grocers and professional services, you can find it all in Newport.
Newport has geographical challenges that keep us apart and don’t make it easy for pedestrians. We have 5 precincts, Mason St, Hall St, Challis St and Melbourne Road north and south (either side of the overpass). Each precinct has a raft of wonderful businesses making up a diverse range of business offerings.
Most of these stores are independently owned and operated, so the person behind the counter is usually the owner. I encourage people to do as much of their shopping as possible locally. You’ll get to know the business owners and they can personally thank you for your support.
Most businesses also sell gift cards for dining experiences, gifting and services. Please consider this when you are doing your Christmas shopping.
We are the heart of your business community and cannot survive without your ongoing support.
Merry Christmas, we hope to see you soon!”
Gill Gannon Owner of Wilde Interiors and President of the Newport Traders Association“Given the current changing economic situation and hangover from Covid lockdowns, as business owners we are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from our community.
As Williamstown Business Owners we are extremely dependent on our supportive and loyal locals frequenting our businesses to keep our doors open. The Christmas trading period is imperative in setting our businesses up to trade
Owner
through quieter time, and we aim to provide not just a great selection from all the various local businesses, but also great customer service, knowledge of products and convenience.
How great it is to be able support and contribute to a thriving business district by shopping locally and enable a community to come together and support the local businesses in continuing to trade through difficult times, and keep our doors open.”
of Embrace Love, Life and Happiness and member of the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce and Cam“On behalf of the businesses in Spotswood, the Spotswood Traders Association would like to say thank you to all the locals who have supported small businesses over the last few years. We could not have gotten through these recent years without you and we thank you so very much.
The support you have provided has enabled us to keep our doors open and continue to strengthen our connection to the community. Chances are that the person behind the counter is a local, and not only do they
provide jobs to locals, but they also support the local school fetes, sport raffles and fundraisers.
As we head into the Christmas trade, we would like to remind the community that our Spotswood businesses and staff bring individuality, warmth and a personal service you have grown to love. We are all ready to provide you with this level of service again this Christmas season.
We wish all our locals a safe and fun filled holiday and Christmas period, and look forward to seeing you soon. Merry Christmas!”
Leigh Members of the Spotswood Traders Association