Christmas Has Landed in Watsonia …and It’s Pure Magic!

You can feel it the moment you hit Watsonia Road… the twinkle, the cheer, the little spark of Christmas magic. 

This year, we’ve gone all out because, honestly… we LOVE Christmas🎅 

From elegant bows wrapped around our trees to Christmas wreaths brightening up street poles, every little detail is here to make our main street sparkle. You’ll find a Santa Selfie Station near the Medical Centre, an Elfie Station in the Town Square, and soon… a whole lot of locals stopping mid-shop to smile, snap, and share the moment. 

Christmas in Every Corner 

This festive season, we’ve rolled out a few extra surprises to bring the magic of Christmas to every part of Watsonia Shops. 

🎨 Christmas Window Art with Lou Endicott 

We’ve partnered with local artist Lou Endicott to bring Christmas to life across 20+ trader windows throughout the precinct. Each one is hand-painted, colourful, creative and completely unique to Watsonia. 

Forget the crowds and chaos of the CBD. This year, take a relaxed stroll through Watsonia Shops and discover every artwork for yourself. Each window tells its own festive story, adding a splash of Christmas cheer to our cafés, retailers and service businesses alike. 

It’s the perfect way to shop, explore and celebrate local creativity this season. 

🎅 Santa and Elfie Selfie Stations 

Whether you’re taking the kids, your best friend, or your morning coffee, don’t miss our festive selfie stops. Santa is near the Medical Centre and Elfie in the new Town Square. Perfect for a snap to share… or to end up on the fridge door. 

🎶 Roving Carols & Festive Music 

Keep your eyes (and ears) open for live Christmas performances and pop-up moments throughout December: 

The Christmas Belles – Saturday 6 December, from 10am 

Crescendo Choir – Saturday 30 December, 12–12.30pm 

Meet Me in Watsy Square: Christmas – Saturday 20 December, 10am–2pm 

(This series is proudly supported by the North East Community Fund and brought to you by the Watsonia Traders Association.) 

And don’t be surprised if you spot a few gigantic elves strolling the street, spreading smiles and spontaneous Christmas joy. 

Why Shopping Local Matters This Christmas 

Here in Watsonia, we’re lucky. 

We have a main street filled with small, independent business owners, people who live locally, employ locally, and care deeply about this community. While other precincts are struggling with empty shopfronts, our street is flourishing. And that’s something we don’t take for granted. 

Every purchase you make this Christmas, whether it’s a coffee, a gift, a service or a meal, helps keep our main street strong. It supports local families, creates local jobs and makes sure that Watsonia stays lively and welcoming all year round. 

Looking for gift ideas? You can find them all right here: 

🎁 For friends, family and teachers: toys, clothing, accessories, homewares, perfume and gifts from our retailers, pharmacies and op shops. 

💇 For experiences: hair, beauty, wellness and car detailing, the perfect way to gift a little self-care. 

🥂 For entertaining: take-home catering, fresh produce, baked goods, and the essentials for your Christmas feast. 

🍜 For convenience: takeaway nights while wrapping gifts, dog and cat grooming, laundry services for visiting guests, or a quick dinner after late-night shopping. 

🏠 For the new year ahead: interiors, styling, DIY, garden suppliers, health and lifestyle professionals to help you start 2026 feeling fresh. 

There are so many reasons to do your Christmas shopping locally, and each one helps keep our community shining. 

A Little Watsy Christmas Magic 

It’s been heartwarming to hear the feedback from our traders and the community, and to see your photos filling our feeds. We’ve loved watching kids light up at the decorations, families stopping for selfies, and couples grabbing a coffee under the wreaths. 

We’re always thinking about how to create moments that last, not just on social media, but on the fridge door, the family album, or the mantlepiece. With our beautiful local flora, friendly traders and green wedge backdrop, Watsonia makes Christmas look good, naturally. 

Looking Ahead 

We’re also counting down to the completion of the Town Square project, which will give us even more space to activate, connect, and celebrate together. We can’t wait to see it full of life, laughter and more “Watsy moments” next year. 

This Christmas, we just want to say thank you - to our traders, our volunteers and our community for helping us make Watsonia a little brighter, one bow and one smile at a time. 

🎁 Come for the shops, stay for the Christmas spirit. 

🧭 Plan your visit 

📍 Watsonia Shops – Watsonia Road, Watsonia VIC 
🚆 Just 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD via the Hurstbridge Line 
🎅 Meet Me in Watsy Square: Christmas – Saturday 20 December, 10am–2pm

Follow Watsonia Shops on Facebook and Instagram for event updates, photos, and what’s on next in Melbourne’s north-east.