With less than sixty sleeps until Christmas, Cessnock City Council is providing local businesses across the LGA with the opportunity to win a $500, $300 or $200 gift card for displaying their Christmas Spirit. And their customers have a chance to win too.

Businesses are encouraged to decorate their shopfronts with Christmas themes, trees and make them something to behold! Council is joining the festivities with a display in one of the windows facing Vincent Street to be unveiled in early November.

Competition winners will be selected by Cessnock City Mayor Jay Suvaal, who said he is looking forward to seeing local businesses embrace the spirit of the season, and awarding 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies and Gift card prizes to the top 3 displays.

“It would be wonderful to see local businesses decorating their spaces and lining our shopping districts with festive cheer,” said Clr Suvaal.

“I can’t wait to see your amazing displays and hope all our community show their support for our local retailers across the Cessnock area.”

Because it’s all about locals supporting locals, it’s not only business that can participate in this competition, but their customers too.

Customers can post a selfie with the Christmas display at their favourite local shop to Facebook, and tag the business and @CessnockCityCouncil to be in the running for another three gift vouchers. Make sure to set the post to public so people can see it, as the three posts with the most likes will win themselves a voucher to spend at local shops.

Participating businesses need to register by emailing council@cessnock.nsw.gov.au and include their business name, address, and a picture of their display.

$500, $300 and $200 gift cards are available for the top 3 placed businesses participating in the competition along with a trophy to display in their business.

Another $200 gift card, $100 gift card and $50 gift card are available to customers who promote the Christmas display at their favourite local business on social media.

Look out for more details on the Cessnock City Council and Advance Greater Cessnock Facebook pages.