Businesses will be encouraged to trade until 8pm and entertainers will wander the streets from 5-8pm.

A winter snow-theme zone will be set up on the Civic Green while musicians, singers, a magician, a roving Christmas elf, juggling clown, balloon bender, cartoonist, face painter and Santa will mingle with shoppers.

Horse and carriage rides, craft stalls, buskers and a historic vehicle procession will also add to the party atmosphere.

City council business support manager Tanya Egan said the aim was to bring a community feel to Christmas.

“We find a lot of people tire of the commercialisation of Christmas when really their focus is on spending quality time with family and friends,” she said.

“This event will have a very welcoming community feel with lots of free entertainment and activities while drawing people into the CBD to support out local traders.” 

Part of Liebig and Timor streets adjacent to the Civic Green will be closed off to traffic from 5-9pm and the event will culminate with Santa turning on the Christmas lights on a Civic Green Norfolk Island pine at sunset.

The event has been organised by the council in conjunction with Commerce Warrnambool, The Standard, and Ace Radio.

pcollins@standard.fairfax.com.au