Hello Christmas Hello Hobart Window Display Competition unveiled
Published on 19 December 2023
The City of Hobart is thrilled to announce the winner of the People’s Choice Award in the Hello Christmas Hello Hobart Window Display Competition, an exciting initiative that brought festive spirit to our vibrant city.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award is Lily & Dot. Lily & Dot’s display featured a theatrical and festive gingham curtain which perfectly framed their window.
Their display featured hand-made crochet baubles, a crochet Christmas tree plus a number of Christmas products including cuddly marsupials and Christmas bon-bons.
The display was also lit at night and framed by festoon lights, giving it a cosy and nighttime glow.
Lily & Dot is now a two-time winner, having taken out the award in 2017.
The winner of the Photography competition was Tom Whittaker, who took a photo of Dance Junction’s window display.
The winner of the Random Draw was Taryn Townsend, whose name was drawn at random from the 530 votes received for the People’s Choice Award.
The competition saw 45 businesses from across the Hobart local government area participate, showcasing their creativity and spreading holiday cheer.
Over the course of the competition, more than 530 votes were cast for the People's Choice Award, a testament to the enthusiasm and engagement of our community.
An online map facilitated a journey across participating businesses, encouraging residents and visitors to explore the diverse and innovative displays throughout the City of Hobart.
"We have been blown away by the creativity and innovation displayed by businesses this year,” Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“From coffee cup wreaths to Christmas tree dresses and elves hanging on light displays - the level of festive spirit has truly been remarkable.
Many businesses thought of creative ways to incorporate their unique product offerings into their festive windows.”
It is the first time the competition has been run since 2018.
The Hello Christmas Hello Hobart campaign served as a rallying call to support local businesses during the festive season.
Hobart City Economy Portfolio Chair Louise Bloomfield expressed her gratitude to the participating businesses and the community for their involvement.
"By encouraging people to shop local, this campaign has not only added joy to our streets but has also bolstered our small businesses during this important time of the year," Ald Bloomfield said.
The winners of the People's Choice Award, Photography Competition, and the Random Draw will each receive double season passes to the Taste of Summer, including the Taste of Summer's New Year's Eve event.
The Hello Christmas Hello Hobart Window Display Competition is part of the broader Christmas celebrations in the City of Hobart.
The recently held 41st City of Hobart Myer Christmas Pageant drew more than 20,000 spectators.
Additionally, four City of Hobart-supported community Christmas carol events, along with Christmas decorations adorning key locations such as the Elizabeth Street Mall, Wellington Court and the Town Hall, and the 14m high Mawson’s Place Christmas Tree and citywide civic banners, have all contributed to creative a festive and vibrant atmosphere across our city.
Picture: Hello Christmas Hello Hobart Window Display Competition People's Choice Award winner Lily and Dot owner Katinka Dineen with assistant Bec Sward.