As Christmas lights begin to twinkle and our local businesses transform their spaces into a Christmas wonderland, it can only mean one thing: it’s time for one of Tawa’s most enchanting holiday traditions—The Christmas Window Display Competition! This celebration of creativity, community, and holiday spirit brings our suburb to life, illuminating shop windows with dazzling displays that capture the joy and warmth of the season. But what goes into creating this beloved tradition year after year? Let’s take a peek behind the scenes to uncover what makes Tawa’s Christmas Window Display Competition truly magical.
In the heart of Tawa lies a community bursting with life and history. Here, our cherished long-time residents, especially our beloved senior citizens, stand as pillars of wisdom and witness to the ever-evolving landscape of our suburb. And when the festive season arrives, our Christmas Window Display competition ignites a spark of joy that lights up the streets, drawing grandparents and their grandchildren together. Hand in hand, they wander the charming lanes of Tawa, exploring shops, savoring treats, and making unforgettable moments of their lives.
It’s a magical sight – young couples sharing their first holiday date, families creating cherished traditions, and partners celebrating decades of love. All are united by the twinkling lights, radiant smiles, and hearts brimming with warmth and affection.
The Christmas Window Display Competition is more than just an event; it’s the heartbeat of our community during the holiday season. It fills our streets with wonder and excitement, bringing people together in a shared celebration of creativity and joy. Local businesses pour their hearts into crafting displays that dazzle the eyes and tell meaningful stories.
Take Nada Bakery, for example. Their team, led by a daughter and her daughter-in-law, worked together to bake an enchanting cookie display – a carriage, reindeers, and a Christmas tree adorned with green frosting. Their window didn’t just look magical; it practically invited you to taste the holiday cheer. (I’ll admit, I could almost smell the freshly baked cookies through the glass. Haha!)
This is the magic of Tawa’s Christmas Window Display Competition – a celebration of creativity, connection, and the true spirit of the season.
A Community-Driven Christmas Celebration
For the third festive season, Tawa’s local businesses have collaborated to create enchanting window displays, each uniquely capturing the magic of Christmas. The competition's brief is simple: use your products or a theme that aligns with your trade. This simplicity fosters creativity, allowing business owners to create festive, personal displays. It's more than a competition—it's an expression of their community connection and Christmas spirit.
Every snowflake, twinkling light, and centerpiece tells a story of dedication and love. From late-night crafting to brainstorming with family and staff, these displays are a labor of love. Every window reflects shared joy, community connections, and the power of coming together to celebrate the season of giving.
The manager of the Tawa Business Group, Bernadette Pallister, says, "this is an opportunity to showcase the amazing businesses we have here in Tawa, which extends much further than our retailers and includes, amongst others, gyms, hairdressers, engineering and building companies."
How to win?
The Christmas Window Display Competition adds a festive twist to this event. As you follow the trail through Tawa, you’re invited to search for hidden letters in the 19 participating windows, which combine to spell out a special Christmas message. And there’s more—by voting for your favourite window display, you could be in with a chance to win a $500 voucher from New World Tawa or one of many $100 vouchers from some of our best-loved Tawa-based businesses!
These flyers are available in over 30 different outlets in Tawa, including all participating businesses. It can even be downloaded from our Event Page, where you can also read up on the Terms and Conditions. The main one being one person, one vote so please don't try submitting extra votes.
Completed entry forms can be posted in one of our special Santa post boxes situated at the Tawa Community Centre, Tawa Mervyn Kemp Library, or at the Tawa Business Group offices at 220B Main Road, Tawa. Entries dropped off with the Tawa Business Group will be offered a bonus chocolate.
If you can't get to one of our post boxes, you can fill in the form online here or take a photo of it and email it to info@tawabusiness.co.nz
The Friendly (and Festive) Competition!
While the holiday spirit takes center stage in the Christmas Window Display Competition, a touch of friendly rivalry brings an extra layer of excitement. Each business brings its A-game, blending creativity with a sprinkle of festive magic to stand out. But in true Christmas fashion, the competition isn’t just about the displays—it’s also about delighting visitors with unexpected surprises.
Take Lowe & Co, for example. Alongside their beautifully adorned tree, they’ve added a playful twist: a festively decorated lolly bin for visitors to enjoy. It’s small gestures like these that make exploring Tawa during the holidays so special, offering moments of joy and surprise to everyone who stops by.
This friendly competition isn’t just about winning; it’s about celebrating the spirit of giving and togetherness. Each business, in its own way, contributes to the magic that lights up Tawa, making every corner of our town a place to explore, connect, and celebrate the season.
Tawa’s Community Spirit Shines Through
Beyond the dazzling displays and festive cheer, the Christmas Window Display Competition serves a greater purpose: uplifting our local economy and strengthening community bonds. As shoppers and visitors wander through the vibrant streets of Tawa, they’re not just enjoying the beauty of the season—they’re rediscovering the heart of our suburb. Each purchase, every smile exchanged, and all the moments shared contribute to making Tawa a hub of connection and celebration.
Over the years, this competition has grown to become more than just an event; it’s now a cornerstone of Tawa’s identity. Drawing visitors from across Wellington and beyond, it shines a light on our community’s creativity, hospitality, and charm, showcasing Tawa as a place where tradition and innovation beautifully intertwine.
Spreading Holiday Cheer, One Window at a Time
As the countdown to Christmas begins, there’s no better way to soak in the holiday spirit than by exploring Tawa’s magical displays. Picture this: a lunchtime stroll with workmates, a fun-filled family outing with the kids, or an evening adventure with friends, discovering hidden gems and feeling the warmth of the season.
While admiring the creative displays, you’ll also find plenty of reasons to linger in Tawa’s shops. Many local businesses are spreading the holiday cheer with great discounts and special deals, making it the perfect time to tick off your Christmas shopping list. From unique gifts to festive treats, there’s something for everyone—and every purchase supports the small businesses that bring so much vibrancy to our community.
The Christmas Window Display Competition isn’t just about lights and decorations—it’s a celebration of everything that makes Tawa special. It’s a reminder that the spirit of Christmas lives in every smile, every shared laugh, and every act of kindness that fills our little suburb.
So, grab your map, follow the trail, and let the festive magic of Tawa’s Christmas Window Display Competition guide you through a holiday experience that will leave your heart full and your spirits high. And don’t forget to drop off your completed voting form to have your say in this joyful celebration of creativity and community—and maybe snag some amazing deals while you’re at it!
Just remember to drop off your completed form before midnight on Sunday 15 December to be in with a chance to win.
Winners of 2024
The Christmas Window Display Competition 2024 brought a festive glow to Tawa, and we’re thrilled to celebrate our winners:
1st Place: Cutting Galore
A stunning mannequin Christmas tree that dazzled us all with its elegance and festive flair. JUST WOW!! Many, many CONGRATULATIONS to the amazing team at Cutting Galore.
2nd Place: Gorgeous Goose Cakes
Winning hearts again this year, their charming window was a perfect mix of sweetness and holiday magic, and their freshly made cupcakes are to die for.
3rd Place: Gift Shack Decor & Giftware
Another third-time win, showcasing their consistent creativity and love for the season! New location but the same amazing service and products.
A huge thank you to all the businesses that participated and to everyone who voted. Your support brings our community together and makes Tawa shine even brighter!
Some Glimpses from Previous Year's Winners
The winners of 2022 and 2023 showcased the vibrant talent and community spirit of Tawa. In 2022, Gorgeous Goose Cakes, Salvation Army Tawa, Gift Shack, and KD One with Kareen earned accolades for their exceptional contributions. The following year, Embrace Design, Gift Shack, and Gorgeous Goose Cakes continued the tradition of excellence, with Gift Shack and Gorgeous Goose Cakes securing wins two years in a row, highlighting their enduring impact and popularity within the community.
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