The Ultimate Guide to Supporting Local in Victoria This Christmas
A Very Victorian Christmas:
Simple Ways to Support Local in 2025
Christmas in Victoria hits different.
The lights, the markets, the carols, the road trips… the vibe is chef’s kiss.
And while the shopping centres are bursting at every seam, there’s a quieter kind of magic happening across our towns, main streets, wineries, markets and maker communities — where every dollar lands in the hands of real locals.
At Let’s Go Victoria, we believe Christmas isn’t just about gifts.
It’s about community, connection and supporting the people who make Victoria the vibrant, creative, delicious place we love.
If you’re ready to shop smarter, gift more meaningfully and keep your festive spend local, here’s your guide to making it happen.
Before the tinsel hits the tree, take a breath and check in with yourself:
- Who are you actually buying for?
- What’s realistic this year?
- Can you swap gifts for time together?
- Would a Kris Kringle reduce stress for everyone?
Being clear from the start helps you stay intentional — and intentional gifting is where supporting local really shines.
A few spend-smart ideas we love:
- Do a family Kris Kringle and set a budget. Thoughtful > multiple gifts.
- Focus on the kids while adults enjoy good food and wine.
- Gift experiences instead of things (more on this later!).
- Be open about shopping local — share your plan and inspire others.
Christmas shouldn’t feel like a marathon. Let’s make it feel joyful!
Nothing tastes better than produce that was grown, baked, brewed or crafted right here in Victoria.
Instead of defaulting to the supermarket rush, try:
- Farmers markets
- Local produce stores
- Independent butchers & bakers
- Small-batch makers
- Specialty food shops
Fresh, local ingredients = better flavour, less waste, happier tables.
Find fresh, local goodness near you:
👉 Markets in Victoria
👉 Shopping & Local Produce
Some of the best Christmas finds come from small towns, hidden laneways and weekend markets scattered across the state.
Take a drive. Wander a regional main street. Explore the makers you’ve never heard of… yet.
Handmade ceramics, candles, art, jewellery, preserves, homewares — these gifts have stories, not barcodes.
Start browsing:
👉 Victoria’s Markets
👉 Destinations to Explore
If you stumble across a Christmas market? Even better.
(And if you’re hosting one — list it, because Victorians are actively searching right now.)
From twilight carols to family entertainment, community nights, dances, concerts and festive pop-ups — these events aren’t just fun. They support local performers, makers, food vendors, volunteers, organisers and small businesses.
Explore what’s happening across Victoria:
👉 Community Carols
👉 Festive Events
If you’re all about the sparkle:
Experiences create memories that last long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Gift ideas that support local instantly:
- Winery tastings or vineyard picnics
- Wildlife encounters
- Scenic tours
- Workshops & classes
- Local attractions
- Family days out
- Carols, shows & festive nights
Explore what’s available across Victoria:
👉 Attractions & Experiences
👉 Wineries & Breweries
Or create your own gift:
A day trip, lunch reservation, beach picnic or scenic drive makes a beautiful promise.
If your festive season includes a drink or two…
Before you reach for that import, let Victoria pour something better.
Our local producers are world-class — and every bottle sold supports small Victorian families, cellar doors, brewers, cider-makers and distillers.
Explore what’s near you:
👉 Wineries & Breweries
Whether you’re gifting a bottle or stocking the fridge, choose Victorian first.
🎄 Gifts for the Kids (Even When It’s Big Brands)
Lego. Books. Board games. Craft kits.
We get it — not everything is made here.
But you can still support Victorian families by shopping:
- At locally owned toy shops
- At independent bookstores
- At small gift shops
- At market stalls
- At community fundraisers
The money stays in the community — and you avoid the big-box chaos. Win–win.
❤️ Support Local Without Spending a Cent
Not all support has a price tag.
Here’s how to boost local businesses for free:
- Leave a Google review
- Share their posts
- Tag them in your stories
- Save or share their events
- Recommend them to friends
- Comment on their content
- Visit their market stalls
- Follow their pages
These tiny actions make a HUGE difference to small businesses during Christmas.
✨ Your Next Step — Find Your Christmas Vibe
Ready to jump in?
Whether you’re chasing carols, hunting markets, planning experiences, or building your Christmas Day menu, we’ve gathered the best of Victoria in one place.
Find it. Love it. Share it.
And let’s make this Christmas feel good for everyone — especially the locals who make Victoria extraordinary.
FAQ: How to Nail a Very Victorian Christmas Without Losing Your Mind - 2025 edition
How can I support local businesses in Victoria this Christmas?
You can shop at markets, buy from makers, choose Victorian produce, attend community events, gift experiences, and support small businesses online through shares, reviews and recommendations.
Where can I find Christmas events happening across Victoria?
You’ll find carols, festive events, markets and more on the Christmas Events page
What are some affordable ways to support local?
Set a budget, swap to Kris Kringle, choose experience-based gifts, shop at markets, and support businesses online without spending a cent by leaving reviews or sharing their posts.
Do local markets run right up until Christmas?
Many of them do! Browse upcoming markets on the Markets in Victoria page
Where can I find Victorian-made gifts?
Start with local markets, regional towns and boutique stores. Explore ideas on the Destinations page
Are experience gifts a good idea for Christmas?
Absolutely — they create memories and support local operators at the same time. Explore options on the Attractions & Experiences page
Victoria’s Ultimate Support-Local Christmas Guide
Brand new for 2025
This Christmas, make every dollar count.
From handmade gifts and regional markets to local experiences and Victorian-made drops, Let’s Go Victoria is your go-to guide for celebrating small, shopping local, and keeping the festive magic close to home.
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