![christmas_376366_02.jpg](https://geelongindy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/christmas_376366_02.jpg)
Matt Hewson
Ocean Grove’s Christmas street party returns for 2023, giving locals the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed family event in the heart of the town.
Popular street festival Christmas in the Grove will close The Terrace to vehicle traffic this Wednesday, December 6 between 5pm and 8pm, giving residents the opportunity to enjoy everything their local traders have to offer.
The street party, which ran for some years before the COVID-19 pandemic, returned with a bang last year, and Ocean Grove Business Association (OGBA) spokesperson and newsXpress owner Cathy Staehr said everyone was looking forward to the 2023 edition of the event.
“The community is excited, really excited; the night is such a wonderful local catch up with family, friends and neighbours,” she said.
“It’s a brilliant way to celebrate the end of the school year and shop local for your Christmas bargains.
“The business association is really looking forward to the event too. The local traders have worked hard to get it back up and running this year.
“It gives the retailers a chance to show off and to say a huge thanks to the locals for the year that’s been.”
The event will feature live music, a wide array of culinary delights, Christmas gifts aplenty and a visit from the North Pole’s most famous resident, with Santa confirming his attendance this week.
Ms Staehr encouraged everyone to get their photo taken with Santa.
“Ocean Grove Camera & Photo will be there taking Santa photos; I have heard Santa will be arriving in a pretty cool Mustang,” she said.