Tonight is your chance to get your Christmas Shopping done and dusted with a late night shopping fair in the Orange CDB.

The shopping bonanza is being supported by the Orange Business Chamber and Orange City Council, who are encouraging all CBD retailers to stay open until 9pm and have organised for local singers to perform carols in the street.

“2020 has been a fairly tough year for all industries, but particularly hospitality and retail, and so we thought we'd try and throw something together, within the COVID Restrictions, that can benefit our CBD  and get people to spend their money here for Christmas,” said Orange Business Chamber President, Jack Evans.

“If you're living in Orange, the chances are you know someone that's working in hospitality or retail, so it’s to your benefit to support your mates and get down here and spend your money in town to keep everyone in a job and make sure the money stays here and we all keep prospering.”

Council staff have been working hard to bring some Christmas cheer to the main street, with $50,000 worth of decorations lighting up the nightime CBD and Robertson Park. Combined with the new festoon lighting, Summer Street is looking particularly festive at the moment and well worth an evening stroll.

“The CBD is looking really good,” said Jack. “Come along on Thursday night, December 10 from 4pm to 9pm, and there may be a few other surprises in store, and on the streets.”

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd encouraged residents to shop local as much as they could this festive season.

“Let’s band together and support our local businesses, our local economy and our local hospitality and entertainment venues,” Cr Kidd said.

“This late night shopping event is designed to make it as easy as possible to get all your Christmas shopping done in one go, while stimulating the local economy.

“We are so lucky in Orange to have such a large range of retail outlets from high-end boutique shops to local produce sellers, discount shops, franchises and chain stores covering every category. There’s no need to shop elsewhere, chances are what you’re looking for is here in Orange and you can touch and feel the quality before you buy.”