Port Douglas is gearing up for a festive evening with its Christmas Late Night Shopping Night on Thursday, November 27. Local stores will extend their hours until 7.30pm, offering a range of special offers, a local raffle, drinks, and complimentary gift wrapping.

The event, started a few years ago by Raine Ward from Maker, has continued to be a successful celebration of community and local business, bringing people together and giving shops a festive boost.

Shoppers can enjoy 20 percent off all merchandise, and every $20 spent earns a ticket into the Grand Draw, with a range of fantastic local prizes up for grabs.

Adding to the festive spirit, Dani, who has worked at Ngarru Gallery and Wicked Willies Jewellery, has created a special painting at the Ngarru Gallery shop window for the event, bringing extra holiday cheer to the street.

“Last year the vibe was great, there was such a buzz! There was rosé flowing and it just felt really fun,” she said.

“It’s the best thing to support local businesses, especially when things start to get quiet. You know what goes on behind the scenes when you shop locally.”

Prizes include:

• Prize One: $30 voucher from Splish Splash, Maker, Wicked Willies Jewellery, Steep, Martinique, Ngarru Gallery, Whileaway, Borboleta Boutique, or In Port Shoes

• Prize Two: $30 voucher from Floral Edge, Portobello, The Book Lounge, With Sugar, L’Dream Jewellery, Tshinta, Premium Footwear, Sea Gallery, The Daintree Shop

• Prize Three: Coffee Works hamper valued at $80

• Prize Four: Tshinta & LJ Hooker Bottle of Veuve Clicquot