Wightlink joins Yarmouth businesses to celebrate seasonal window displays

Yarmouth has been glowing with festive cheer this December, as local shops and businesses once again transformed their windows with dazzling Christmas displays.

The annual competition, organised by the Yarmouth Traders Retail Collective and led by Adrian Evans, brought an extra touch of magic to the town’s winter celebrations.

Wightlink once again joined the festivities by sponsoring the awards and providing travel vouchers for the winning businesses. With the town buzzing with visitors in the lead-up to Christmas, the beautifully decorated shopfronts helped create a warm, welcoming atmosphere across one of the Isle of Wight’s most picturesque towns.

The judging process for 2025 began with Wightlink’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, Sam Woodman, touring the town’s independent stores and hospitality venues, taking photos of the displays. The winning businesses were then selected by a wider group of Wightlink staff based at Wightlink’s Gunwharf headquarters, who praised the imagination, effort and festive spirit shown by all the entrants.

Holdings was crowned this year’s winner for its eye-catching and creative display. The Wheatsheaf Inn secured second place, while Harwood’s, Reflections and Blossoms came joint third. Each of the top-ranked businesses received Wightlink travel vouchers in recognition of their efforts.

Sam Woodman said: “It was wonderful to see the town throw itself into the competition with such enthusiasm. The shops and pubs looked absolutely fantastic – well worth a visit for anyone who loves beautiful, independent businesses at their festive best. We were delighted to support this year’s event.”

Organiser Adrian Evans expressed thanks for Wightlink’s involvement, adding: “Our businesses have all made a real effort – there are some fantastically decorated windows making the town feel so festive. Thank you to Sam and the team at Wightlink for helping make this year’s competition such a success.”

With strong support from local traders and Wightlink, the competition continues to highlight the town’s independent businesses and offers mainland visitors another good reason to make the trip across the Solent.