Christmas has arrived early in Canberra, and one capital retailer has wasted no time gathering all the trimmings under one roof.

For Adele, owner of The Reindeers’ Retreat, Christmas has always been about more than one day in December.

“I’ve always loved it — the ceremony of decorating the tree, walking around the neighbourhood to see the lights, and wearing silly paper hats from the crackers at the dinner table. But it’s about more than the sum of its parts,” she says.

“For me, Christmas is about connection, family, joy and generosity, that sense of wonder and warmth. It’s that one time of year when family and friends gather to share rituals, surprises and joy. For adults, it takes us back to our childhood.”

With that vision, Adele has created Canberra’s ultimate festive destination.

Step inside and you’ll find a magical Christmas wonderland, with dazzling displays of nine themed tree displays to explore — from whimsical Candyland to cheeky Grinchmas, Glamorous Golds to Coastal Christmas.

The Reindeers’ Retreat “elves” are the stewards of Santa’s Sleigh and Throne, where you can capture picture-perfect moments, pause amid the sparkle or post a letter straight to Santa.

“It’s a space where time doesn’t matter and where everyone belongs,” Adele says.

The store’s 2025 theme, Tinsel, Trees and Transforming Lives, captures its unique difference. Yes, you’ll find wreaths, baubles, garlands and ornaments, but there’s also a deeper purpose woven through the sparkle.

“Magic with meaning” is more than a tagline. The store’s elves, as they’re affectionately known, are no strangers to adversity. Adele employs young survivors of family violence and young people living with disabilities.

Every purchase helps provide them with opportunities, coaching and support.

“They get up to all sorts of good-natured mischievous fun, and are always grateful for the chance to grow, contribute and shine,” Adele says.

From hand-poured Christmas candles to coral-safe sunscreens and eco-friendly crackers, the store is brimming with carefully curated treasures.

“They’re beautiful gifts that give back,” Adele says. “We love that you can do your Christmas decorating and be changing someone’s life at the same time — at no extra cost and no extra effort. The Reindeers’ Retreat proves that good business and social impact go hand in hand.”

For those who like their Christmas personal, The Reindeers’ Retreat runs 12 creative workshops across the season. From bauble painting and wreath making to Christmas jewellery, wine charms, keyrings and bespoke crackers, every class offers the chance to create something magical with your own hands.

For the trickiest presents, the Gift Wrapping Workshop invites you to bring along those awkwardly shaped gifts and learn how to wrap them beautifully.

Special sensory shopping evenings also create a calm, starry-sky environment designed especially for neurodiverse customers, ensuring the magic of Christmas is accessible to everyone.

And this year brings even more magic: the launch of the Kindness Club loyalty program, a nod to our Aussie bush Christmas, and the store’s dedicated Grinch room!

“The Reindeers’ Retreat really does make magic with meaning,” Adele says.

“We want every person who walks through our doors to leave having had a magical experience — with decorations that dazzle, gifts that give back and memories that last long after the season ends.”

The Reindeers’ Retreat has officially unveiled its Christmas Season 2025 displays. The store is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm at 45 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah — or you can shop online.