The second late night shopping event organised by the Phillip Island traders is happening this Friday, December 8.

Local shops across the island will keep their doors open from 5pm – 7pm, with family friendly entertainment organised in Cowes.

The shopping events (the first was held on November 23), have been put together to help take the stress out of Christmas shopping.

Simonne Liberman, from the Business Network committee, said the businesses have been enthusiastic about the idea to help locals get their Christmas shopping done without having to race up to the city.

Simonne said while the late-night trading has been offered across the island, the focus of the entertainment will be in Thompson Avenue (between Chapel Street and The Esplanade).

Kids will love the face painting stand, and they can get creative themselves with some sidewalk art.

There’ll be buskers and musical entertainment and “we’ve got our fingers crossed that Santa might even fly in, together with Sammy the Seal and Penny the Penguin for a visit,” said Simonne.

She said many of the local cafes and restaurants would be open as well, in support of the event.

“Hopefully people will want to stay on, have a meal with the kids, enjoy some takeaway down on the foreshore, or grab an ice-cream.”