Cambridge has a fantastic array of independent shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes that at Christmas time dress their windows to give shoppers an extra little treat while they are out choosing gifts for their loved ones.

Each year, Cambridge BID encourages independent retailers to join in the Christmas window competition and this year it is being supported once again by the Cambridge Independent.

Businesses will be judged in the following areas: originality/creativity, visual impact, festivity and coherence of the display as a whole.

The judges have decided on a shortlist of eight businesses, which will be put to a public vote on the Love Cambridge Facebook page from today (Wednesday, December 12) to noon on Wednesday, December 19 in order to decide the eventual winner.

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The winning business will receive additional coverage in the Cambridge Independent on Wednesday, December 26, along with a cheque from Cambridge BID for £150 to give to a charity of their choice.

Kristian Foreman, marketing and communications executive at Cambridge BID, said: "The Christmas window competition is a fabulous way to encourage independent businesses to go all out with their Christmas window displays. The competition goes from strength to strength each year and this year we are delighted to be working with the Cambridge Independent."

The shortlisted businesses are:

Charlies Coffee, 45 Burleigh Street, Cambridge CB1 1DJ

Lilac Rose, 71 Bridge Street, Cambridge CB2 1UR

Cambridge Contemporary Crafts, 5 Bene't Street, Cambridge CB2 3QN

Podarok, 12 Bene't Street, Cambridge CB2 3PT

Chocolat Chocolat, Andrew's Street, Cambridge CB2 3AX

Harriets Cafe Tearooms, 16-17 Green Street, Cambridge CB2 3JU

North Shoes, 11 Rose Crescent, Cambridge CB2 3LP

ARK, 1-2 Peas Hill, Cambridge CB2 3PP