SHOPPERS now have an excuse to stay out late this Thursday night, with local businesses on Hawthorne St putting on a late night Christmas shopping event for the community.

Hawthorne St businesses including The Tasting Co, Plash Creative, Susie's Gifts Galore and Armstrong Ford, have collaborated to bring the late night shopping event into Roma, along with a host of family festivities.

Fairy lights will be set up throughout the streets, along with a Santa Claus photo experience outside The Tasting Co and gift wrapping at Susie's Gifts Galore.

The Tasting Co owner Bec Cannon said the late night shopping event was a good opportunity to support local businesses.

"The late night shopping experience will give them the opportunity to shine and show off what is best about shopping in Roma," she said.

"All retailers, service providers and hospitality businesses feel that this event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase themselves."

FOR more information, phone Bec on 0428908311.