Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (Dec 2025 edition)

THE TOWN of Toodyay has become an unlikely haven for Christmas enthusiasts, thanks to a unique store dedicated to festive decorations and items almost year-round.
Christmas 360, an enchanted wonderland of lights and colour, has become a major tourist drawcard for the town.

Founded in 2013 by Sean Byron, a former electrician with a lifelong passion for Christmas, the store occupies the space of a former supermarket and has since transformed Toodyay’s retail landscape.

Byron, a long-time resident of Toodyay, initially conceived the idea as a passion project.

However, a turning point came with his partner, Dr Richard Walkey OAM, receiving a diagnosis of gallbladder cancer in November 2012.

Dr Walkey, a beloved local GP for many years, encouraged Byron to pursue his dream.

Although Dr Walkey sadly passed away before witnessing the full extent of the store’s success, his legacy remains a significant part of the shop’s story and Mr Byron named the shop in his honour, “Richard’s Christmas 360” – symbolising Richard’s spirit and the idea of “Christmas all around”.

The name was later shortened to “Christmas 360” as the business grew and developed a broader brand identity, especially once it began attracting statewide visitors and launched its online store.

“Richard’s encouragement was the push I needed,” Mr Byron said.

“He believed in the idea, and I wanted to make it a reality, not just for myself, but for him and for Toodyay.”

Today, “A Toodyay Christmas” offers an extensive array of Christmas decorations, from traditional ornaments and twinkling lights to unique, handcrafted pieces.

The store’s commitment to the festive season extends beyond retail as it actively participates in local events, including Toodyay’s annual Christmas Street party.

More recently, Mr Byron’s partner, Simon Kohler, has become involved in the business, focusing on the wholesale side of the operation.

Together, they are working to expand the store’s reach and bring the joy of Christmas to a wider audience.

The store’s impact on Toodyay has been significant.

Local businesses report an increase in foot traffic and the town’s tourism sector has benefited from the store’s unique appeal.

Visitors flock to Toodyay throughout the year, eager to experience the magic that Christmas 360 offers.

For Perth visitors, Ian and Margaret a visit to Toodyay isn’t complete without dropping into the festive store.

“It’s an experience and it brings a smile to your face,” said Margaret.
Mr Byron leads the store with a commitment to improving the Christmas experience for customers.

His efforts and that of his team have made the Toodyay shop a popular year-round destination in the Wheatbelt.