It might feel a little early to be thinking about tinsel and mince pies, but Ealing Council is already getting festive – and needs your help.

The annual Christmas card design competition is back, and it’s open to all school students in the borough. The winning designs will be used by the leader of Ealing Council, cabinet members, and senior officers – including the chief executive – as their official cards this festive season.

But that’s not all. The winning artwork could also be featured on the council’s social media channels and in the winter edition of Around Ealing magazine, giving young creatives a chance to shine far and wide: just like (as pictured above), the 2024 overall winning entry by Bianca Mocanescu, which also won the 12+ category.

‘Christmas in our towns’

This year’s theme is ‘Christmas in our towns’. Whether you’re inspired by the borough’s picturesque parks, iconic landmarks, or everyday moments with people that are special to you, there’s endless space for your creativity to flourish.

Council leader Peter Mason said: “Each year, our Christmas card competition showcases the wonderful creativity and talent of the children across the borough. This year’s theme, Christmas in Our Town, invites them to celebrate our local landmarks over the festive period, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this year’s theme inspires them. It is always a joy to share their artwork with others when I send out my Christmas cards.”

Joining Councillor Mason on the judging panel are: Councillor Louise Brett, deputy leader and cabinet member for safe and genuinely affordable homes; and Councillor Josh Blacker, cabinet member for a fairer start.

How to enter

Here’s what you need to do:

• choose your age category: 6 years and under, 7–11 years or 12–18 years
• create your artwork on plain white A4 paper, in landscape format
• include your full name, age, and school
• send a photo or scanned image of your design to: smilliew@ealing.gov.uk
• make sure to include contact details for a responsible adult (parent, carer or teacher)

Deadline for entries is 5pm on Sunday 16 November 2025. Winners will be announced in the digital edition of Around Ealing’s winter magazine.

So, grab your pens, paints and imagination – and help to make the council’s Christmas cards extra special this year.