Hastings City Business Association general manager Susan McDade said businesses in Hastings city centre were happy with the way things had gone.
"Obviously we are pleased with the slightly better than average growth."
For the city's Focal Point Cinema, a "perfect storm" of factors resulted in record-breaking admission numbers.
"December was good, we ended up about 12 per cent ahead of budget for turnover," cinema co-owner Matt Bell said.
"Especially that period where the weather wasn't that sharp, from Boxing Day and those first four days were very, very good days and, the Friday after Boxing Day set a new record for admissions. It was the first time we topped a milestone number.
"There were a lot of people in Hawke's Bay and the weather was a bit on the cold side and we had a good number of movies that were all quite appealing so it was a perfect storm in terms of being good for us."
Stortford Lodge-based the Hub Cycle Centre also saw increased activity, outside the CBD.
"It has been busier than normal coupled with higher value purchases," owner/manager Robert Oliver said.
"People have been buying high performance road and mountain bikes for themselves which normally tapers off a week or two before Christmas. This year it didn't taper off."
The Warehouse and Warehouse Stationery regional manager John Basson said stores had been constantly busy.
"In general, the Napier and Hastings stores were busier than usual over the Christmas and festive period. Sales started 'ramping up' from the weeks leading up to Christmas and continued through our Boxing Day and New Year promotions."
Napier City Business Inc manager Zoe Barnes said overall, businesses in Napier's CBD had reported "very strong" December sales.
"The beautiful weather, and influx of tourists over the month certainly helped to buoy shoppers along, with some retailers claiming it was their best Christmas shopping season to-date.
"The development of the Marine Parade, strong hospitality sector, and record high occupancy rates in Napier CBD certainly work to create a vibrant town centre and encourage both visitors and locals to come in and enjoy the buzz of seeing Napier at its best."
Reports for the first week of 2018 were also "positive".
Hannahs Napier assistant manager Melinda Starmes said the whole month had been "pretty good" for city centre retailers.
"Pre Christmas and after New Year's was really good for us, with people coming in to buy Christmas presents and then coming for the Boxing Day sales and all the good sales that were around town.
"From the start of December, things have really built up. December was really good everywhere from what I have been told."
Hawke's Bay Tourism general manger Annie Dundas said it had also been great to see local businesses largely remaining open during the holiday period.
"Hawke's Bay has been exceptionally busy and many visitors have been enjoying the region's facilities and attractions.
"The Christmas and New Year period sees the highest number of visitors and it was great to see so many businesses open to welcome people from out of town."
