Christmas cheer is beginning to take over the region as many Christmas activities kick off this week.
Uralla was the first to kick off the festive season last night, to be closely followed by Inverell Shire Council will be conducting the lighting of the Christmas tree in conjunction with the Inverell East Rotary Christmas Fair tonight.
The Christmas Fair has taken the place of the Venetian Carnival, which had been run by Inverell Apex for decades. Live entertainment, chocolate wheels and food stalls will all be at the fair which kicks off at 4pm this afternoon (23 November), with a visit from Santa Claus at 7pm and the lights of the Christmas Tree will be switched on at 7:45pm.
Moree Plains will hold their Christmas at Twilight celebration next Friday 29 November from 5pm, returning back to its family favourite venue – Ron Harborne Oval. The alcohol-free event will be a fun-filled evening for families wanting to get into the spirit of Christmas with Carols, performances, food trucks and some activities for the kids, not to mention a very special visitor, and end with fireworks.
The Gunnedah Shire community is invited to attend the 2024 Lighting of the Christmas tree at 7.30pm also on 29 November. The Christmas tree stands in Brock’s Court in Chandos Street each year as a symbol of the festive season, and each year, the turning on of the lights event is being held on the same night as the Christmas Fair to allow people to go from one event to the other and make the most of the festive season activities.
“We are very happy to be able to present this small but special event to our community in partnership with the Gunnedah Conservatorium, who provide the seasonal music and singing,” Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Colleen Fuller said.
“It’s a lovely opportunity for families to come along, see the tree light up and join in a carol or two.”
Meanwhile the Armidale Mall is set to sparkle with fabulous festive activities for the 2024 Christmas in the Mall celebrations, also on Friday November 29.
The much-loved event gives families the chance to celebrate Christmas with other community members, watch the lights be switched on the giant Christmas tree, indulge in some tasty treats and shop local for some festive goodies.
This year, after community consultation, Christmas in the Mall will remain in the mall with an increased footprint of East-West Mall and Moore Street. There will be more than 70 stalls, activities for kids, a much-anticipated visit from Santa, a petting zoo, Thomas the Tank Engine and community performances on the stage.
Christmas in the Mall in Armidale will kick off at 4:30pm and will run until 8:30pm. The lights on the Mall’s Christmas tree will be switched on at 7:30pm. Santa’s arrival is also scheduled for 6pm.
A bit further up the road, Glen Innes will be holding their Christmas in the Highlands event on the same night, 29 November, from 5-8pm.
Rotary runs the Guyra Christmas Carnival, which is set for the following week December 6 from 5-8pm. The festive extravaganza promises transform the heart of Guyra into a magical wonderland for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Warialda’s Christmas Carnival is also being held on Friday 6 December, from 6-10pm at the Warialda Recreation Ground. The carnival will include a variety of kids rides, market stalls, food vendors, live music and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Top image: Christmas festivities in Gunnedah (supplied)
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