Events show ‘Christmas definitely not cancelled’
| Published date | 08 November 2021 |
| Publication title | Northern Advocate, The (Whangarei, New Zealand) |
And the Far North also has plenty of yuletide activities planned.
Instead of the large-scale Christmas event of the past at Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei District Council’s venues and events team have opted to hold a range of smaller Christmas events between November 27 and December 24 this year.
“We are also keen to hear from anyone who has a Christmas-themed public event happening and would like to be included in the line-up,” said WDC venues and events manager Carina de Graaf.
“Our team is keen to capitalise on what is already happening in the district, build on the sense of celebration that comes at this time of year, and to keep our community safe.”
De Graaf and her team will be showing the movie Polar Express on the big screen on Saturday, December 11, at Semenoff Stadium – costumes are encouraged.
“Come dressed in your favourite Christmas-themed clothes and enjoy an evening screening of the classic movie outdoors. Picnics are welcome but make sure you check Semenoff stadium’s terms and conditions, as some items are not allowed,” de Graaf said.
“The next day [December 12] people can have fun at the Choo-choo Train Rides at Kiwi North riding on decorated carriages, meeting Santa and taking photos. We encourage people to dress up for this one too.”
For walkers, joggers, strollers and wheelers the Bright Lights in the City evenings offer the opportunity to follow a walking light trail around the city centre and along the Hātea Loop, spotting bursts of colour of light on December 10-12 and December 17-19.
“December 12 and 19 will feature Sunday Sounds opposite Mokaba at the Town Basin on the raised platform. Live musicians A2Stix and EzySol will keep you entertained while you relax at any of the cafes or take a casual stroll past.
“For those true Santa fans among us, Saturday, December 18 will bring a chance to meet him in person at Cameron St between 10am-1pm.”
De Graaf said the ever-changing nature of events and guidelines meant there could be changes along the way.
“Keep an eye out for our publicity around these events including times, dates and places on Facebook, our website wdc.govt.nz or Eventfinda and in...
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