Christmas happenings

Christmas time is always very exciting. There are Christmas trees everywhere, fantastic decorations in homes, shops and malls, and Christmas cards to write. In Christchurch, there are annual festive events to attend – many families go along year after year to enjoy them. And don’t forget about others who may be less fortunate. After all, Christmas is really about giving.

Bush Inn
Free Santa photos! One 6×4 photo per family. Santa will be in the centre daily from 12 December through to 24 December from 10am – 4pm outside 123 Mart. The Bush Inn Centre is at the corner of Riccarton and Waimairi Roads in Upper Riccarton. Phone 03-348-6993 for further information.

South City Centre
Hey kids, Santa will be at South City every day from 28 November to 24 December, 11am – 4pm, with photos available from Beverley Studios. And don’t forget to leave a gift for the Toys for Tots appeal. All gifts are distributed to those less fortunate by the Salvation Army Hope Centre. South City Centre, 555 Colombo St, www.southcity.co.nz.

Coca Cola Christmas in the Park
Everyone’s absolute favourite night out! Free entry. Take along a picnic tea and your best singing voice. On 28 November from 7.30pm at North Hagley Park.

Christchurch City Mission
Make a difference to someone else’s life this festive season. Christmas is all about giving, so why not share with others? Christchurch City Mission is grateful for donations of food, clothing, bedding, household effects and furniture. Or to donate $20, dial 0900 MISSION. Enquiries, phone 03-365-0635 or visit www.citymission.org.nz.

Canterbury SPCA
During the holidays, many animals are abandoned or get lost. To help them, you can donate to Canterbury SPCA. You may even be eligible to foster cats or kittens. Find out more at www.rspca-canty.co.nz.

The gift of giving
Visit the gift-wrapped tram in Cathedral Square from 28 November to 11 December to donate presents for families and children supported by Cholmondeley Children’s Home. Wrap, then label your gift boy/girl and age.

The Christmas Grotto Experience
On 14 – 24 December. Follow the star through the magical Christmas grotto experience – tunnels of fun to amaze and inspire you. Spreydon Baptist Church, corner Lyttelton and Cobham Streets. www.christmasgrotto.org.nz or phone 03-338-4163.

Ballantynes Christmas Window
It’s a surprise! Every year Ballantynes in Colombo Street unveil something special for Christmas, and its magical animated Christmas windows have become a Christmas tradition. Phone 03-379-7400.

Smiths City Santa Parade
Join people of all ages at Colombo and Kilmore Streets on 6 December as they wait for Santa. The parade starts at 2pm.

Community Christmas parades
During December there’s sure to be a parade near you. Look out for the New Brighton parade on 5 December, when Santa arrives by surfboat, or head out to High Street, Rangiora on 13 December for the Rangiora Christmas Parade. There’s a Christmas Carol Market at New Brighton Mall on 19 December, and on 20 December people in Oxford will watch the Oxford Christmas Parade in Main Street.

Christmas in your community
Your local school, church and community centre will celebrate Christmas in some special way. Read your newspapers and newsletters so you know when these will be.

YMCA Carols by Candlelight.
All the magic of Christmas on Christmas Eve, 24 December. Victoria Square, 9pm – 10pm.

By Karin O’Donnell