The spirit of Christmas

Christmas time is always very exciting. There are Christmas trees everywhere, fantastic decorations in homes, shops and malls, and Christmas cards to write. Then there are presents to buy, people to visit and plans to make for those hot summer days. If you live in Dunedin, there are all sorts of festive activities you can take part in, places to go and things to see. Many of these are annual events and families go along year after year to enjoy them. Get into the Christmas mood by going along, too.

Lighting of the Christmas tree
This is a free musical event that brings the spirit of Christmas to the city centre. It’s the perfect night out for the family. Entertainment and a sing-along with Christmas carols before the largest Christmas tree in the South Island is lit. On 4 December, 7pm, at the lower Octagon. Tree lighting at 9.15pm.

BRONZ Christmas toy run
Don’t miss this one – 250 motorcycles roar up the main street from the Dental School to the Octagon as BRONZ enjoys its annual toy run, to be donated to children for Christmas. On 5 December, 2.45pm.

Dunedin Santa Parade.
The parade assembles in George Street at 9am on 6 December. It starts up at 3pm, goes past the Octagon turning left into Moray Place near First Church where it will disassemble. More than 65 floats are expected to take part. A one-hour public concert is expected in the lower Octagon at the conclusion of the parade.

SPCA Otago
During the holidays, many animals are abandoned or get lost. In the spirit of giving, you can donate to SPCA Otago. Find out more at www.petpals.co.nz.

Gift trees
Some Dunedin shopping centres invite their customers to wrap gifts for those less fortunate. The malls have beautifully decorated trees specially placed for this purpose. Identify your gift in some way to say whether it is for a boy or a girl and give the approximate age group. Check your local newspaper for further details and make someone else’s Christmas a happy one.

Community Christmas carols and variety concert
Sausages, bouncy castle, candy floss, children’s craft activities and refreshments provided free of charge. On 19 December, 6pm – 8.30pm, Mornington Presbyterian Community Centre, 16 Maryhill Terrace.

Carols at Bathgate Park
Enjoy an evening of fun-filled carolling at this family-oriented Christmas celebration. Up to 1200 people attend this traditional event. Go along and join in the carols on 20 December from 6pm – 7.30pm, Bathgate Park, South Dunedin. Free barbecue too!

Carols by Candlelight
Be part of the retailers “midnight madness” and get into the Christmas spirit through music and song.
On 22 December, 7pm, at Anzac Park, Gordon Road, Mosgiel. Free event.

An Amazing View
Children’s Christmas Eve drama with dance and Christmas carols. Free barbecue. Two services: 4.30pm and 6pm. East Taieri Church, 12a Cemetery Road, Mosgiel. www.etchurch.co.nz.

Christmas Eve services
A number of the churches and cathedrals around Dunedin will hold Christmas Eve candlelit services on 24 December, so contact your local church for further details on this special Christmas tradition.

By Karin O’Donnell