The New England region is continuing to celebrate through to Santa visit day, with Christmas markets, concerts, carnivals and even a horse racing event set to bring colour and cheer to communities across the region.
Armidale’s biggest festive event, Christmas in the Mall, will take over the Beardy Street Mall on Thursday 4 December. Run by Armidale Regional Council, the event promises a magical evening filled with festive cheer. Santa Claus will make a special appearance at 6pm, while children can also hop aboard the Jingle Express train, be entertained by a roving magician, and take part in a range of kids activities throughout the night. The mall will come alive with live stage performances, market stalls and food vendors. One of the standout attractions will be the transformation of the Armidale Courthouse into an interactive gingerbread-themed lighting display, which is expected to draw big crowds.
In Warialda, the festive season will officially begin the following day, with the return of the much-loved Warialda Christmas Carnival and Tree Lighting on Friday 5 December. Locals and visitors can gather in the town centre for a night packed with entertainment. A festive bauble hunt will keep children busy before Santa Claus arrives to greet families. The highly anticipated lighting of the town’s Christmas tree will once again be the highlight of the night, transforming the square into a dazzling display.
The same day Tamworth residents are invited to the first of two free Christmas concerts hosted by the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music, kicking off with Christmas on the grounds on Friday 5 December. Families are encouraged to bring along picnic blankets for a relaxed evening under the stars, where Conservatorium ensembles will perform alongside community carol singing. Children can enjoy reindeer games throughout the night, while everyone is welcome to tuck into a free barbecue and drinks. The event is designed as an easy, joyful way for families and friends to come together at the very beginning of the festive season.
A week later, the Conservatorium will present Carols in the Chapel in the atmospheric Chapel Theatre on Thursday 12 December. This traditional evening of Christmas music will feature the Conservatorium Chamber Singers and a small ensemble of instrumentalists performing timeless carols in an intimate, uplifting setting. With no bookings required, organisers say both concerts are a chance for the community to reconnect and celebrate through song. “Come along and share in the music, food, and festive cheer as we celebrate the season together,” the Conservatorium said.
In Glen Innes, Desert Moon Creative Art Space will host its Christmas Night Market on Saturday 6 December, offering an evening of relaxed shopping with unique Christmas gifts, homewares, candles, books and handmade treasures. Visitors can enjoy food, cookies and coffee while browsing the shelves and stalls.
Also on Saturday 6 December, starting at 11.30am, racing enthusiasts will also have their chance to join in the festive spirit at the Gunnedah Jockey Club’s Christmas Hams Race Meeting. With many workplaces using the event as their Christmas party, organisers are urging groups to book marquees early, as they traditionally sell out fast. The day at Riverside Racecourse will include catering delivered straight to marquees, plenty of takeaway food options, fun activities for children, and prizes for the best dressed child. Fashions on the Field will offer cash and prize incentives for racegoers, and free shuttle buses will run to and from The CourtHouse Hotel to make the day even more accessible.
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