Uralla will close the New England Highway and light up for Christmas on Friday, 27 November, with a new candlelight procession, a 12-metre community mural, and the first lighting of the town’s newly built Christmas tree.
Thousands of visitors are expected for the return of the Uralla Christmas Street Fair, one of the largest community Christmas events in regional NSW. It runs from 5pm.
A highlight will be a 12-metre-long mural created by local artist Nikki, of Uralla’s Niknee Designs. Community members will paint it on the night, and no artistic skill is needed.
The final design will emerge during the evening, and the finished artwork will become a permanent installation outside Uralla Shire Library.
At 7.30pm, all eyes will turn to the main street for a candlelight procession through town, led by Uralla Shire preschool students together with Santa and his reindeer.
There will also be a 10-metre-high giant fun slide for the young and young-at-heart, carols in the park, craft and floral displays, plenty of live music, and street food.
Much-loved favourites are back too, including Santa’s Toy Workshop, gingerbread decorating with the CWA, a live nativity play, and the North Pole Post Office, where children can post a letter to Santa and check whether they are on his naughty or nice list.
“What makes this event special is that it is created by people of Uralla Shire,” said Uralla Shire Council Mayor Robert Bell.
“More than 100 local businesses, community groups, performers and volunteers will come together to play their part in an incredible festive experience that remains completely free for families.
“From local artists and musicians to charitable groups and volunteers, our Christmas Street Fair is a wonderful reflection of the creativity, generosity and community spirit that define Uralla.”
The large Christmas Tree, damaged by vandalism and severe weather, is also being replaced by a new local creation by Rob Tate of Uralla’s Laser Studio.
“Creating Uralla’s new town Christmas tree has been the most challenging and rewarding commission of my career, consuming much of the past few months,” Mr Tate said.
“I hope it is embraced by the community as a cherished landmark that attracts visitors and brings joy for generations to come.”
Business Uralla President Beth Platford said the event was a big boost for local traders.
“The Christmas Street Fair is one of the biggest nights of the year for many local businesses, attracting thousands of visitors and creating a real buzz throughout our town centre,” Platford said.
“The result is a vibrant celebration that supports our local economy and strengthens community connections.”
The fair is funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW.
“Too often our main streets are something we drive through, rather than drive to,” said Minister for Transport John Graham.
“As this event highlights, we can use our streets to bring communities together and drive revenue for local businesses.
“Through the Open Streets program, the Minns Labor Government is making it easier for councils across NSW to activate their streets, cutting red tape and supporting local events like the 2026 Uralla Christmas Street Fair.”
The event is also supported by Uralla Shire Council, Business Uralla, ACEN Australia, Phoenix Foundry, the Uralla Bowlo, and Foodworks Uralla.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to make a night of it, explore Uralla’s heritage town centre, and support local businesses.
The event map and a full list of free activities are available at uralla.com/christmas.
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