Events Officer Emma Corbett and Destination & Events Coordinator Kim Parker with Xmas stars in Civic Centre forecourt.
KICKING OFF CHRISTMAS:  Events Officer Emma Corbett and Destination & Events Coordinator Kim Parker say Wagga Wagga City Council is not only decorating the city for the holiday season and sponsoring great events like ‘Carols by Candlelight’, but also encouraging the community to shop locally.

Events & Tourism

Christmas fun for everyone

Published: 28 Nov 2024 11:33am

Christmas is officially around the corner!

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Christmas decorations are going up across the city, and over the next few weeks Council will be hosting several special events.

Destination & Events Coordinator Kim Parker said that the community has already witnessed the transformation of the CBD with festive decorations along Baylis and Fitzmaurice streets.

“This year, the streets are adorned with an array of street decor, Christmas signs and flags, adding to the festive atmosphere,” Ms Parker said.

Three stars in the Civic Centre forecourt.
SHINING BRIGHTLY: Three stars bringing Christmas cheer in the Civic Centre forecourt.

“A stunning focal point of the decorations is the installation of the striking trio of large stars that now shine brightly in the Civic Centre forecourt.

“Council is also sponsoring two major Christmas events for the community to look forward to.

“Carols by Candlelight will be returning after a hiatus, rejuvenated by the not-for-profit Specialist Medical Research Foundation. The two-day event is scheduled for 6-7 December at the Wagga Wagga Music Bowl at the Botanic Gardens.

“Christmas with the Con, a free evening of live musical performances now in its fourth year is scheduled for Saturday 14 December at Riverside: Wagga Beach.”

Christmas with the Con
STRING ALONG: Join musicians from the Riverina Conservatorium of Music at Riverside: Wagga Beach on 14 December for a great night out with great music.

As well as heading out to enjoy events, Ms Parker said Council is encouraging locals and visitors to think about shopping closer to home this festive season for gifts and produce.

The popular A Very Wagga Wagga Giftmas digital Advent calendar is making a return this year, with more than $4000 in gifts up for grabs. A new local prize is revealed each day from December 1 to December 12.

“Entry is free, all you need to do is head over to the Visit Wagga website to take part,” Ms Parker said.

"As well as promoting amazing local businesses, the calendar is also a great way of showcasing some of the local products and offerings in our region that would make great gifts or stocking fillers."

Council has also teamed up with the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber, putting together six specially curated hampers, each varying in size and containing a selection of local produce and a Shop Local gift card.

“More than 35 local businesses and producers feature in the hampers through products and their participation in the Shop Local Wagga Wagga program,” Ms Parker said.

"Hampers, and many other great Wagga Wagga souvenirs, can be purchased from the Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre."

Xmas banners along Fitzmaurice Street
A BANNER WAGGA WAGGA CHRISTMAS: Just some of the decorations bringing a festive spirit to Wagga Wagga’s CBD.

Ms Parker added that the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre is presenting a Christmas inspired show called ‘Tis the Season on Monday 9 December, with tickets still available this a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.

“The theatre’s stage will be transformed into a magical wonderland right before your eyes, and you’ll be able to sing along to your favourite carols as well as some swinging numbers from artists such as Bing Crosby, Judy Garland and Mariah Carey.”

The Wagga Wagga City Library will also be presenting a special Christmas themed Storytime program at the Botanic Gardens on Wednesday 4 December and Friday 6 December.

Christmas highlights

Christmas Storytime in the Botanic Gardens

Wednesday 4 December and Friday 6 December

Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens

Carols by Candlelight

Friday 6 December & Saturday 7 December

Wagga Wagga Music Bowl, Botanic Gardens

Carols by Candlelight
CAROLLING AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS: ‘Carols by Candlelight’ is happening over 6 and 7 December at the Botanic Gardens’ Wagga Wagga Music Bowl.

‘Tis the Season

Monday 9 December

Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre

Christmas with the Con

Saturday 14 December

Riverside: Wagga Beach

A Very Wagga Wagga Giftmas

Throughout December

To play along visit Wagga Wagga’s Facebook and Instagram or head to www.visitwagga.com/christmas