City Centre Brimming With Festive Cheer In December

The City Centre might be a long way from the North Pole, but this year it will be brimming with just as much Christmas magic.

From carols to markets, dazzling projections to a moonlight movie, the City Heart Christmas celebrations on Friday, December 5 promise an unforgettable night for all ages.

From 4pm to 9pm, Wood Street Park and surrounding areas will be transformed into a hub of free family fun.

Highlights include a Moonlight Family Movie, roaming Christmas carollers, facepainting and glitter tattoos, late-night Christmas shopping and the exciting launch of Bright Lights Building Projections, Santa’s Secret Present Search and the City Heart Magical Christmas Window Competition.

The Riverside Christmas Market and Friday Flow at Bluewater Quay will add to the festive atmosphere.

At 6.30pm, families can settle in under the stars for a special outdoor screening of the much-loved Christmas classic ELF.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early, reserve their spot in the park from 5.30pm and enjoy the City Heart festivities before the movie begins. Tickets are free and available via Eventbrite.

The Bright Lights Christmas Project will see beautiful Christmas projections light up the Masonic Hall, Australian Hotel and Wood St near Moss on Wood until December 24.

Santa’s Secret Present Search will also kick off on December 5 and run to December 16.

This exciting Christmas-inspired City Centre treasure hunt will feature a dozen cryptic clues that reveal the locations of shops with Christmas trinkets to give away.  There’s also the chance to win one of three City Heart business vouchers by taking a photo in the big Santa Frame on Wood Street.

There is also the Magical Christmas Window Competition running until December 16.

About 30 City Centre businesses have entered the competition and will be transforming their window displays into festive exhibitions.

Co-chair of council’s Economic Development and Growth Strategic Advisory Committee (EDGSAC), Cr Belinda Hassan said the celebrations were a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together.

“City Heart Christmas is about creating magical moments for families and showcasing the vibrancy of our city,” Cr Hassan said.

“From carols to markets, projections to movies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

EDGSAC Co-chair Cr Nathenea MacRae said council’s City Centre and Waterfront team had gone above and beyond this year to activate the City Centre over Christmas.

“Not only have we expanded our outlay of Christmas decorations and sponsored the amazing YarnBomb Mackay group to create a signature display at the Victoria/Wood Street roundabout, but the team have also organised some amazing activations to bring people into the City Centre to enjoy some festive fun,” Cr MacRae said.

“This will be a great night and a fantastic way to support our local traders and businesses owners,” she said. “I look forward to seeing everyone there.”

The City Heart Christmas program promises to deliver festive fun, entertainment and a chance to make lasting memories with loved ones.

For more information on any of the events, head to mackaywaterfront.com.au/what-to-do

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Photos supplied

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