CAROLS IN YOUR COMMUNITY starts Christmas for eastern suburbs

Eastern suburbs get a head start on Christmas with the Carols in your Community series starting on 9 December.

Burwood, New Brighton, Northshore, Parklands/Queenspark, and Dallington will have various Christmas activities in local parks, reserves, shopping malls and churches all the way up to Christmas Eve.

Local groups in the eastern suburbs, including residents associations, community groups and churches, get together annually to present a series of free special outdoor events traditionally featuring carols and other engaging entertainment to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

The events are free or low cost, with a focus on family and connecting with local communities to enjoy the simple pleasures of Christmas and the Kiwi summer.

The Dallington Carols event is moving from Halberg Reserve to Burwood Park this year.

Burwood/Pegasus Community Board Chair, Linda Stewart says: “The move is an initiative of the Dallington Residents Association to include neighbouring residents groups of Horseshoe Lake and Golf Links. This is another way of showing goodwill and concern for our people who are endeavouring to cope with earthquake damage to their homes and facing new challenges during the festive season.”

Grace Vineyard Church are holding a Christmas Eve event encouraging children to come dressed in their favourite nativity costume.

There is also something a bit crafty and interactive at the New Brighton Christmas market, where children can make a variety of Christmas treats and sing carols with the New Brighton Silver Band and Grace Church Choir.

Activities vary at each location. You can call the Council on 941 8999 for further details.

Carols in your Community venues and dates:

Dallington, Burwood Park, Cresswell Ave
Thursday 9 December, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm. Carol singing with Linwood Salvation Army Band, Bouncy Castle and a Sausage Sizzle.

North Shore, Aston Reserve.
Sunday 12 December, 4.00 pm – 6.30 pm. Band on the day, BBQ, Games for Children, lolly scramble, lucky dip and finally a visit from Santa!

Parklands, Parklands Reserve, Queenspark Drive
Sunday 12 December, 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm. Sausage Sizzle, Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Spot Prizes, Lolly Scramble and a visit from Santa!

New Brighton, New Brighton Mall.
Saturday 18 December, 9.00 am – 2.00 pm. A Christmas Carol Market with music from the New Brighton Silver Band, Grace Church Choir and free children’s activities.

Travis Junction, Travis Junction Life Centre Carpark.
Sunday 19 December, 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm. Carol singing, Bouncy Castle, Free sausage sizzle and face painting.

Grace Vineyard, Grace Vineyard Church, Beach Campus.
Friday 24 December, 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm. Come celebrate Christmas Eve with a free sausage sizzle, light supper, lolly scramble, “Carols by Glowstick”, spot prizes, and don’t forget to come dressed in your favourite nativity costume.

These events are brought to you by Northshore Residents Association, Parklands Baptist Community Church, Dallington Residents Association, New Brighton Project Inc., Travis Junction Life Centre, and Grace Vineyard Church (Seaview Campus) and are supported by the Burwood/Pegasus Community Board and the Christchurch City Council Recreation and Sports Unit.

ENDS

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