City adorned ready for Christmas and summer celebrations

Preparations and celebrations in the lead up to Christmas are now in full swing with this year’s wonderful Santa Parade, enjoyed by people of all ages, already behind us for another year.

This season, you’ll see many of the popular decorations from previous year’s festivities on display around the city as well as the introduction of some new artworks.  

The stunning real Christmas tree at the 1903 Square in Upper Trafalgar Street is back along with the ‘Norfolk Island Star’ at Tahunanui Beach, colourful ‘paper’ chains in the central city and floral tree wraps adorning CBD trees. Keep an eye out for a new feature on the wraps this year and the super-size nativity characters as they make their way to the Cathedral for Christmas.

Banners inspired by two celebrated local artists will also line our inner city streets again. Featuring Lloyd Harwood’s ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ and Mike Ward’s Nelson Summer themed banners reflecting love, family, generosity and connecting with each other.  

Lee Woodman’s ‘Catch a Star’ will be the focus of the Christmas display in the Cathedral for the third year running and coincides with the Festival of Christmas Trees. A small tree is also entered by Council in the 60 tree display running through to the end of January.
 
Guiding Star, a large neon installation by artist Anthony Genet will feature on the Cathedral bell tower and the clock tower at Civic House will also be running a lighting display. Celebrating ‘Christmas Past’ by John-Paul Pochin will also be on display in the city prior to Christmas and people are invited to send in photos to admin@christmaspast that represent Christmas for them.

Each year Council organises a lunch for older people, a wonderful Nelson tradition that sees Council and local businesses come together to support our senior citizens who would otherwise be alone for Christmas. This year NMIT has volunteered staff time and their catering skills to support this long-standing community event.

This year’s Christmas Celebration will be held on Friday 20 December at Greenmeadows Centre in Stoke from 11.30am to 2pm. Tickets are $15 and on sale now until 17 December from the Nelson City Council Customer Service Centre or the Stoke Library.

Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas and the very best wishes for 2020!