The unveiling of a giant present in Hunter Street Mall has heralded the start of festive fun as City of Newcastle kicks off its annual Christmas activities for the community.
At two metres high and two metres wide, the gift will light up the Market Street steps until Boxing Day and will be large enough for a group photo with family, friends or co-workers to help everyone get into the Christmas spirit.
Making it even more unique and sustainable, the present was constructed using original cedar boards recovered from a 140-year-old house in Carrington and will be wrapped in artwork by prominent local artist Mitch Revs.
The festivities will also get underway at Wheeler Place next week with the installation of City of Newcastle's 12.5-metre Christmas tree, before Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge joins Santa Claus to officially switch on the lights on 29 November.
Father Christmas will then be available for photos every Friday and Sunday until 15 December, accompanied by more than just reindeer, with local schools, community groups and professional performers providing live musical numbers during the Santa Selfie sessions.
The Newcastle Youth Orchestra will headline a special performance on 13 December, featuring instrumental ensembles, and emerging local vocalists leading traditional Christmas carols.
City of Newcastle's Executive Director Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said this year's festive season is a celebration of everything local.
"We want to encourage everyone to be part of the fun and support local businesses in the city," Ms Jones said.
"Our Christmas display will feature a 'Santa's Shopping List' that will highlight special offers from participating businesses.
"A spend-to-win competition will be run in collaboration with the Newcastle Business Improvement Association to give shoppers the chance to win a 'Staycation Package,' which includes a Civic Theatre Gift Voucher and accommodation at Quest Apartments.
"Santa's sleigh will be part of the display in Wheeler Place so families can take photos and even attach their pets to the sleigh for a fun pet 'pawtrait'.
"We'll also have an interactive craft table where visitors can write letters to Santa, which they can post at an on-site mailbox."
