The Hāwea community is getting ready for Christmas, with the annual Christmas display opening this Saturday (December 7) and the Hāwea Christmas in the Park taking place the following day (Sunday December 8).

The Hāwea Christmas Wonderland is set to enchant visitors once again this holiday season with its 2024 theme, ‘A Storybook Christmas’. 

The popular community event will take place at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre on Myra Street from December 7-15.

Visitors can look forward to seeing holiday stories brought to life, featuring characters such as the Grinch, the Elves and the Shoemaker and the Nutcracker - along with a few lesser known stories featuring a hungry caterpillar, magical snowmen, and a mischievous Slinky Malinky. 

In addition to the displays, there will be appearances by Santa Claus on the weekends, and a Christmas raffle.

Organised by ‘head elves’ Barbara Mackenzie and Elizabeth Horrell, the Hāwea Christmas Wonderland has become a tradition in the community, and this year will be the sixth consecutive event.

"We are thrilled to bring 'A Storybook Christmas' to life once more this year," Barbara said. 

"We have been working throughout the year to create a new display that will delight visitors of all ages. It's a wonderful way for families and friends to come together and celebrate the holiday season, and we invite everyone to stop by and experience it for yourselves."

Elizabeth said the community event is supported by “numerous volunteers, local businesses and community groups involved in its creation each year”, including the Hāwea Men’s Shed.

Dave Prattley from the men’s shed said the group was proud to have supported the event through constructing various displays. Elizabeth and Barbara said the group had been hard at work throughout 2024 on two new items, “including a mechanical display that promises to be a highlight of this year's event”. 

All funds raised from the event go directly towards supporting the Lake Hāwea Community Centre.

The Hāwea Christmas Wonderland will be open from 2-5pm on weekdays and from 10am-4pm on weekends. Admission is $10 for adults, $2.50 for children (four and under are free), and $20 for families. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. The display is also open to groups on request - visit the Lake Hāwea Community Centre Facebook page for more information.

The Hāwea Christmas in the Park will take place on Sunday December 8 at Peter Fraser Park, Lake Hāwea, from 4pm.

People are asked to bring their own picnics or buy food from food trucks on site. There will be a slippery slide and games for children, and a visit from Santa Claus.

PHOTO: Supplied