Christmas magic grows
Image: Yvette and Antonia from The Christmas Shop / Photo: Nicole White
The spirit of Christmas continues to grow in Sydney, with a packed Christmas calendar well and truly underway in the Harbour City.
Two special Christmas concerts were held in the CBD last Thursday, heralding the season which delights the young and young-at-heart alike.
The City of Sydney Council’s popular Martin Place Children’s Concert and Tree Lighting Celebration brought joy to the CBD on Thursday night, with a visual and musical extravaganza featuring pop star Paulini, The X Factor presenter Luke Jacobs, the Sydney Children’s Choir and Play School favourites Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima and Humpty Dumpty. Santa arrived on his sleigh to light the iconic Martin Place Christmas tree, the largest of 26 trees across the Sydney Council area.
In nearby Hyde Park, a simultaneous celebration provided a more relaxed Christmas affair. Christmas on the Green, also sponsored by the City of Sydney, saw young families entertained by a slew of artists including MC Jimmy Giggle, the Australian Girls Choir and Jay Laga’aia from Play School.
But festivities extended well beyond Council-organised events. Refinery Square, Pyrmont was the focus of the annual Pyrmont Community Christmas Celebration, run entirely by volunteers from the local community. The event defied the weekend’s scorching heat to attract hundreds of locals on Sunday, who revelled in performances by Abba tribute band, Fabba, and donated money to local and national charities.
Retailers, too, have been getting in on the action, with shops throughout Sydney enjoying brisk Christmas trade. Some retailers reported an upswing in Christmas spirit this year, with likes of The Christmas Shop becoming focal points for lovers of Christmas.
Yvette Herbert from the well-known Ramsgate store said the shop was attracting people from all over Sydney, including inner-city residents keen for a dose of Christmas magic.
“Some people don’t even buy anything – they just come to look and enjoy the wonderful Christmas wonderland we’ve created in the store – which is fine by us,” said Ms Herbert.
“We really try to create a space where people can experience the true meaning and magic of Christmas.”
