STREETS GET FESTIVE
Things are about to get very jolly around here, as celebrations for the silly season hit full swing, and Santa ditches icy temps for our warm and welcoming Top End.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
IMAGE CHARLIE BLISS
WITH EXCITEMENT BUILDING, storms looming, and Hector the Convector – the Top End’s beloved cumulonimbus thundercloud cluster – starting to make regular appearances over the Tiwi Islands, you know that Christmas is coming because the Top End’s getting hot, hot, hot.
And there’s a very special time ahead this month, offering back-toback fun to get you feelin’ festive. The Christmas Makers Market in Smith St Mall returns for a second year to give gift givers the chance to pick up some thoughtful gifts whilst supporting local artisans and businesses.
Pop your retail finds in the car before snagging some primo real estate on the sidewalk at what has become a true local favourite, the Darwin Christmas Pageant.
Returning for a fifth year, this jolly shebang sees an entourage of floats, including Santa’s Sleigh, parade along the streets of Darwin, weaving through town before landing on Smith Street by Civic Park where a main stage and Christmas Concert awaits.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the Pageant celebrates the people, diverse cultures, and community spirit that makes Darwin unique.
“There’s something really special about seeing Darwin come together at Christmas, and the Pageant is one of those events that truly belongs to our community. Last year, we saw our city streets come alive with colourful floats representing local schools, businesses, sporting clubs, cultural organisations and community groups, and we want to see even more of Darwin represented this year,” Mr Styles said.
“Whether you’re building a float, cheering from the sidelines, picking up a Christmas gift at the Makers Market or joining us to light the Christmas tree, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
Catch the Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree before settling into Civic Park for the Christmas Concert, featuring local performers, schools and community groups.
Six-year-old Finn has attended almost every year since the Pageant started, when he was just a bub, and says there’s one person he’s very excited to see.
“I’m going to see the really real Santa!”
There’s nothing quite like experiencing the magical world of wonder than through the eyes of the little ones.
Festivities continue up until Christmas, with the City of Darwin Christmas Window Competition, encouraging CBD businesses to spread magic via their shopfronts, and the return of Santa’s Village to the Darwin Galleria, giving families the chance to visit Santa and snap some pics with the big man, with free activities for the kiddos sprinkled through this month and next.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Christmas Makers Market
WHEN SAT 14 NOV | 4-7PM
AT SMITH ST MALL
Darwin Christmas Pageant
WHEN SAT 14 NOV, 6-6.45PM,
CHRISTMAS TREE, 7PM,
CHRISTMAS CONCERT, 7.30-9PM
Santa’s Village
WHEN SAT 21 NOV – WED 23 DEC 9AM-1.30PM
INFO darwin.nt.gov.au
