Magical display for all ages at Old Petrie Town

If you’re looking for a sprinkling of magic this Christmas, a visit to the Do You Bee-lieve display at Old Petrie Town is a must. Here’s all you need to know before you check it out.

Do you Bee-lieve at Old Petrie Town. Picture: Dominika Lis

IF you’re looking for a sprinkling of magic this Christmas, a visit to the Do You Bee-lieve display at Old Petrie Town is a must.

Visual display artist Jule Barten and doll artist Chris Boston have spent more than 600 hours assembling the intricate and dazzling wonderland that has delighted visitors, young and old, for the past five years in its present location. But if you think you’ve seen the display before, you’re mistaken.

“It’s completely different to last year. We never do the same thing twice,” Jule says.

“That’s for our true believers. They look forward to coming back because they know it’s going to be different each year.”

Do you Bee-lieve at Old Petrie Town. Picture: Dominika Lis

This year’s masterpiece has more than 100 characters and thousands of fairy lights spread over about 200sq m and is on show until January 27.

Central to the display are two dragons, Mr Trufflewafflepuff and Ms Lulu Lovebug, who were ‘married’ during last year’s display and are now celebrating their first family Christmas.

There’s also Santa’s workshop, a gift wrapping station, and Christmas shops with hidden detail which visitors are challenged to discover using find and seek cards throughout.

“We love detail and love people to find things,” Jule says.

“Often people come with one grandchild (at a time) and come back six times.” In previous years, 6000-8000 people have come to take a look at it during the 10-week exhibition.

“They walk in, take a breath and say, ‘wow’. That’s a really lovely reaction because we aim for the wow factor,” Jule says.

“We both love Christmas and remember the magic of Christmas in the Myer windows,” Chris adds. “That inspired us to get together. We love to recreate it and share it with others.”

Do you Bee-lieve at Old Petrie Town. Creators Chris Boston and Jule Barten. Picture: Dominika Lis

Chris has hand sculptured each of the characters from polymer clay, while Jule has created the Christmas trees and the stories for each scene. “It’s a joy to share our passion with other people. We like making people happy,” Jule says. “It’s a mini holiday to escape reality, which can be harsh sometimes.”

Do you Bee-lieve at Old Petrie Town. Picture: Dominika Lis

DO YOU BEE-LIEVE?

What: Handcrafted Christmas wonderland to delight visitors of all ages. It is on display until January 27

Where: Old Petrie Town, Dayboro Rd, Whiteside. Entry via the veranda beside the Heritage Hotel Cafe

Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday 10am-2pm; Sunday 9am-2pm, Friday nights until 8pm (November 16-Dec 21).

Admission: $10 adults, $5 children (3-16 years); Double for non-believers.

Phone: [phone] or 0439 660 948

Bring a camera to take your own family photo.