Palmerston transforms into Christmas Wonderland for eight nights of family fun

Palmerston’s annual Christmas Wonderland returns this December for eight nights of family festivities with new additions. Find out what’s planned.

Goyder Square will be transformed into a Christmas Wonderland for eight nights of free, festive fun for the whole family with new additions including craft activities and Santa’s Grotto where families can get a photo with the big man himself.

The annual Christmas Wonderland will make its long awaited return from December 16 with a low-sensory evening, featuring lower lighting, softer music and smaller crowds for those who benefit from reduced sensory stimulation.

City of Palmerston Mayor, Athina Pascoe-Bell said it was important the festivities were inclusive for all to enjoy.

“This year’s Christmas Wonderland promises to be more magical than ever, with new additions and inclusive events so everyone can enjoy,” she said.

She also encouraged everyone to come together to celebrate the magic of Christmas as a community.

Winter Wonderland will resume as usual from December 17-23 with hourly sessions from 4-8pm each night.

Santa Claus will make a special appearance in the his new Grotto at this year’s Christmas Wonderland in Palmerston. Photo Bev Lacey

There will also be a craft market held in partnership with Tactile Arts, offering a range of 30 stalls for last-minute gift purchases.

Tactile Arts general manager Aneka Truman said the team was excited to be a part of this year’s celebrations.

“We are excited to bring our Makers Market to Palmerston and join in the Christmas festivities,” she said.

“All the items at the Tactile Arts Makers Markets are handmade by local small businesses. So, this is a great opportunity to buy and support local this Christmas.”

This year’s festivities will also see the return of familiar favourites including the trussmass tree, express train, falling snow and light installations.

While each session is free, registration is required for the low-sensory evening to ensure a smaller crowd and capped at 100 per session.

Palmerston locals are also encouraged to embrace the Christmas season by decorating their homes with those that register for the Mix 104.9FM Christmas Light Competition in for a chance to win one of three City of Palmerston prize packs.