’Tis the season to be Welly happy
The streets and the skies are lighting up as Wellington dons its festive cloak, with two festivals colliding in one spectacular weekend.
Today and tomorrow Lambton Quay will transform into a winter(ish) wonderland and tomorrow the skies will come alive with the fireworks of Diwali.
A Very Welly Christmas by the Wellington City Council will set the street abuzz today with ice skating, circus acts, face painting, dancers, and carols – and Santa will be there with bells on.
Wellington Children’s Hospital will be accepting donations, so start as you mean to go on in this season of giving and keep an eye out for collectors and Hospi the Hospital Lion.
The hospital will also be giving back. If there is a cuddly toy in your life that needs a few repairs, check them into the Hospi Clinic.
Santa’s arrival will launch the festivities at noon, as he makes his way from Ballance St to his grotto at The Old Bank Arcade.
The first Wellington Santa Parade was held in 1949.
Back then, it followed a short route around the Basin Reserve.
These days, Santa fans can grab a picture of his sleigh right outside the grotto doors, or have a selfie with the man himself.
It will be impossible to escape the Christmas spirit, or the sweet sound of carols, radiating from Midland Park from 6pm.
Lambton Quay will be closed to vehicles but shops, cafes and restaurants will be open as usual.
Later in the evening, head to Frank Kitts Park to watch the Cottrell Law fireworks display at 9.15pm – don’t forget to have a gold coin handy on entry.
Mayor Andy Foster said the holiday spirit was starting early in Wellington with events that reflected the multicultural capital.
‘‘A Very Welly Christmas involves a huge team of professional, creative, and talented people, all coming together to create an exciting, entertaining, joyful experience for everyone in our community to enjoy – which is what Christmas is all about.
‘‘With the Diwali festival of lights happening on the same weekend too, it really reflects the culturally rich and diverse arts and events scene in the capital.’’
From noon tomorrow, Diwali will bring a flurry of food, dance, music, fashion and art to the waterfront to celebrate traditions and tastes from the Indian community.
The Hindu festival will provide eight hours of non-stop entertainment from local and international artists showcasing traditional, contemporary, folk and Bollywood performances.
Fill up on some delicious Indian food and check out some traditional and contemporary dance, music and fashion, arts, crafts and henna stalls.
The lighting of lamps symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the renewal of life, lighting up the lives of Wellingtonians – if only for a weekend.
For information on public transport, parking and road closures check averywellychristmas.co.nz.