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Oamaru’s Christmas at the Races returns on Wednesday, 10 December, with a Twilight ‘Race Day’ format that promises festive fun, food and live entertainment at the Oamaru Racecourse.

Oamaru Harness Racing Club president and event organiser Scott Elliffe says the event is inspired by hugely successful gatherings of the past.

“Christmas at the races was massively successful, becoming one of the largest events in the district back in 2012, 2013,” he says.

“This is about recapturing that energy with racing, live music, great food and, for the first time, a Christmas market.”

The marquee village will provide a dedicated space for businesses, friends, and groups to host their work Christmas parties while being part of the racing action.

Marquees provide a premium experience for guests. Photo: Supplied.

Each marquee will be styled for dining comfort, with bar leaners and umbrellas out front providing plenty of space to mingle.

“You can celebrate with your colleagues, then wander across to talk with friends or clients. That’s part of the fun,” Scott says.

Catering will be provided by well-known Oamaru business owner Sally-Ann Donnelly and team, who have catered numerous local, landmark events.

“It’s Christmas dinner with a twist,” she says.

“It’s a chance to do something different - a night out people will remember.”

The mid-week date is ideal, giving people a chance to lock in their Christmas function well before the madness.

The twilight timing means the event runs from 4pm to 9pm, giving groups the flexibility to enjoy a full evening out, with the option of continuing celebrations if they choose.

“It’s perfect for a work party - you have it all wrapped up, enjoy a great night out and you're ahead of the game for the rest of December,” Scott says.

Alongside the racing, guests can enjoy live entertainment from local band, Fondue Party, festive touches throughout the village and quality facilities - including luxury loos.

World-famous in Oamaru, Fondue Party will be providing live music at the event. Photo: Supplied.

“We’re bringing in premium marquees from Christchurch, the same quality used at the New Zealand Cup,” Scott says.

“Once they're allocated, that’s it - we won’t compromise on the look and the feel of the village.”

The marquees are being supplied and styled by Happy Hire.

Owner Shaun Rolston said the Oamaru event was set to deliver the same standard seen at major meetings across the country.

“We’ve delivered Christmas at the Races events all over New Zealand, from boutique race days, to some of the country’s biggest meetings,” he says.

“These events have always proven to be highlights on the calendar - a festive atmosphere people look forward to year after year.”

For those new to racing, Santa’s Elves will be on hand with “Santa’s Picks” to ensure everyone can have a fun flutter without needing to know the form guide.

The thrill of Race Day, harness racing in action. Photo: Supplied.

Scott says it is also about making the most of a venue that is the “only track of any scale in the Otago region now.”

“The racecourse is part of our local fabric - home to harness racing, pony clubs, hunt clubs and other equine sports as well as other community events,” he says.

“Making use of it for Christmas at the Races shows its value and helps secure future events.”

Adding to the atmosphere will be the Christmas Twilight Market, curated by organisers to showcase gifts, locally made treasures and festive ideas.

The market will be open to the public as well as racegoers, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the lead-up to Christmas.

Stallholder applications are open now.

Groups that book their marquee by 17 September will go into the draw to win back the cost of a 10-person mini marquee - valued at $1250.

The prize will be drawn at The Business Hive’s Exchange on Thursday, 18 September.

• Christmas at the Races runs from 4pm to 9pm on Wednesday 10 December at the Oamaru Racecourse, SH1.
• Marquees can be booked for 10, 20 or 40 people.
• Full event details are available here - Christmas at the Races
• For marquee bookings contact Scott Elliffe on 027 454 8344 or [email protected].