The whole community is back on the invite list for this year’s lighting of the Oamaru Christmas tree.

The 10m tree, on the corner of Thames and Itchen Streets, will be installed on Wednesday (November 30), before a public event to flick the switch on the 4000 lights next Friday (December 2), beginning at 7pm.

Waitaki mayor Gary Kircher said after last year’s tree-lighting event was limited to a small number with a livestream, due to Covid, he could not wait to light up the tree this year.

“We are all looking forward to celebrating this important part of the festive season in person, and I invite everyone to come and join us in front of the council building for great entertainment and, of course, the countdown to switching on the lights,” he said.

Legacy Youth will run a sausage sizzle with proceeds going to the Oamaru Churches Foodbank.

The Fry Monger, Barbs ‘Brews & Bites’, and Real Fruit Ice Cream stalls will also be offering food and drinks.

Oamaru band Deluxe are providing a festive musical backdrop, and there will be plenty of family-friendly entertainment before the lights are turned on, around 9.15 pm.

Palmerston and Kurow will have matching 4.5m trees, with 2000 lights a piece, which will be installed early next week.

“So many in the Waitaki community, both young and old, really look forward to the installation of all three of our Christmas trees and get a kick out of seeing them lit up, and of course, to Santa’s visit,” Gary said.

“This is another excellent opportunity to get out of the house and celebrate together.”

The trees are sponsored by The Lion Foundation, Ōamaru Licensing Trust, Network Waitaki and Toll. 

The Kurow Tree is also sponsored by River Café, and the Palmerston Tree is also sponsored by OceanaGold, Palmerston Lions Club and Skevingtons.