Christmas Spirit Shines Bright in Wingecarribee Shire

Wingecarribee Shire Council is excited to announce that the spirit of Christmas will be in full swing across the Highlands this holiday season, with a variety of festive activations and community activities. Although the Festival of Lights will not be held in Corbett Gardens this year, residents and visitors can still enjoy the season’s joy with the popular Santa’s Grotto and other Christmas events around the Shire. 

This year, the beloved Santa’s Grotto, located in the Senior Citizens' Hall in Corbett Gardens will continue to enchant visitors in Bowral. It will provide families with a festive experience filled with holiday cheer, thanks to C3 Destiny Church. 

In addition to Santa’s Grotto, Council is actively supporting a Christmas activation program in towns and villages throughout the Shire. From decorative displays to community-led gatherings, the Shire will be filled with opportunities to enjoy the season. 

Council’s support extends to towns and villages across the Shire through a dedicated Christmas grants scheme, enabling community-led events and decorations. With $31,000 in funding allocated, village associations will be creating unique place-based celebrations, ensuring the spirit of Christmas can be enjoyed in every corner of the Shire. Funding can be used for a variety of festivities, from holiday lights to community gatherings, with grants of up to $3,000 available for larger villages and up to $2,000 for smaller communities. 

"Council continues to support Santa's Grotto and festive activities around the Highlands, bringing the joy of Christmas to our towns and villages," said Wingecarribee Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick. "We're excited to build on this tradition and, with our new council, plan to start discussions on next year's Christmas celebrations as early as March. This proactive approach will ensure we deliver even more festive cheer for the 2025 Christmas season."

Further details of the Christmas program will be announced in the coming weeks, outlining all the holiday activities planned across Wingecarribee Shire. Council encourages residents and visitors to take part in these celebrations and enjoy the festive atmosphere that defines the Highlands at Christmas.