Harmonious melodies will glide across Tauranga Moana’s harbour for this year’s Christmas Carols on the Waterfront.

Under the leadership of St Peters in the City, a mixture of Tauranga churches will come together as one on Sunday, December 3, gathering at the waterfront to sing carols with the community and lift the festive spirit!

Unlike previous years, next month’s Christmas Carols will bring a multicultural element to the waterfront with Tauranga’s Filipino, Korean, Samoan and Chinese churches taking part, says Rev Enosa Auva’a, minister of St Peters.

Felicity Auva’a, musical director for the event, says: “They will be sharing the Christmas message but in their own language.

So they’ll be performing a dance or singing a carol, but it’ll all be done in their own language and they’ll be dressed in their cultural attire.”

Nicola Fraser, from Tauranga Baptist church, says the event will be a chance to hear the original Christian story of Christmas in a simple and interactive way.

“It’s just great for people to come together at this time of year – regardless of their position on faith – as we retell the birth story of one of the world’s great faiths,” says Nicola.

“We love Christmas time, the carols, special foods, presents and the gatherings with family, friends and community but even more the ‘reason for the season’,” says Felicity.

“So come on down, bring your dinner and a blanket to sit on and enjoy the beautiful evening for Christmas.”

Christmas Carols on the Waterfront will be held at Edgewater Fan, Tauranga Waterfront, from 5.30pm on Sunday, December 3.