Morena Sunners, and what a morning it is! The sun is out and shinning brightly and it's looking like it's going to be a perfect day in Tauranga.

There's plenty to see and do in and around the city today, like Bethlehem Baptist's ‘A Night Before Christmas' and New Zealand's biggest surf lifesaving race the Mount Monster.

Bethlehem's biggest festive party ‘A Night Before Christmas' has found a new home this year and will be taking place at Bethlehem College's front fields, starting at 5pm.

Organiser Luisa Schroder is encouraging everyone in the community to gather your friends and family, neighbours and work colleagues, and head to Bethlehem College tonight 'and build great memories as you herald in the Christmas week”.

'I certainly hope people can come to this special event and take the chance just to stop and reflect about what the season is all about – and have a whole heap of fun as well.”

Luisa says you can take along your own picnic, but no alcohol is permitted, or purchase from a great range of food vendors on-site, including Johneys Dumplings, Mizzoni Pizzas, TAG Burgers, Real Italian Doughnuts, La Creperie, Mr Whippy and Lil Orbits Doughnuts. Plus other popular choices such as hot fries, hot dogs, cornish pasties, churros, nachos and fresh pita salads.

A collection will be taken for Good Neighbour and a stunning fireworks display will end the night in spectacular fashion.

The main show starts 6.30pm and ends with the fireworks display two hours later. For more information visit: www.anightbeforechristmas.co.nz

While over in Mount Maunganui, the gruelling 25km, four-stage epic event that is the Mount Monster returns for its fourth year of racing today.

The Monster starts and finishes on the Mount Main Beach, with a 5km beach run, a spectacular swim leg which includes a jump off Moturiki Island's blowhole, a 12km ski leg to Omanu and a 6km board paddle.

Hundreds of competitors will push themselves to the limit for the glory of being crowned the winner, plus their share of the unique prizemoney split, with $1000 going to the first open male and open female and a ‘Monster Pot' – awarded to first overall in the male, female and teams based on the number of entries in each division.

Mount Monster is on today at Mount Maunganui Main Beach. Racing starts at 10am.

There's are only two of a number of great event taking place today, for more see SunLive's full What's On listing below.

WHAT'S ON – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17:

A Night Before Christmas

Presented by Bethlehem Baptist Church at Bethlehem College 5pm. Sing carols by candlelight, enjoy a variety concert & fireworks display. Free entry. www.anightbeforechristmas.co.nz

Annual Book Sale

Tauranga Rotary Club looking for donations of books, records, CDs, DVDs, jigsaws & sheet music for its Easter Book Sale. For drops offs, pick ups etc, Ross 544 0817

Bay Network Singles Club

Weekly social activities for those 55-70+. Dining, barbecues, games, concerts, outings. Jean 576 9988

Bowls Matua

Every Sat. Split sixes from 12.45pm. Prizes, fun, bar. Casual bowlers welcome.

Car Boot Sale

Greerton Village School, Greerton Road 7.30am-12pm. Cost $5 for a single site & larger sites by arrangement. Shirley 577 1116 or 0274 146

Car Boot Sale & Car Wash

Community Church, 30 Evans Rd, Papamoa 8-11am. Arthur 574 1822

Come Dancing Te Puke

Te Puke Scottish Society Christmas dance. Come along & enjoy the company of like minded people. Christmas carols, lots of fun & enjoyment, live band, Christmas supper & a visit from Santa. Door charge $7. Valerie 573 7093

Dragon Boating

Bay Dragons women's team looking for new recruits. Ages 16+. Saturday's 7.30am. Mon, Tues & Thurs 5.30pm. Sulphur Pt. Brooke 022 0782 308

Multicultural Tauranga

International Christmas Market in the Village Hall, Historic Village, 17th Ave 11am - 3pm. Stalls with a variety of goods for sale from 8 countries & several performers from different countries singing, dancing & playing various instruments. Free entry, cash sales.

Papamoa Community Park

Join in the fun - growing soil, food & community. Fun for all ages, dawn till dusk. Gardening bees 2nd & 4th Sat 9am - 3pm. Between 51 & 53 Hartford Ave, Papamoa. Chris 021 0241 5454 or [email protected]

Petanque at Blake Park

Every Saturday - coaching & competitive play 1pm. Equip available, all levels welcome. Jo Ann 578 3606

Pasifika Market

Merivale Primary School, Kesteven Ave, Parkvale 9am - 12pm. Fresh Pasifika produce & arts & crafts. Traditional activities, raffles, spot prizes. Laura 027 975 4549

Santa's Letterbox

Now until Christmas Eve. 8.30am – 5.00pm at Whitoulls – 17 Devonport Rd.

There's a cool letterbox and postcards at Whitcoulls Tauranga ready for kids to write to Santa.

Tauranga Indoor Radio Control

Car Club race day, Greerton Hall, Cameron Rd. Track set up from 9am, practice starts approx 11am. Fun day, prize giving & AGM. Public welcome to have a look & maybe try a car out in the Newcomers class.

Te Puke Community Markets

Jubilee Park, Te Puke. Brought to you by Te Puke Toy Library. Stall holders $10. Monique 027 356 9545