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A curated collection of world class light sculptures and installations alongside larger-than-life Christmas decorations are lighting up the Tauranga city centre for Christmas.

'The Christmas in the City project, which includes a wonderland of illuminated installations in Tauranga's CBD alongside decorations and events provides the perfect backdrop for residents and visitors to Tauranga to celebrate Christmas in our city centre,” says Tauranga City Council arts and culture manager James Wilson.

James says a must-see of Christmas in the City are The Strand Christmas illuminations which are a showcase collection from internationally acclaimed light artist, Angus Muir.

'Angus Muir is renowned for creating some of the most incredible light-focussed installations in New Zealand and abroad.

'It's exciting for Tauranga City Council to bring these striking installations to the city centre and to see them spark joy with the public as they interact with them.”

Also in the mix of inner-city festivities is the Trustpower Toi Tauranga large scale Hononga exhibition on The Strand.

'As people we are connected through place, culture, relationships, experiences,” says Mainstreet manager Millie Pidwell.

'We are enriched, we share a bond. The Trustpower Hononga exhibition of magnificent UNO images celebrates our people and their connection to all that matters.”

Visitors to the city centre can also enjoy the Giant Gingerbread House in Red Square, large lit boxed Christmas trees and crackers, a gingerbread hunt for kids and more.

Giant Gingerbread House and Christmas Decorations in the city centre.

'We have focussed on creating a safe inner-city environment,” says Millie.

'We have a beautiful open-air city centre and an abundance of things to see and do for Christmas, all safely within Covid-19 social distancing restrictions.

'There's Santa, kids colouring in activities, a rock hunt and entertainment over the festive season to add to the magical spirit of Christmas in the city centre.”

James says Christmas in the City is about creating enriching and exciting experiences for all.

'There are a lot of events and activities happening in our city centre in the lead up to Christmas and through summer and we want to encourage our community to come in, soak up the festivities and enjoy themselves.”

Christmas in the City

The Strand Christmas Illuminations

Every night until January 5, dusk to late

Spring Street to Dive Crescent, The Strand

Trustpower Hononga Exhibition

Until January 5

The Strand

Giant Gingerbread House

Until January 5

Red Square.

For full details of Christmas in the City go to www.findyourhappyplacehere.co.nz.