Carols on the Waterfront is a Christmas tradition for many Tauranga families; gathering around the waterfront, singing carols with your community really helps lift a festive spirit.

Tauranga's combined churches organising committee is excited to be able to run this free, family-friendly event again this year on Sunday, December 11, at 5.30pm at the Edgewater Fan, The Strand, Downtown Tauranga.

Spokesperson from the combined churches organising committee, Nicola Fraser, says they will be telling 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.

'We love Christmas time, the carols and the special foods, the presents and the gatherings with family, friends and community.

'This year we are telling the Christmas story through the eyes of the ‘wise ones' who wondered about the significance of bright star in the sky and set off on a journey to find answers.

'The answer they found was a little baby in a manger in Bethlehem, God had come to make his home with us.”

Carols on the Waterfront is a free family-friendly relaxed event not to be missed this festive season. Photos: Supplied.

Nicola says Christmas reminds us that God has made room in his heart for each one of us; and as the carol says ‘let every heart prepare him room' we too can make room in our hearts for him.

'So come and join us as we celebrate together.”

Come early and bring a picnic, if you wish. Bring your own chairs/picnic blanket or just find a spot on the grass to relax, listen and sing along.

Carols on the Waterfront, 5.30pm, Sunday, December 11, at the Edgewater Fan, The Strand, Downtown Tauranga.