Weekends in December are rapidly booking up, but Central residents should mark their diaries with the date for a community focused free Christmas event to be held on the McNulty House lawn (on December 4).

Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group (CDPG) community relationship manager Kelly Cruickshank-Giles said everyone was invited to bring their picnic blankets and join a fun afternoon of entertainment.

Eight local groups and performers will be spreading Christmas cheer and a certain jolly old man is rumoured to be stopping by. 

There will be creative art workshops for children, jumping castles and Thomas the Tank Engine to keep youngsters entertained throughout. 

A firm favourite: Thomas at a previous CDPG event

Food trucks will be on site when the action kicks off from 4pm on Sunday, December 4.

“We’d like to thank the Lotteries Community Fund, the Cromwell Community Board, and

Highlands for their financial support in making this event possible for our community,” Kelly said.

A koha (donation) to help cover the event costs would be appreciated.

A Christmas market and picnic is planned for Omakau Domain on the same day from 12 - 4pm. Take your togs if you plan to go as there will be a water slide. 

The Central App is looking for local festive pictures, so please send them to [email protected] and the best ones will be published.