No sleigh for Santa as he jingles into Wagga this year

Wagga Wagga City Council’s “elves” Cultural Officer Lauren Reynolds and Events Officers Emma Corbett and Sally Manning with Santa. Photo: WWCC.

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas in the Riverina, but don’t expect to see Santa and Mrs Claus hooning around in anything as old-fashioned as a sleigh.

This year, the jolly couple is swapping their sleigh and reindeer for a vintage Kombi van so that they can jingle their way around the suburbs of Wagga on Wednesday, 22 December, as part of Wagga Wagga City Council’s 2021 Christmas program.

Visitor economy and events coordinator Fiona Hamilton said the Santa Trail would be a fun way for the community to come together in their local neighbourhoods just before Christmas.

“While Santa is very busy at this time of year, he just loves the Wagga Wagga community and wanted to take the time to come out and meet everyone,” she said.

“He and Mrs Claus will have plenty of gifts and lollies to hand out to the kids.

“We are hoping families will come out in their favourite Christmas-themed outfits to welcome Santa and Mrs Claus into their neighbourhood.”

Travelling in the Kombi, Santa and Mrs Claus will begin their journey at the Visitor Information Centre just after 4 pm and head to Gobbagombalin Park, Chambers Park in Tolland, Henwood Park in Kooringal and then onto the Botanic Gardens in Turvey Park.

Each location will have community activations for the public to participate in including performances from local dance groups and music and food offerings.

Council is keen to hear from any community groups that would like to participate at any of the Santa Trail locations.

In addition to the Santa Trail, council has been busy rolling out its 2021 Christmas decorations along Baylis and Fitzmaurice streets as well as the annual Christmas flags, tree guards and bin covers.

“Come and get a selfie in front of the trio of Christmas stars installation that lights up at night – located at Civic Centre forecourt – or head across to the Victory Memorial Gardens and sit under the huge cyprus pine tree covered in fairy lights,” Ms Hamilton said.

“We also have installed the traditional Christmas manger in Civic Arcade just outside the entrance to the library and new permanent fairy lights in Fitzmaurice Street to enhance the streetscape and create further vibrance in this precinct.

“A Very Wagga Christmas 2021 video has also been produced showcasing our great city and fun things to do over the holidays for locals and visitors to the city to enjoy.”

For more details, click here.