Christmas preparation has officially begun with Penrith CBD Corporation set to light the tree in the heart of Penrith next week.
On Friday, November 15, the annual Christmas festival and tree lighting ceremony will be held along High Street to get the town into the merry spirit.
CEO of Penrith CBD Corporation, Gai Hawthorn, said the festival is a chance to bring the community together.
“We are really excited that it’s a tradition in the city and it’s an old time one,” Hawthorn said.
“Bringing the community together to light the tree, it’s not just about business, it’s about every smile on a kid’s face and the families that can come and get free activities.
“There is food trucks and we would love you to spend money in the cafés and restaurants that are open, they will all have specials on the night and great deals but it is more about the community coming together and how we light the tree and make it so special.”
Hawthorn said the tree lighting generally marked the start of the Christmas season in Penrith.
“That’s the start of Christmas for everyone to be aware of shopping and dining locally and supporting local business,” she said.
“The more we support locally the more it keeps local jobs.”
High Street will become a festive wonderland with street stalls, food trucks, activities for the whole family, strolling Christmas characters, stilt walkers and Santa arriving in time to help light the tree.
Hawthorn said the lighting of the tree is a special moment in the city.
“It is very symbolic with the tree lighting,” Hawthorn said.
“It means that everybody locally is starting to get ready for Christmas and all the cafés, restaurants and clubs are starting to put their decorations up and the city does too.”
As for who lights the tree, it is some special Penrith figures who will be getting some help from the man in the red suit.
“We always have the Mayor and the sponsors. We have lots of new Councillors, so it’s their first tree lighting, which is exciting,” Hawthorn said.
“It’s special. It is something that you can keep coming to, and it marks the beginning of the season. The six-week countdown starts and off we go.
“It’s been a hard year economically, so we just hope it finishes on a high for many.
Make sure to head down to High Street next Friday, November 15 to take part in the festivities.
The event takes place from 5pm with the tree to light up at 8pm in Memory Park.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.