Christmas in Lismore

Lismore 10

Christmas in Lismore is an especially magical time. The city comes alive with holiday cheer and the streets are lit up with quirky Christmas decorations. Local businesses get into the spirit and gift shoppers are spoilt for choice.
 
There are plenty of things to do and sights to see at Christmas time in Lismore. Here are a few of our favourites.

Carols in the Heart
Kids and adults alike love Carols in the Heart – Lismore’s version of Carols By Candlelight. Held on a balmy evening in December, Carols in the Heart is a family-friendly event with carol sing-a-longs, a Santa visit on stage, fireworks display, Kidzone, food and drink stalls and much more. There are also candlesticks for sale inside the venue. This is a free event, but donations are accepted and all money raised goes towards local Lismore charity Jodie's Inspiration, which was founded by Jodie McRae and raises much-needed funds for the oncology unit at Lismore Base Hospital. 

Trinity Drive Christmas lights
If Christmas lights are your thing, then don’t go past a stroll or a drive through Trinity Drive in Goonellabah in December – the houses are lit up spectacularly! Get inspired by the yuletide cheer of this neighbourhood whose dedicated residents have been decorating the street with a magnificent display of lights and decorations every year since 1995. Most famous is local resident Val Stuckey’s home, which becomes more enchanting each year as her light collection grows. 

Lismore Turf Club Christmas Cup Seafood Luncheon
As many workplaces close up shop for a well-earned Christmas break, lots of Lismore locals book a ticket to the Lismore Turf Club’s annual Christmas Cup Seafood Luncheon for an afternoon celebrating the spirit of Christmas. On the day, you’ll enjoy a beautiful lunch with people from far and wide, as the Cup draws visitors from all over the Northern Rivers. This fun event is usually held on the 23rd of December each year – be sure to book in early to secure your seat at the table! 

Recycled Christmas tree
 In 2015, the Lismore Council surprised residents with a new Christmas tree in the heart of the Lismore CBD. The unique tree is made out of recycled bicycles spray-painted white with colourful tyres, and lights up brilliantly come nightfall in December – it’s truly a sight that has to be seen to be believed! The tree was built for free by council workers and symbolises the quirky nature of the town.

Leaning Tree of Lismore
 Lismore’s other beloved Christmas tree, a 10 metre tall Cook Pine, is a lopsided tree in the middle of the roundabout intersecting Woodlark Street and Keen Street. Dubbed the Leaning Tree of Lismore, the tree decorations received a facelift in 2015 with new stars and shiny baubles, and a 2.6 metre fibreglass Father Christmas ‘holding up’ the tree from the bottom, Pisa-style. If you’re new to town, it’s worth a look as you stroll through the CBD. 

Christmas shopping in Lismore
 Lismore residents are spoilt for choice when it comes time to go shopping for Christmas gifts. Whether you visit Lismore Shopping Square, Lismore Central Shopping Centre, or one of the many of the specialty shops downtown (including two fabulous toy stores) you’re sure to find unique presents for each of your loved ones. If you take the kids, be sure to pay a visit to Santa’s Wonderland where kids can meet Santa and his elves and get a photo with the man himself.
 
Wondering what else our beautiful vibrant city has to offer? Check out our stories on living in the Lismore community or ask one of us – we love Lismore!

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