Santa photos, markets and window displays bring Christmas cheer to The Levee

newy.com.au – Santa photos, Christmas markets and festive window displays will bring The Levee Central Maitland to life this Christmas, with Maitland City Council rolling out a program of family activities across November and December in the city’s riverside precinct.

Maitland City Council says the program is designed to encourage families to visit The Levee, enjoy free and low-cost activities and support local traders during the busy Christmas shopping period.

“The Levee offers a wonderful mix of festive activities and local shopping this Christmas,” Maitland City Council Coordinator City Events and Activation Adam Franks said. “It’s the perfect place for families to come together and create memories. Whether you’re taking a keepsake photo with Santa, enjoying the decorations, or joining seasonal activities, there’s plenty of festive cheer to experience.”

Santa will be based in a festive living room set up at The Riverlink, marked by a giant red present with a green bow, where families can stop for photos and a visit. Santa photos will be available from Thursday 27 November to Saturday 20 December, with sessions on Thursdays from 3.00pm to 7.30pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9.00am to 1.30pm.

The Levee Shared Zone will be transformed for “A Merry Little Christmas”, a village-style Christmas fair running from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Saturday 13 December. The event will feature local produce and gift stalls, festive decorations and activities, along with an appearance from Santa.

Franks said the festive program also aims to highlight the variety of independent retailers and small businesses trading in the precinct. “The Levee is a wonderful place to discover unique gifts and explore local shops this Christmas, while supporting the businesses that help make Maitland such a vibrant community,” he said.

From Thursday 27 November, visitors will be able to explore Christmas-themed window displays throughout The Levee, created by local businesses. Community members can vote for their favourite display in person using QR codes or online, and one voter will win a $300 voucher to spend at a Levee business of their choice.

Children who cannot visit Santa in person will still be able to get in touch via Santa’s mailbox at The Riverlink. Letters can be posted from Tuesday 12 November to Saturday 20 December, and parents are asked to include a return address and phone number so Santa can respond before Christmas.

Council is encouraging residents and visitors to check details online and keep up to date as the festive season approaches. Information about all Christmas activities and events at The Levee is available at mait.city/Christmas.