Carollers, tinsel and twinkling trees will transform the City of Parramatta into a Christmas wonderland this festive season – with a special visit from a very generous ‘virtual’ Santa.

Libraries across the local government area, from Carlingford to Constitution Hill, will be filled with Christmas trees from now until January, including at PHIVE in Parramatta Square, with street decorations also bringing some festive cheer to the City’s suburbs over summer.

Council’s much-anticipated 12-metre-high Christmas tree has been unveiled in its new home in Parramatta Square, where locals and visitors can record a video with our special ‘virtual’ Santa on Instagram stories for a chance to win one of five Christmas Stay & Play in Parramatta prize packages valued at over $650 each.

Carollers and live music will ring throughout Parramatta Square from 8-11 December, and again from 14-18 December, to get everyone in the festive mood. There will also be various community carols events across the City, including Parramatta Christian Church on Saturday 3 December, Twilight Christmas Magic at Old Government House from 8-22 December, and Epping’s Boronia Park on Sunday 11 December.

Council’s popular Christmas Markets are also back, selling unique gifts from artisan and handmade products, to sustainably and ethically produced gourmet food on Wednesday 14 December from 7.30am to 2.30pm, and Thursday 15 December from 11am to 8:30pm for some late-night shopping.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the City of Parramatta,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.

“It’s a wonderful time of the year and rounds off a big 2022 for our City, which included the opening of PHIVE, the unveiling of our fabulous ‘Place of the Eels’ artwork in Parramatta Square, as well as the return of Parramatta Lanes and many other events.

“It’s the perfect time for you to immerse yourself and explore our vibrant CBD and suburban shopping strips, as you catch up with friends and family over the festive period.”

The City of Parramatta has also launched its 2022 Good Gift Guide to help with your Christmas shopping while supporting local businesses and charitable causes.

“The Good Gift Guide has a wide range of gift ideas and a list of local businesses so you can support local by buying local,” Cr Davis said.

“Every gift bought strengthens our local economy, which is vitally important after the particularly tough two years we’ve had.”

Families are invited to cool off and enjoy a fun-filled day at Epping Aquatic Centre’s Pool Party on Saturday 17 December between 12pm and 4pm. Parents and children can dive into the festive spirit with a barbecue, petting zoo, pool inflatables, and a DJ. There will be an array of exciting prizes on offer throughout the day too.

There’s also a variety of festive entertainment at Riverside Theatres throughout the month, including River City Voices’ Slam Messiah on 16 December, Sydney Comedy Club on 17 December, and A Very Naughty Christmas from 21-23 December.

For more information about this year’s Christmas festivities in Parramatta, visit atparramatta.com/Christmas