Southern Dunedin residents will have their pick of community events and shopping opportunities before Christmas this year.
The installation of Mosgiel's 8m Christmas tree, complete with a new $2000 star, courtesy of Mosgiel New World, in Anzac Park on December 1 will kick off the seasonal cheer.
Decorations project team member Teresa Christie said the tree would sit atop its storage container as usual, but this year the container is to be painted by Dunedin artist Daniel Mead, who is well known around the city for his mural work.
The following weekend will be a huge one for the area as two major Christmas street markets take place.
The Green Island Business Association is the first, on Saturday, December 7, with its annual Christmas street market in Main South Rd.
Association president John Moyle said this year's market was expected to attract more than 100 stall holders, and would feature, for the first time, a stage with entertainment.
The market, which runs from 10am to 1pm, was always a great day out for the family, and with so many stalls, everyone could find a Christmas treasure, Mr Moyle said.
Mosgiel's annual Christmas Street Market opens the township's seasonal festivities the next day, Sunday December 8, followed by late night shopping the following Thursday.
Mosgiel Business Association chairman Blair Arthur said the events would cater for Mosgiel residents and were expected to also draw shoppers from Dunedin.
The Sunday Christmas street market was always well received and a festive season highlight for many, he said.
With lots of entertainment, including 330ml (band) playing, buskers, a pipe band, a magician and balloon artist, rides and slides, more than 70 stalls, raffles and a visit from Santa, Mosgiel took on a carnival atmosphere for the day.
Last year's expanded format would continue. Gordon Rd, between Hartstonge Ave and Cargill St, as well as part of Factory Rd, would be closed for the market, which runs from 10am to 3pm.
Organising committee member Rosie Young said the date was locked in early so it was decided to keep it there.
The Santa Parade was also on in town, but the hope was that people would come to Mosgiel in the morning and head into town for the Santa Parade in the afternoon. She believed it would not make too much difference.
Mr Arthur said the Christmas market and late night shopping were a way of retailers the Mosgiel Business Association's way of giving something back to residents who supported local retailers throughout the year.
''It's an opportunity to bring the community together ... friends, family, and fun is what Christmas is all about.''
Mrs Christie said it was hoped there would in coming years be more decorations, including lit candy canes, for Gordon Rd, but they were quite expensive and a bit of fund-raising was required to make it happen.
She thanked the efforts of local businesses and the Mosgiel Roundtable, who helped with the installation of the tree and its lights.
