Shouts, gasps, wolf whistles and a sprinkling of Santa hats made for an energetic Queenstown Christmas show yesterday afternoon.
After temporarily moving online in 2021, the 16th annual performance welcomed about 2400 people to the Queenstown Events Centre over two sessions, the show’s most attended at the QEC.
The 12 Bells of Christmas followed five children as they explored Queenstown to find their granny’s 12 missing bells and restore her holiday tradition.
Along the way, they met plenty of animals and local heroes including a firefighter and - spoiler alert - Santa Claus while learning the true meaning of Christmas; family.
Directed by Lisa Clough and Margaret O’Hanlon, the show had a strong community motivation, this year offering a "buy one, gift one" initiative.
It allowed the audience to donate a ticket to a family otherwise unable to attend.
The event also supported Queenstown organisations, including the Salvation Army, Happiness House, Baskets of Blessings and the Buddy Programme.
A music-focused production, the show featured a range of local acts including the popular Remarkable Men’s Ballet who enchanted the crowd and earned themselves perhaps the loudest chorus of cheers (and good-hearted wolf whistles) from parents.
Children of all ages enjoyed familiar holiday songs and could be seen jumping in their seats when Santa made his way through the audience.
"It’s great to have the live show back - it really is so special," Queenstown Lakes District Council relationship manager for arts and events Jan Maxwell said.
