![The Festival of Lights kicks off on December 1 and Mr and Mrs Claus will start it by flicking the switch. Picture by Briannah Devlin The Festival of Lights kicks off on December 1 and Mr and Mrs Claus will start it by flicking the switch. Picture by Briannah Devlin](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/123048163/b6ef5dec-4261-44c1-a8e8-b4d0bc260ace.jpg/r0_0_4032_3024_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Festival of Lights, which means it will be all things Christmassy and festive this December.
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See what you can look forward to below.
Flicking the Switch
The festival will officially kick off at 6.30pm on December 1, in the gardens. People can bring picnic dinners and relax. The concert has been cancelled due to the wet weather. It is free.
Angels in Our Town
Wingecarribee's first responders, volunteers and service personnel will once again be celebrated for all they do for the local community on December 2. Children will dress as angels and walk with our heroes. The parade will start at 7pm. There will be a free concert at the Corbett Gardens at 8pm featuring Amber Kenny, Ben Malone, Peter Campbell, Darren Percival, a Southern Highlands Super Choir, and Hugh Sheridan as the headline act. People can bring picnics, or grab a sausage sandwich from Can Assist on the night.
Christmas Night Markets
Shop locally this Christmas at this market, which showcases a variety of products from Highlands artisans and businesses. It will take place at the Corbett Gardens on December 7, from 5pm to 10pm and is free to attend. The opening Christmas concert will also take place.
![There is plenty for everyone to look forward to. Picture by Briannah Devlin There is plenty for everyone to look forward to. Picture by Briannah Devlin](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/123048163/521f87d8-d7d8-4667-b82c-0c53050a502f.jpg/r0_0_4032_3024_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival
Discover winemakers, distillers, brewers, producers and eateries from the Highlands while enjoying the atmosphere at the Festival of Lights. It will take place on December 8 (5-10pm), December 9 (11am-10pm) and December 10 (11am-4pm). The musical line-up includes Kiss the Frog, The Martini Henry's, Saving for Botox, Ella's Holiday and the Bong Bong All Stars. Tickets are $30 for adults (including a tasting glass), $10 for 13 to 17 year olds and free for children aged 12 and below. Buy them through southernhighlandsfestival.com.au/tickets/.
Southern Highlands Family Carols
The Highlands Theatre Group will sing iconic Christmas songs at the Corbett Gardens on December 14. People can bring picnic dinners and sing along. It is free and will take place from 7pm to 9pm.
A Celebration of Light
This event celebrates Indian and Nepalese cultures, and fosters a greater understanding to the wider community. There will be sweets to sample, special lamps and flower petal displays. Enjoy this free event from 5pm to 10pm at the Corbett Gardens on December 15.
Bop Til You Drop
Youth can get dressed in their grooviest disco gear and dance under the installations at the festival. Kids can dance the night away on December 16 from 6pm to 8pm and teens from 8pm to 10pm on December 16.
Santa's Grotto
Take free photos with Santa in this winter wonderland, which is hosted by C3 Destiny Church and local volunteers. There will also be face painting, craft, and petting zoo and more for kids. Enjoy it from December 16 to 24 at the Corbett Gardens. Available times will be posted daily on the "Santa's Grotto, 16th - 24th Dec 2023" Facebook page. Entry is free.
![The Brown Shutter in Berrima and Bundanoon Hotel (both pictured) are two of six locations people can find red mailboxes to send their letters to Santa. Pictures supplied The Brown Shutter in Berrima and Bundanoon Hotel (both pictured) are two of six locations people can find red mailboxes to send their letters to Santa. Pictures supplied](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/123048163/54a2a53b-da43-49e3-bed2-bd25c19e2822.png/r0_0_2000_1600_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Mail letters to Santa
You can mail your letters to Santa until December 23. There are red mailboxes decorated for Christmas in Mittagong, Colo Vale, Bowral, Berrima, Bundanoon and Moss Vale.
Highland FM 100 Per Cent Home-Grown New Year's Eve concert
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a bang. The musical line-up includes John Goodfellow, The Bare Bone and Dr Gumbo. Bring a picnic dinner and dance. It starts at 7pm and is due to finish at 12.30am. Tickets are $25 for general admission and free for children up to the age of 12. Buy them through evnt.au.
For more information, head to festivaloflights.org.au/.
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