Stuck on how to begin the festivities this holiday season? Pop on over to The Levee, central Maitland, where all your Christmas needs are sorted.
From Santa photos to decoration spotting, celebrate the best time of the year right in the heart of the Hunter.
We’ve compiled a list of all the fun, family-friendly activities you and your loved ones can get up to this Christmas, all without leaving the main street of Maitland.
Christmas display competition
The holidays are a time of extravagance… and businesses along The Levee have definitely understood the assignment.
From 27 November through December, take a walk down the main street and witness the amazing windowfront Christmas displays.
Baubles, tinsels, lights, candy canes… you name it, it’s all on show in The Levee.
Cast your vote for your favourite display by scanning the QR code in the windows, for the chance to win a $300 voucher to any Levee business of your choice.
Get in quick, with entries closing on Sunday 21 December.
Full terms and conditions can be found here.
A Merry Little Christmas markets
Spend the day with the family – with some sneaky gift shopping on the side – at the wonderful A Merry Little Christmas market.
Held on Saturday 13 December from 10am to 2pm, the event is a classic village fair with a wide range of market stalls from across the local region.
Indulge in a variety of produce and beverage options, as well as decoration and gift stalls.
And, keep an eye out… you may event spot the man himself: Santa!
Santa’s post box
Regardless of whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, everyone wants something under the tree on Christmas Day.
Got a request? Send a letter to the one and only Santa, with the annual mail service returning to The Levee.
Located next to the big red present at The Riverlink, Santa’s mailbox will be operating from now until Saturday 20 December.
Make sure to get in early to ensure his return letter will arrive before Christmas.
For all letters, make sure the return address and the child’s name is written clearly on the back of the letter, as well as your phone contact.
Santa photos
If writing letters aren’t your thing, why don’t you ask Santa in person!
Remember this Christmas with a free Santa photo at The Levee.
You can grab your family Christmas photo at The Riverlink from Thursday 27 November until Saturday 20 December.
Session times are Thursdays 3pm to 7.30pm, Fridays and Saturdays 9am to 1.30pm.
Once you have arrived during session times, simply scan the QR code and join the digital queue.
When it’s your turn, you’ll receive a text message and get to meet the man himself.
Photos will be returned within three business days.
However, for those wanting to cut the lines, there will be two paid sessions which require bookings.
A pet-friendly session will be held on Tuesday 16 December from 3pm to 7.30pm, and on Saturday 20 December from 9am to 1.30pm.
For just $15 you will get a premium service, without the long waits.
Bookings for these sessions can be made here.
Pet-friendly Santa photos
Want the whole family in the picture? Bring your furry friends along to The Levee’s pet-friendly Santa photos session on Tuesday 16 December.
With all proceeds from the session going towards Hunter Wildlife Rescue, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Bookings can be made here for only $15. For full terms and conditions can be read here.
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