It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Newcastle with several pop-up activities aimed at drawing locals and visitors into the city.
A Christmas tree maze is open in Civic Park until Saturday, December 10, where kids can find their way through the maze and by night, onlookers can enjoy the sparkling solar-powered tree lights.
A Santa backdrop will also be set up in Darby Street on Thursday and Hunter Street Mall from December 17 for people to take free, festive pictures.
A dedicated hashtag, #newychristmas has been created so visitors can quickly grab their polaroid snap and get on their merry way.
The Very Newy Christmas initiative was produced by Enigma and is funded by City of Newcastle's Special Business Rate Program.
"It's more important than ever that we inject a little Christmas spirit into the city this holiday season by creating experiences that kids will love and won't have parents reaching into their pockets," Enigma managing director Pete Chapman said.
"Not only will these events create a flow on effect for the city's small business community, it also creates a wonderful sense of excitement in the lead up to Christmas."
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the initiative was about reactivating the city in a COVID-safe way.
"It's been a really difficult year for everybody in different ways," she said. "This is about encouraging people to come back into these precincts, to shop local and to bring some joy and happiness."
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