It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in CBCity!

As the jolly man in the bright red suit is checking his list and preparing for his round trip from the North Pole, Council is helping locals get into the Christmas spirit.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said he was excited to ring in the holiday season with an impressive program of festive activities across the City.

“There’ll be lots to do for all the family,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“We’ll be kicking off the festivities with everyone’s favourite Christmas songs at Carols in the Park, followed a week later by our special lighting of the Christmas tree.

“And we’re thrilled to announce an exciting first for our City, with the unveiling of the brand-new Christmas Village Markets!”

The village markets will transform Bankstown and Campsie city centres into a scene from your favourite holiday movie, while stalls selling festive food and gifts will line Paul Keating Park and Anzac Mall and there’ll be plenty of free activities for the kids.

Christmas shoppers can get their presents sorted and have them gift wrapped for a small gold coin donation, while the kids are entertained with a special visit from Santa and his Elf.

There’ll also be a number of free craft workshops, which adults and children can participate in and even make their own Christmas wreath.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to support small businesses and stallholders while ticking off the Christmas shopping list and having a fun night out,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

The 2023 Christmas program includes:

Christmas trees and lights activations

• When: From Monday 20 November
• Where: Bankstown, Belmore, Campsie, Chester Hill, Earlwood, Greenacre and Revesby

Carols in the Park - Proudly sponsored by Bankstown Sports and Canterbury-Bankstown Torch

• When: Saturday 2 December, 4-9.15pm
• Where: Wiley Park Amphitheatre, Wiley Park

Lighting of the Tree Ceremony

• When: Thursday 7 December, 7.45-8.15pm
• Where: Paul Keating Park, Bankstown

Bankstown Christmas Village Markets

• When: Thursday 7 December, 5.30-8.30pm
• Where: The Appian Way Forecourt, Bankstown

Campsie Christmas Village Markets

• When: Thursday 14 December, 5.30-8.30pm
• Where: Anzac Mall and Anzac Park, Campsie

Christmas Lights Competition - Voting commences 14-19 December

• When: Competition opens from 1-12 December 

The Mayoral Christmas Toy and Hamper Drive will also help spread the Christmas cheer to families in need by collecting donations for local charitable and not-for-profit organisations.

Residents will soon be able to drop off new and unwrapped children’s toys and items to Bankstown and Campsie Customer Service Centres and Bankstown and Campsie Libraries.