Emma Pritchard

‘Twas the week before Christmas and throughout the riverside community of Ulmarra there were plenty of stirrings and traditional festivities on December 16 when the village welcomed hundreds of visitors to their magical Christmas evening.

As carol singers entertained the crowds along Coldstream Street with their beautiful vocals, and families and friends shared seasonal greetings and browsed nearby shops and eateries which remained open until 7pm, children excitedly lined up to meet the special guest who flew all the way from the North Pole to be in the Clarence Valley on the weekend.

While he handed out bags of goodies and spent time chatting with boys and girls who eagerly assured him that their names are definitely on the nice list this year, Santa said it was wonderful to be back in Ulmarra, although he admitted the weather was significantly warmer compared to the North Pole.

“Santa is already planning his return trip to Ulmarra for the magical Christmas evening in 2024,” the elves at the North Pole later told the Clarence Valley Independent.

“It’s a fantastic community event, and he was thrilled he was able to fly across to the Clarence Valley to be part of the celebrations.”

And he wasn’t the only one.

Self-described grey nomads Alex Chapple and Janice Holmes last visited Ulmarra five years ago, and said it was fantastic to return to the village again for the magical Christmas evening during their travels across NSW.

“We always love exploring little places which are off the main roads,” Ms Holmes said.

“When we heard about the magical Christmas evening, we both agreed it would be the ideal time to come back to Ulmarra.

“It’s such a beautiful village.

“We loved listening to the carol singers and poking our noses into a couple of shops in Coldstream Street, and we really enjoyed ourselves.”

“If the magical Christmas evening goes ahead in 2024, we’ll definitely come back,” Mr Chapple added.

“It’s a great way to support a little place like Ulmarra.”