Emma Pritchard

The riverside community of Ulmarra is inviting you to a magical Christmas evening on December 18.

Full of seasonal festivities, joy and laughter, food, live entertainment and plenty of time to indulge in some retail therapy with local stores and boutiques remaining open until 8pm, the event will also include spectacular Christmas light displays and a guest appearance by a special visitor.

President of the Ulmarra Village Inc Steve Pickering said the local community is looking forward to hosting the event and welcoming visitors and holiday makers to the Clarence Valley.

Describing it as a perfect time to bring everyone together following the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions and the reopening of the Queensland border this week, Mr Pickering said the event is not only a Christmas celebration, but an opportunity for people to visit Ulmarra, shop locally and support local businesses.

“Every dollar spent in Ulmarra stays in Ulmarra,” he said.

“Our businesses are owned and managed by local people, and they sell locally made arts, crafts and produce.

“We’ve been talking about having a special Christmas event for a few years, but we never got around to doing it before, and after putting up with Covid-19 for nearly two years, it seemed a really good opportunity to get together and make it happen.”

Mr Pickering said the Ulmarra business community is positive and optimistic ahead of the event this weekend following a busy November.

Despite the Pacific Highway now bypassing Ulmarra, Mr Pickering said the village continues to welcome large numbers of visitors who come for day trips, and the local businesses are happy to have their doors open to trade once again.

Mr Pickering, who owns the Coldstream Gallery in Ulmarra, said customers have been missing their shopping experiences in the village and he is confident the special Christmas evening will draw a high number of visitors.  

And there is an extra special attraction for the kids this weekend.

As he prepares to travel around the world and visit every boy and every girl at Christmas, Santa will be making a guest appearance in Ulmarra during the evening.

When contacted by the Clarence Valley Independent, the busy elves of the North Pole revealed they are continuing to work closely with Santa and the Ulmarra community to confirm a time for his highly anticipated visit.

The elves also confirmed an update will be posted on the Ulmarra Village Community News Facebook page ahead of the special Christmas event on Saturday.