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Council Christmas events

From City Scene, published on 2 December, 2007

Festive air: Santa’s elves have been busy in our CBD, decorating the streets with giant baubles, spirals and angels. It’s all part of Christmas in the city, jointly presented by Auckland City Council and Heart of the City.

Auckland City Libraries - offering crafts, carols, stories and fun at your community library.

Auckland Zoo - have a wild time at Christmas at the Zoo on Sunday, 16 December, 5pm to 9pm. Phone 360 3805 or visit the website to book your place.

Auckland Museum - Join Margaret Mahy at the Dinomites Kiwiana Christmas party on Saturday, 8 December, 10am to noon. Make decorations and join the Moa hunt. Phone 306 7035 to book and visit the website for more information.

Trillian Trust Christmas at Motat - hands on activities from 1 to 24 December, celebrating the origin of Christmas and embracing the spirit of giving. Phone 815 5800 or visit the website for details.

Entertain the budding young artists in your family at the free Big Day Art event at the Auckland Art Gallery on Sunday, 9 December, 10am to 4pm. Kids are encouraged to come in costume for a day of make-believe, face painting and printmaking. Guest presenters include Studio 2's Matt and Dayna, sound artist Sam Morrison, animator Ray McGrath and Magician Madame Salami, who will also perform magic shows. The Big Day Art includes free entry to the family exhibition Making Worlds. Visit the website or phone 379 1349 for more information.

Make shopping easy this Christmas by heading to the Aotea Square Market in Auckland's CBD every day from 7 to 24 December, 10am to 6pm. The market offers a wide range of fashion, jewellery, handcrafts, trinkets and cuisine. There is also a great line up of live entertainment including local acts The Fast Crew and Misfits of Science in the 12 days leading up to Christmas from Thursday, 13 to Sunday, 24 December, 12.30pm and 1pm each day. You can also help those less fortunate this Christmas by donating food or gifts at the Auckland City Mission's stall. Phone 09 307 5060 for more information.