As part of the renewal and exciting "changing face" of Gosford City, this years Christmas events will highlight the joy, love and family occasion that Christmas should be for kids and adults alike. Gosford City Council and Gosford Business Improvement District are hosting a range of exciting Christmas activities from November 13-15 within the Gosford CBD.

Families are invited to a picnic on the lawn in Kibble Park at 6.30 pm on Thursday 13th November 2008. An evening of Christmas stories and songs will follow, and a special visit from Santa who will give out Christmas gifts to Children and will invite the children to join him in turning on the lights of Kibble Park's beautiful Christmas tree.

The annual Christmas parade on Saturday 15th November will begin with a Meet the Mayor breakfast in Kibble Park where all school starters for kindergarten in 2009 are invited to a free brekky.

Gosford City Library will be holding a special starting school storytime session at 9.15am and the free rides will kick off in Kibble Park at 10am. The annual Christmas Parade will commence on Mann Street outside Mitre 10 (Cnr Beane & Mann Streets) at 11am. Kids will receive free hand clappers to welcome the parade, which will include over 40 float entrants including the Marching Koalas costumed characters, bands, community entries, business entries and Santa and Mrs Claus. There is also a prize of $1,000 for the best community float.

The parade will conclude in Kibble Park where Santa will be presented with the keys to the City, with the rides, sno cones and fairy floss continuing until 1.30pm.

For further information regarding the Lighting of the Tree event please contact Council's Open Space & Leisure Project Officer Rebecca Windust on 4325 8222 or email rebecca.windust@gosford.nsw.gov.au.

For additional information regarding the annual Christmas Parade please contact Chris King by email at info@chrisking.com.au and for further information regarding Breakfast with the Mayor please contact Dianna Hanks, Gosford City Rotary on 43 295110 or 0409 152 166.