Mid Canterbury families will be in for a magical night of festive fun and celebrations on Friday 27 November at the district's annual Light Up the Night Christmas event in Baring Square East.

Now into its fourth year Light Up the Night, presented by Tru-Line Civil is tipped to be the biggest yet.

The free event will feature performances from Christchurch City Chorus, Life Dance Academy and the Samoan Christian Congregational Church Group. There will also be food trucks and Santa gift giveaways before the giant Christmas tree lights up at the end of the night.

This year's main sponsor, Ashburton CBD streetscape contractor Tru-Line Civil will also have diggers and trucks on site for kids to explore.

Gold radio presenter, Robert Taylor will be back to MC the night and every half-hour will draw the winners of the Santa gift giveaways. Up for grabs this year are kids bikes and scooters, barbecues, a lawnmower, Sony PlayStation, an e-bike, Nintendo Switch and an Xbox.​

The gifts are made available through a partnership between the Council and local businesses.

Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown says Light Up the Night will be the perfect opportunity for families to get into the spirit of Christmas.

"Each year, Light Up the Night gets bigger and brighter and we are very proud to be working with Tru-Line Civil who have come on board to help make this fantastic event a reality in 2020.

"Come and be a part of Ashburton's biggest Christmas event this year. There will be plenty of fun and entertainment for every member of the family."

Light Up the Night will begin at 6.30pm in Baring Square East after the 'Christmas with RuralCo' shopping event. People are encouraged to get there on time to secure their free tickets into the Santa gift giveaway draws.

For more information about Light Up the Night, presented by Tru-Line Civil and the Nights of Lights festival, visit nightsoflights.nz.​