Ashburton’s giant Christmas tree returns to Baring Square East this festive season and will come to life at Light up the Night on Saturday 30 November.

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown said the tree would be assembled in the square in the week ahead of the event and would be lit up at 9.15pm.

“Hokonui is running a competition to find the person who will press the button and we’re all looking forward to seeing the tree sparkling and back in the square.”

The tree was on East Street for several years while the CBD and square were revitalised. In the square, it will be positioned in front of Te Whare Whakatere, the new library and civic building that opened this year.

Mayor Brown said Baring Square East had proved a popular location for the Hakatere Noodle Festival earlier in the year and would be ideal for Light up the Night on 30 November.

“It’s a great place to put down a blanket and have a bit of a picnic, and the free Christmas celebration will have some live entertainment and other fun, plus a visit by Santa himself.”

Roads around the square will be closed on the Saturday (except Havelock Street) and the event starts at 6pm. One Ninety Nine café will be open into the night, and food trucks will add to the atmosphere and include Bangkok Wok, Azteca Taco, Hungry Potato, The Little Honey Co and more.

A stage will be erected for live music and dance performances, and the evening will be compered by Luke Howden from Hokonui.

Mayor Brown said Light up the Night was becoming an annual tradition that kickstarted the festive season in Mid Canterbury.

“I can think of no better way to connect as a community and reflect on the year, while also looking ahead with excitement to Christmas and New Year and the summer in general.”

Eco Educate will be onsite with a waste station to encourage people to recycle; they are also urging people to bring their own clean containers to hold food.

Light up the Night is sponsored by Hokonui and the Ashburton Courier. More information is at lightupthenight.co.nz