Our long-time favourite Christmas event, the Great Santa Hunt, once again heads the list of activities in this summer’s What’s On Guide.

The guide has just been published and is available in printed form at Council facilities, or in digital form on our website.

The Great Santa Hunt has its grand opening night at Rokowhiria, the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, on 17 December and children of all ages are invited to bring their torches and search high and low in the museum after dark.

This year, 20 Santas are hidden around Rokowhiria, with another five at the Ashburton Library, and five more at EA Networks Centre. Be on the lookout for Santas with names like Little Dave, Buster, Richie McLaus and Snoop Dog!

Opening night runs from 5pm-7pm and is only at Rokowhiria, but after that the activity runs across the three facilities all summer until 31 January. Each Santa has a letter that will help you work out a mystery phrase to enter in the Great Santa Hunt prize draw.

The What’s On Guide has a swag of events for children and teens, most taking place at the library, the art gallery and museum, and at EA Networks Centre. Activities include making Christmas cards and playing Christmas iSpy, assembling a spinning top, print making or having a round of mini golf at Mini Mid Canterbury.

Group Manager of People and Facilities Sarah Mosley said the 24-page guide was packed full of activities to keep children of all ages busy over the holidays.

“The great thing about these activities is that they are close to home and mostly free. Some activities are already under way, like the summer reading challenge for young adults, which has some sweet rewards this year.”