Standby to get the Christmas spirit in the Queenstown Lakes District with the first Christmas concert scheduled for tomorrow at Queenstown, QLDC arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell said.

"This week we put the community on notice with the biggest star we could find shining out from the top of the council's giant community Christmas tree," Mrs Maxwell said.

The massive star, designed and created by Wakatipu artist Ann Wadsworth from Springbank Metalwork, was constructed from aluminium and was designed to swivel in the wind.

Christmas carols, featuring an appearance from Santa himself, was scheduled to kickoff at Earnslaw Park at 5.30pm on tomorrow.

"This will be a real family event for residents and visitors alike, everyone is welcome to come and join in," Mrs Maxwell said.

If wet, the event would be held in the Queenstown Memorial Hall.

Arrowtown would have its turn to spread Christmas cheer with a community concert scheduled for Friday15 December, on Buckingham Green, beginning at 5.30pm.

The following day Wanaka would celebrate Christmas with the Christmas @the lake event, featuring carol singing, jazz, helicopter lolly drop, best dressed shepherd and angel prizes, live farm animals and a celebrity guest.

"We are delighted that television personality Jon Bridges will be the MC for the evening. It will be a great night," Mrs Maxwell said.

Christmas @thelake would be held at the Wanaka Lakefront on Saturday 16 December from 5-7.30pm.

This year the council had spent $65,000 district-wide on celebrating Christmas.

ENDS

For more information please contact Jan Maxwell 03 4410499.

By: Sarah