Bethlehem puts up tree

A large Christmas tree is lowered into place at Bethlehem Town Centre. Photo/John Borren

Christmas has arrived in the Western Bay with a 10.6m tree being erected in Bethlehem town centre, and more surprise decorations set to spring up in downtown Tauranga.

The tree, imported from overseas, was moved by crane into place on the roundabout outside The Coffee Club in Bethlehem about 6.30am on Thursday.

Decorated with 20cm round glass lights, the tree will feature in the Bay of Plenty Times' Christmas Light Trail and become an annual attraction at the centre.

Centre manager Andrew Wadsworth said he wanted the tree to create a "huge visual statement" in Bethlehem over the Christmas period.

"It is a key point of difference for the centre over anywhere else in Tauranga," he said.

The tree will also form a backdrop to the suburb's annual carols by candlelight community event, hosted by Bethlehem town centre and Bethlehem Baptist Church on December 21.

Each Christmas the Post Shop in Bethlehem also becomes one of the busiest in New Zealand, with people seeking the postmark featuring the name of Jesus' birthplace on their Christmas mail.

Meanwhile, downtown Tauranga spokesperson Sally Cooke said the Christmas tree was up on the Waterfront, with Christmas flags and wreaths throughout the downtown.

This year more decorations "adding an element of surprise and delight" would go up in the lead up to Christmas, she said.

"Watch this space, you never know where you might see Santa," she added.

There was also a Kiwiana-themed Christmas tree in the Goddards Arcade, she said.

Downtown Tauranga will host a Christmas party on December 15 offering games and an open-air book exchange. The Phoenix Family Fun Day will also be held at Masonic Park on The Strand with a bouncy castle, games, fire engine and dog sled rides.

Santa will be there and from 5.30pm there will be carols on the Waterfront.

The Strand will be closed to traffic from 11am to 8pm.

In Mount Maunganui's main street the TrustPower Christmas Festival and Santa Parade will be held this coming Saturday at 11am. There are four float categories, with a $1000 prize for champion float.

The annual Christmas Variety Show will be held in Greerton Village on December 6 at 6pm. The outdoor Christmas concert showcases the talents of local youngsters and entertainers.