There's no mistaking that Christmas is almost upon us, which means most of us have quite a to-do list.
In Greytown, they have a big to-do list to tick off — funding another Christmas in six months' time.
Since 2020, Greytown has celebrated Christmas twice a year. Once in December, then again in July.
"Everyone here loves a Kiwi summer Christmas, it's what we all grew up on, but there's something quite magical about a winter Christmas as well," said Adam Blackwell, who owns a bicycle shop in the village.
"We started this idea back in the first lockdown. What are we going to do to bring people back to Greytown when the shops open again?"
Shop owners decided a free, mid-winter festival would be just the thing and got out their Christmas decorations again in July.
"We got a good crowd in 2020, more in 2021 and it's grown every year since."
Their Festival of Christmas is held in the town's main street which is lined with Victorian-era buildings, many of which are restored. There are several eateries, a French bakery, an old-fashioned sweet shop, and many upmarket clothing and homeware stores. All of which are strung with lights and decorations.
"We have special food, mulled wine, Christmas doughnuts. There's usually a big Christmas tree outside and you can smell the pine throughout the village," said Millie Blackwell, who owns the village book shop.
"It actually feels like real Christmas in July."
Adam agrees, adding that it gives people a much-needed lift during the colder months.
"As we move towards July every year, the whole town's mood lifts and people get excited about dressing their shop windows.
"There's a snow machine, and it's wonderful seeing the children who haven't seen snow before watching the snowflakes drift down over the main street."
This year, 60,000 people turned up.
"Greytown has a population of 3000, so having 60,000 guests in town is quite a big deal," said Adam.
But keeping festival-goers safe comes with a hefty price tag. "There are all sorts of compliance costs.
"It now costs $200,000 to stage it for the whole month. We're on State Highway 2, and we have to close the roads. It can cost over $6000 or $7000 to close the road for just one 2-hour period, and we run for a month.
"We have to pick our times. Plus, there are all sorts of lighting requirements. Sixty-thousand people also generate quite a bit of rubbish and we have to find a way to deal with that," he said.
"When an event gets that big, a little town like Greytown can't afford to stage it anymore."
But during difficult economic times, the town can't afford not to.
"Small towns are known to be in decline, and it's up to us to bring people to our towns," said Millie.
'Keep the lights on'
So, to continue their mid-winter Christmas tradition, the town has decided to try and crowdfund their festival.
"If families or individuals or anyone can find $20 and make a donation to the festival, we'll put you on the invite list, we'd love for you to come and we'll give you a little ribbon to wear around our streets. We'll recognise you and say thanks.
"We've all seen the Northern Hemisphere Christmas on TV. It seems quite magical with all the lights shining and the snow everywhere. To have a taste of that here is quite magic," said Adam.
He stressed that organisers want to keep the festival free, so everyone can enjoy it — regardless of income.
Penny Barrett runs a designer clothing store in the village and said Main St is a sight to behold during the festival.
"We stand and look and pretend we're in Paris. It makes the winter pass very quickly."
Millie thinks it feels more like London.
"I'm not even exaggerating — there are thousands of people here every night."
She said those who contribute will help retailers during a very tough year. "They'll enable small retailers to keep the lights on."
Adam agrees there are many worthy causes needing donations but believes those who contribute to Greytown's Festival of Christmas will be helping keep small-town New Zealand going.
"We love that idea of bringing families together, getting them wrapped up in scarves and hats, outside in a town like ours enjoying the festivities.
"Let's maybe just invest in happiness."
His wife Millie agrees.
"Even Santa makes an appearance. He comes from the North Pole especially. Greytown's where it's at for Christmas."
SHARE ME