Things to do in the Riverina over the Christmas week

The days just before and after Christmas are generally quiet in the Riverina, with most people spending time at home with their family.

There are, however, some people unable to spend this time with close ones for various reasons.

Thankfully, there are churches who will open their doors on Christmas Day to anyone who’d like to join them for lunch. Punters can also enjoy some race meetings just before and after Christmas.

As always, the weekend will kick off with live music at Tilly’s in Wagga. Read on for more details.

Friday

Wagga Rocks – Live concert at Tilly’s

When: Friday 23 December, 7 pm onwards
Where: Tilly’s Wagga, 109 Baylis Street, Wagga
Cost: $10, pay at the door.

A live concert at Tilly’s will feature some of Wagga’s most popular live bands, as well as up-and-coming acts.

The three headline acts are The Convicts, The Mighty Yak and Mobes. They will be supported by Filthy Rocks and Summit.

Riverina Paceway – inaugural Christmas Carnival

When: Friday 23 December, 4:30 pm onwards
Where: Riverina Paceway, 92 Cooramin St, Cartwrights Hill
Cost: Free.

Wagga Harness Racing Club Riverina Paceway is hosting its inaugural Christmas Carnival and Fireworks. The family-friendly event will include eight horse races, live entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus, two jumping castles and an inflatable obstacle course.

Saturday – Christmas Eve

Pilgrim Uniting Church – This Night Blue

When: Saturday 24 December, 8 pm to 9 pm
Where: Pilgrim Uniting Church, Tanda Place, Glenfield
Cost: Free.

Pilgrim Uniting Church is hosting a special event for those doing it tough. The Christmas Eve function ‘The Night Blue’ recognises that it’s been a tough year on top of a tough year on top of another tough year for many people. The aim is to provide a space for people to gather and be together without the usual loud carols and happy stories.

There will be some silence, some gentle music and some not-very-religious speaking. Also there will be invitations to remember loved, lost and faraway ones and once-upon-a-time dreams that haven’t turned out according to plan. You can also make a wish, prayer or affirmation for the year ahead. Refreshments will be provided for those who want to linger a little longer.

There will also be a few food parcels available for those who’d like some pantry staples to supplement what they have. All are welcome.

Sunday – Christmas Day

Grace Church Christmas Lunch

When: Sunday 25 December, 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: Grace Church, 124 Benerembah St, Griffith
Cost: Free.

Pentecostal church Grace Church is holding a lunch on Christmas Day for those who may be alone, or would go without a meal on Christmas Day. All are welcome. This lunch is being held on behalf of the Griffith Combined Churches Association.

Leeton Community Christmas Lunch

When: Sunday 25 December, 11:30 am onwards
Where: St Peter’s Anglican Church, Oak Street, Leeton
Cost: Gold coin donation.

Leeton’s St Peter’s Anglican Church is hosting a Christmas Day lunch for those who may be new in town or on their own for Christmas. A gold coin donation is appreciated.

Monday – Boxing Day

Tumut Turf Club Boxing Day Races

When: Monday 26 December, 11 am onwards
Where: Tumut Turf Club, Elm Drive, Tumut
Cost: $20, book here.

Tumut Turf Club is hosting its annual Boxing Day Races, the biggest race meet for the year.

Along with the races, there will be live entertainment. Food will be available through the kiosk and barbecue and bar facilities will be available on-site. Marquee packages are available.

Country and metropolitan bookmakers will operate on the day with full TAB facilities. Please note there are no ATM or EFTPOS facilities available. All tickets must be prepurchased.
Wristbands will be given to patrons upon presentation of a ticket and ID at the gate.