Sydney decks halls with Santa for Christmas in Australia

SYDNEY - The Australian city of Sydney has decorated for a spectacular Christmas celebration, with Mayor Clover Moore officially launching a month-long festival itinerary on Thursday in front of the biggest Christmas tree in the state of New South Wales.

From now throughout December, Sydney will stage concerts, light displays, roving entertainers, decorations and more to help get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Sydney Mayor Moore said there will be Santa in a sleigh, choristers and entertainers. "We're literally putting on a street party for children and families."

Sydney's iconic shopping district of Pitt Street Mall will become adorned in a canopy of 85,000 LED lights, creating a dazzling display and encouraging everyone to take part in what is also the most crucial time of year for retailers.

"(The festival) attracts visitors, it boosts retail, and it provides a wonderful experience for young children," said Moore. "Christmas is really about young children and families."

Directly following Christmas is Sydney's famous New Year's Eve celebration, which will once again light up the harbour and Opera House with its world-famous fireworks display.

"New Year leads into the Festival of Sydney and then that leads into the Lunar Festival and then Mardi Gras. So it's a really pretty fabulous time to be in Sydney," Moore said.

With millions of tourists expected to visit Sydney during the festive period, Moore said everyone is welcome to take part in the festival and experience what makes Christmas different Down Under.