CHRISTMAS revellers braved a warm, muggy evening to watch Moree and District Chamber of Commerce “light up the night” and officially switch on the huge Christmas tree adorning the steps of Moree War Memorial Hall on Thursday.

Crowds were entertained by new Moree group, SAXappeal, with 2VM Moree’s Steve McPherson on vocals, as well as the Moree Ukelele Group.

Moree Lions Club members flipped steaks and bread buns, and Greg and Wendy Berger kept the kids – and quite a few adults – cool and refreshed with Hawaiian shaved ice sno-cones.

Many businesses in Moree’s CBD extended trading hours to accommodate late-night Christmas shoppers.

Moree Plains Shire councillor Brooke Sauer welcomed the crowd to Balo Street.

“This has been a great event tonight. It’s a shame about the weather being so hot, but it’s fantastic to see so many people turn up,” Cr Sauer said.

“This always a great way to bring the community together and celebrate the best time of the year – Christmas.”

The Moree Chamber is also promoting spend to “spin-and-win” at more than 30 participating retailers across Moree.

The promotion, launched this week, offers more than $20,000 in prizes and “artesian dollars” – and every ticket holder wins.

Spend to Spin and Win will run until Saturday, December 14. When customers spend $50 or more at one of 36 participating stores, they receive an entry to spin for a prize.

Win-and-spin dates are Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14 from 9am until midday on Balo Street near Social Co House.

Santa’s Workshop, at 92 Balo Street, will also be open for visits and photo opportunities leading up to Christmas. Bookings are not required.

Families and children are encouraged to visit Santa and his elves on Wednesday, December 11 and 18, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm as well as Saturday, December 14 and 21 between 9am and midday.

Santa’s elves will make guest appearances at the workshop on Monday, December 9 and 16 between 10am and midday.

Kids are urged to write a letter to Santa, and have their names added to the wish-list.

A special session, offering photo opportunities with Santa and fur babies, will be held Saturday, December 14 between 9am and midday.

Bring you phone or camera!