Locals flocked to Aura’s second annual community Christmas event at Baringa State Primary School on Sunday 8 December to kick off the holiday season.

Aura’s Community Development Manager Charlotte Buckley said the Aura community embraced their best Christmas-core aesthetic for the free family-friendly event. 

“This community event is all about bringing our residents together to create beautiful memories,” Ms Buckley said.

“It’s incredible to see neighbours connecting and families celebrating the festive season with one another.

“These are the magical moments that make Aura such a unique and special place to live.”

The festivities kicked off on the right note, with DJs spinning holiday favourites — from Christmas queen Mariah to timeless singalong classics — before Santa Claus came to town.

In true Sunshine-Coast fashion, the man in red traded in his sleigh for a motorbike to make an unforgettable entrance. 

There were craft stations, roving entertainers, carol singers, and even a ‘hohoho!’ competition to crown Aura’s most convincing Santa impersonator.

Families also lined up for free face painting and balloon twisting, and joined in lively game of ‘Santa Says’ — a festive riff on ‘Simon Says’. 

As the sun set, families laid out picnic blankets for a special outdoor screening of the holiday classic, The Santa Clause, before the not-so-silent night ended with a bang as a dazzling fireworks display lit up the sky. 

P&C Fundraising Manager for Baringa State Primary School, Melissa Johnson, said the event helped to create unforgettable memories for Aura families this festive season.