Festive family fun at Australiana Pioneer Village's annual Twilight Christmas Market

The long-standing tradition will be bigger and better than ever this year, according to events coordinator and volunteer, Joanne Weeks.

“We’ll have more market stalls, and a choir and some musicians will be playing Christmas music,” she said.

The event will take place at the Pioneer Village in Wilberforce on Friday, December 7, from 5 to 9pm, with a $3 donation to enter.

“Santa’s arriving at 7pm with Mrs Claus, and some children are dressing up as parcels and puddings and they’ll all be arriving on our hay wagon,” said Ms Weeks.

“We’ve also got a snow tent; when the kids go inside, we turn on the machine and they get snowed upon!

“Our hay ride is new this year, and will go around the lagoon, and the lagoon will have candles floating on it, and the miniature train will be running.

“The whole place will have as many lights as possible so we should be twinkling very well! It’s a big thing to organise but it’s well worth coming to and usually gets a good crowd, which we expect again this year.”

There will be over 50 market stalls selling all manner of presents and nick-nacks, including handmade jewellery, glassware, candles, knitted/crochet crafts, confectionery and sweets.

Visitors can also purchase from food vans selling a range of offerings including a sausage sizzle, milkshakes, coffee, homemade cakes, ice cream, hot dogs, churros, cheese and cured meats, and pizza.

“There’s things for parents to go and buy and things for the children to do, and everyone will have a lovely time,” said Ms Weeks.

“It’s a very relaxed atmosphere and everyone’s always happy on the day.”