Bethlehem Baptist's annual ‘A Night Before Christmas' event is coming up!

This year's event – which is only seven weeks away – will be held at the Bethlehem College front fields to allow for growth, says event organiser Luisa Schroder.

Held on Saturday, December 17, with the wet weather day being December 18, this year's ‘A Night Before Christmas' is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Luisa says this year their expecting a turnout of 10,000-plus people, and Bethlehem Baptist have already started organising the event.

With drama, comedy, dance, a Christmas message, giveaways, entertainment, bouncy castles, food, drink and more, ‘A Night Before Christmas' will have something for everyone.

'People gather with families, friends, neighbours bringing picnics, blankets, chairs and candles to experience a night of carols by candlelight,” says Luisa.

Music of different genres and children's choir will also be on display for the evening, as well as an array of sing-along Christmas carols.

Luisa says this year's event marks 20 years – with the first ‘A Night Before Christmas' being held in 1996 on the banks of the Wairoa River with 150 people.

And the event has certainly grown, with the crowd last year reaching 8000-plus attendees.

The event is a drug-and-alcohol free, with professional security, portaloos, a 40m2 screen, and best of all – free entry.

For more information, visit: www.anightbeforechristmas.co.nz