An elf juggling on a unicycle, a Christmas fairy painting faces with a baby on her shoulders, and carol singing accompanied by a brass band. Plus, of course - Santa!

These were some of the magic pieces that Greerton Village Mainstreet Manager Sally Benning and MC Tommy Kapai Wilson weaved together for Christmas in Greerton Village on Thursday night.

On Tuesday the weather forecast was for rain, so Sally made the call early to relocate the Thursday early-evening event to the Greerton Hall.

'A huge thanks to all that turned out for Christmas in Greerton Village,” says Sally. 'So glad we moved to the hall as the rain came just as we were setting up.”

The combined bands from the Tauranga Salvation Army and the Tauranga City Band, and the choristers from the Tauranga Civic Choir and the Oriana singers led off the carol singing.

Winner of the Christmas Hamper Jeannine Dunn, Blake Dunn, Lesley Settle, Greerton Village Mainstreet Manager Sally Benning, and Tauranga City Councillor Bill Grainger.

The winner of the giant $2000 Christmas hamper prize was Jeannine Dunn who was shocked when she heard about it on the phone, and immediately went down to the hall with her family.

'We will have fun loading up all her prizes,” laughed Sally. She 'We had a packed out hall, queues for ever for Santa, and face painting. And lovely music from the bands.”

Naera Adams 7, having her face painted.

And Santa? He seemed quite busy.

'Santa is amazing,” says Sally. 'That's his own beard, he grows it especially.”

Also busy behind the scenes were the Greerton Lions, who came dressed as lions, set up the hall, welcomed everyone and packed up afterwards.

A collection was taken of food items for local food banks.

Jasmine Carey 8, Blessing Pasi 11 with Santa.

The Christmas Elf juggling while on a unicycle.

Musicians from the combined Tauranga Salvation Army and the Tauranga City Band.

Greerton Mainstreet Manager Sally Benning with the Christmas Elf.

The Christmas Fairy painting faces with her 8-month old baby on her shoulders.

Santa Claus and his helpers.

Santa Claus and his helpers.