‘Tis the day before Christmas and across Tauranga, lots of happy people all filled with whanaungatanga.

The sun is out and it's looking like it's going to be a perfect day to enjoy all the great events taking place in and around Tauranga, like the traditional Christmas services at St George's Anglican Church in Gate Pa or some great tunes from Jessica Ross at Brew Craft Beer Pub on The Strand.

If you're a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas then head down St George's Anglican Church in Gate Pa for their Christmas Eve children's service at 7pm, or their midnight mass and carols from 11pm.

The free children services aims to teach the young ones what Christmas is really about and will include singing carols plus a range of fun activities. The children's service runs from 7pm-7.45pm.

St George's is also inviting the community down to the church to celebrate Christmas with some carolling at 11pm, followed by a Midnight Communion Service at 11.30pm.

Everyone is welcome and for more information visit: www.stgeorgesgatepa.org.nz

There are also several other Christmas Eve church services taking place across Tauranga today listed in our What's On listing below.

If you're after a bit of music but carolling isn't your thing, then why not check out local singer-songwriter and guitarist Jessica Ross who'll be performing at Brew Craft Beer Pub on the The Strand, from 4pm-7pm.

Hailing from the UK, Jessica's set puts an organic twist on all your favourites from Johnny Cash to Lorde, along with some chilled tunes from her debut album 'In All Honesty'.

'Come on in and enjoy a fine craft beer or wine while listening to some great local talent at Brew's regular Saturday Session,” says the pub.

For more information visit: www.brewpub.co.nz

These are only two of a number of great events taking place today, to see more check out SunLive's full What's On listing below:

WHAT'S ON – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24:

Annual Book Fair

Mount Lions & Lioness clubs need donations of good quality books, puzzles, CDs, DVDs & vinyl records for their 17th Annual Book Fair Auckland Anniversary weekend, January 2017. Drop-off points are: The Mount Mainstreet office in Phoenix carpark, Mon - Fri 8am-5pm, Car Air BOP Ltd 138 Newton Street, Mount, Mon-ri 8am-5pm or Resenes, 43 Waihi Road, Judea, Mon-Friday 8.30 - 4pm. For collection, Shirley 07 575 2725

Bowls Matua

Every Sat. Split sixes from 12.45pm. Prizes, fun, bar. Casual bowlers welcome.

Carols in the Park

At Haiku Park, Katikati 7pm. Wet weather venue Katikati Christian Centre, Henry Rd. Presented by Combined Churches of Katikati.

Christmas Eve Church Services

Children's service 6pm, Christmas cake 10.30pm, Carols & service 10.45pm. Holy Trinity Church, 215 Devonport Rd, Tauranga.

Christmas Eve Children's Service

St George's Anglican Church, 1 Church St, Gate Pa 7-7.45pm. A short service aimed at children to help them learn about what Christmas is really about. The service will include singing carols & activities to involve anyone who comes. A great way to start your Christmas. Admission: Free.

Dragon Boating

Bay Dragons women's team looking for new recruits. Ages 16+. Saturday's 7.30am. Mon, Tues & Thurs 5.30pm. Sulphur Pt. Brooke 022 0782 308

Historic Village Markets

Presented by Bethlehem Lions Club 8am - midday. Wear angel wings for spot prizes.

Midnight Mass & Carols

St George's Anglican Church, 1 Church St, Gate Pa 11pm – 12.30am. Join us for Carols at 11pm & then a celebration of Christmas with our 'Midnight Communion Service” 11.30pm. All welcome. Free admission.

Papamoa Community Park

Join in the fun - growing soil, food & community. Fun for all ages, dawn till dusk. Gardening bees 2nd & 4th Sat 9am - 3pm. Between 51 & 53 Hartford Ave, Papamoa. Chris 021 0241 5454 or [email protected]

Petanque at Blake Park

Every Saturday - coaching & competitive play 1pm. Equip available, all levels welcome. Jo Ann 578 3606

Village Radio

Community radio broadcasting from Tauranga Historic Village 1368 kHz AM. Music of 1940's - 90's weekends 9am - 5pm, weekdays 10am - 5pm. Specialty programmes. www.villageradio.co.nz or 571 3710

To place a listing on SunLive's What's On page contact Julie at: [email protected]