Good morning and welcome to Saturday and Christmas Eve. Ko te ra tenei i hanga e te Ariki. Ka koa tatou, ka koa hoki ki reira.

MetService are forecasting a partly cloudy morning, then mainly fine day but with the chance of a shower, and light winds and afternoon sea breezes.

It's a one-clothing-layer day with an expected high of 24 degrees, and an overnight low of 15 degrees. Low tide is at 2.34pm and high tide is at 8.45pm. Sunset is at 8.38pm.

What's on today?

Tennis courts at Gordon Spratt Reserve. Photo; Supplied.

The Eves Open World Tennis Tour at Gordon Spratt Reserve in Papamoa winds up today, with elite level tennis up close and personal for spectators. The atmosphere has been electric courtside as top international players have been battling our own up and coming NZ talent for a share of US$40,000 in prize money and all important ATP and WTA world tour rankings points.

Head along to Wesley Methodist Church for Carols on the Lawn with Tauranga Brass Band helping spread the Christmas spirit from 8.15pm - 9pm

Enjoy a magical festive journey at Santa's Grotto at The Art Junction in Katikati, which is open from 10am - 2pm today.

The Anglican Parish of Gate Pa are holding a special Christmas Eve service for children from 7pm - 7.45pm. The church says this is is a short fun service to help children learn what Christmas is really about. The service will include singing carols and activities to involve everyone who comes.A great way to start your Christmas.

The Anglican Parish of Gate Pa are also holding a service from 11pm which includes carols and midnight mass. for more information click here

St Peter's Anglican Church in Katikati are holding a Christmas Eve service starting at 11.15pm, which includes carol singing and communion.

Tim Julian. Photo: Supplied.

Come and enjoy Christmas Eve with Tim Armstrong at Jack Dusty's Alehouse from 7pm -10pm. Tim is a versatile musician; he plays keyboard and guitar and can also sing anything from AC DC and the Beatles through to Dean Martin and The Foo Fighters.

For more events visit My Tauranga.

.

Love public art? CITY ART WALK TAURANGA app is a free to download walking tour of 20 public artworks in Tauranga's city centre. For more information click here

What else is on today?

Art in the Park
Original art for sale. Weather permitting. 9am-4pm. Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui. Tauranga Society of Artists

Association Croquet
Sat, Mon & Wed at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 9.15am for 9.30am start. New players & visitors welcome. Ph Jacqui 07 574 9293

Bay Singles Social Group
Join bunch of over 50's young singles. Weekend dinners, pot-lucks, occasional outings. Have a go! Ph Delia 027 284 8762, Andrea 021 133 0313

Beth-El Messianic Family

Celebrate Shabbat (Sabbath) as did Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), his disciples and early believers. All welcome. Otumoetai Primary 10am or FaceBook Live 11am. Joel 021 768 043 [email protected]

Carols on the Lawn
Wesley Methodist Church, 100 13th Ave, tonight 8.15-9pm. Candles & carol books provided, Tauranga City Brass. Bring a chair/blanket to sit on (inside church if wet.)

Taijiquan and Qigong
Sat & Wed 9:00 am. Free Taiji / Qigong group. Kulim Park on beach by big rock. All welcome. Ph Petro 021 751 665

Tauranga Lawn Tennis Club
Adult tennis every Saturday starting at 1pm. New players and visitors most welcome. Phone Kay for further info 027 480 8042

Under-the-Stars Free Community Meal
Every Thursday 11:30am-1pm. Every Saturday 4:30-6pm. Sit down and takeaway offered for homeless, hungry, and families needing a meal.Showers open 1 hour before meals. 45 Cliff Rd