St Andrew's Cathedral has boosted its presence on George Street by hosting a series of outdoor carol concerts as part of the City of Sydney Council's 2005 Christmas celebrations.
From 2nd December children's concerts and carols will be held around a giant Christmas tree in Sydney Square, the area next to the Sydney Town Hall.
The Council has provided the tree, Australian-inspired lighting, colourful decorations and floral displays to adorn the square.
Ministers from the Cathedral are introducing the carols, which are being performed by a variety of choristers and musicians, including the Australian Army Band and the renowned choir from St Andrew's Cathedral School.
"We're anticipating that people will bring their families [to the concerts]," said the Cathedral's Senior Minister, Chris Moroney. "There's a lot happening."
The Cathedral will also be hosting a number of other out-door Christmas concerts, including performances in the square from Christian musicians Rob Smith and Michael Clarke in the lead-up to December 25.
The Council has provided a tree, decorations and lighting for St Mary's Cathedral as well, in addition to the traditional Christmas tree in Martin Place and decorations and lighting for the city and inner suburbs.
Carols will be held in the inner city suburbs of Kings Cross, Surry Hills, Rosebery and Alexandria.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore was criticised last year for the city's Christmas celebrations, which were seen as lukewarm and too secular.
The Council spent about $980,000 this year, $50,000 more than in 2005.
Ms Moore says this year's celebrations have "an Australian theme and a Christian message'.
"The Christmas message of peace, hope and renewal has relevance and meaning for all of us, whatever our individual beliefs or faiths," she says.
"It is a spiritual and religious festival and the real importance of the season is generating peace and goodwill."
Mr Moroney says it is "terrific' that the Council acknowledged that Christmas includes Jesus Christ.
Meanwhile the Cathedral's Christmas program is underway, including the popular Colin Buchanan children's concert on Tuesday 20th December at 10am and 1pm.
Other special events include an Asian Christmas service on Sunday 18th December at 4pm, followed by the annual "Christmas cracker' at 6.30pm, an evangelistic night of carols, singing and music hosted by the author of The Aussie Bible, Kel Richards.
Visit the City of Sydney website for information about the outdoor carols and other Christmas events, or the St Andrew's Cathedral website for more information about the Cathedral's Christmas service times.
