It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Cobar, with the Cobar Shire Council putting up their street decorations, stores decorating their shopfronts, lights going up on houses, and public events underway.

The first official event for Christmas 2022 was the Seniors Christmas Party on Thursday 1 December, with over 100 seniors attending the Cobar Youth and Community Centre or the 'Youthie' as it is fondly known.

But there is much more to come as locals of all ages embrace the spirit of the season after two years of pandemic-dampened Christmases.

Toomey Tunes providing some entertainment at the Cobar Seniors Christmas Party Image: E. Datson

Catholic Priest, Father Paul Finucane opened and blessed the Seniors event and Toomey Tunes provided some entertainment.

Peter Vlatko, General Manager of the Cobar Shire Council, said "With the event not being able to be held for the last two years due to COVID, it was important for the Council that we ran the Seniors Christmas Party this year".

Residents from the Lillianne Brady Village were included in the invite, with about 12 of their residents joining the party.

The Cobar Seniors Christmas Party in full swing [Image E. Datson]

"I would like to thank Cobar Shire Council for their Senior Citizens Christmas Party, it was beautiful," said Jillian Weaving, a senior who attended the event.

"The food was fantastic and the service with some Councillors and staff even waiting on the tables."

Sylvestor the Cat and Dororthy the Dinosaur, made an appearance at the Golfie Kids Christmas Party [Image E.Datson]

Next up the Cobar Bowling & Golf Club or the 'Golfie' as it fondly known, held their Kids Christmas Party on Sunday 4 December, with over 150 people in attendance.

Dororthy the Dinosaur, Sylvester the Cat and Winnie the Pooh, played by local youths, were early attendees at the party, with Santa coming along later to hand out over 70 presents to children.

The 'Golfie' also had Cobar Face Painting by Bekstar at the event, provided some food, and Santa and his elves were on hand.

Cobar Face Painting by Bekstar at the 'Golfie' Kids Christmas Party Image: E. Datson

"The Kids Christmas Party has been a huge success, especially after not being able to run it for the last couple of years," said Jason Howell, General Manager of the Cobar Bowling & Golf Club.

 "It was wonderful to see everyone having such a good time."

Santa and his Elves handing out presents at 'Golfie' Kids Christmas Party [Image E. Datson]

And the Christmas fun is only just getting started in Cobar, with many events still to come, including the Cobar Business Association Christmas Parade & Gala Night on Friday 9 December; Carols by Candlelight in Drummond Park on Sunday 11 December; St John's Parish School Christmas Concert on 12 December; Cobar Public School, Christmas Assemblies on 14 December; the Town Christmas Party at the Cobar Bowling & Golf Club on Saturday 17 December and the Cobar Memorial Services Club (RSL) Kids Christmas Party on Sunday 18 December.

Christmas lights on a house in Tindera St, Cobar [Image E. Datson]

The local Christmas Lights competition is underway and Cobar Shire & TAFE Library also has a full month of events for all ages and a Christmas giving tree for donations of food, gifts, and Cobar Quids, to be distributed by Catholic Care to Cobar Residents.

Palm trees in Drummond Park, Cobar, dressed for the festive season [Image E. Datson]

The Bandstand all lit up in Drummond Park, Cobar ready for the Carols by Candlelight Sunday 11 December [Image E. Datson]

More Christmas decorations put up by the Cobar Shire Council [Image E. Datson]