IT IS beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the South Burnett, as each town is decked out for the festive season.

As we count down the days until Christmas Day, there are plenty of things to do around the South Burnett.

• Things to do this December
• Christmas Carnival Guide
• Places to eat out on Christmas Day
• Christmas Lights competition  
• Ways to make a difference this Christmas
• Christmas trading hours
• Christmas lunch to bring joy

Residents have welcomed this time of year with jumping castles, rides and market stalls at the various Christmas Carnivals around the region.

The library, shopping centre and many other groups will host school holiday activities in the lead-up to Christmas.

Be sure to set aside an evening to pick out your favourite Christmas lights display among the entrants in the Christmas Lights Competition.

A map of the Christmas Lights competition winners can be found here.

If singing along to Joy To The World is your favourite part in the lead-up to Christmas, many church groups and other organisations are holding concerts where you can sing along to your favourite carols.

Trying to find the perfect gift for your friends and family can be difficult, so be sure to browse the Christmas stalls at the markets and Christmas carnivals for a unique gift.

Many South Burnett shop owners have decided to extend their opening hours in the lead-up to Christmas, to assist with Christmas shopping.

If your Christmas is not complete without the iconic family photo with Santa Claus, be sure to make time to see the man in red at one of the many places he will visit for Santa photos across the region.

For a more traditional Christmas Day, South Burnett churches will be holding special services to celebrate the reason behind the season.

A full list of Christmas Day service times in churches across the South Burnett will be online soon.

Christmas can be tough for some people in our community, and many groups have organised to put on special lunches for those who are struggling this year.

There will be a Nanango Christmas lunch and a lunch in Kingaroy.

Christmas is a time for giving, and there are many opportunities to support those who are doing it tough in the community; more information can be found here. 

Give a bit of Christmas spirit this year by partnering with appeals and businesses like South Burnett UnitingCare, Target Country and the Loads of Love appeal.

The South Burnett has already hosted many festive events this December; check out our photo galleries of these events to see all the Christmas fun.