TRUE to his reputation, Dr Seuss’ character The Grinch has stolen Christmas in New Norfolk.

Following weeks of trying to secure budding Santa Claus and elves, New Norfolk Christmas has announced it will not be able to open Santa’s House as planned.

“New Norfolk Christmas is devastated to have to announce that Santa’s House will not be opening this year due to being unable to secure a Santa and enough elves to operate,’’ the group posted on Facebook.

“We will be back with double Christmas bling in 2022 so please look out for our calls to action around June/July.
“A big thank you to those who did put their merry jingle bells into the previous years and this year.

“May we wish you all a safe and Happy Christmas. Lots of love Julie and Nicky.’’

Since November the group has been trying to secure enough Santas and Elves to open the House in Circle Street, New Norfolk.

This year the group even secured through Lions funding to provide an allowance for participating Santas.

Santas and elves were required to be double vaccinated against Covid and have a Working with Vulnerable People card. However the call out wasn’t enough to entice portly men in red suits and spritely elves.

Santa’s House was to open on Monday, December 13 and disappear on December 24. It’s a double blow to the town as Rotary had decided earlier this year that given Covid restrictions it couldn’t conduct the Christmas Parade.

Santa’s House was very popular last year with kids of all ages enjoying the festivities.. However, there is some Christmas happening on this Friday.

The popular Derwent Valley Concert Band is preparing the music program and the Lions Club of New Norfolk will operate the Carols event on the Esplanade.

The concert is ticketed with 1500 adults and children expected to attend.

Meanwhile the New Norfolk Grinch is back.

The Green Grinch has been seen around various locations over recent weeks and intends to continue his appearances up until Christmas.