Parts of Rankin and Templar streets will be closed for the festival – from 4pm to 9pm – and there will be markets, entertainment, amusements as well as late-night shopping.

Business Chamber secretary Fiona Ferguson said there would be plenty of activities for the kids including giant games such as Connect 4 as well as painting, playdough and crafts.

There’ll be a jumping castle, face painting, sandpit and talks by the snake and reptile handler. 

For the adults, the shops in the town centre will be extending their trading hours so you can get the Christmas shopping done.

There will also be market stalls ranging from home-made goodies to food and drinks including Vietnamese food and home-made lemonade – to book a market stall email forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com

It’s all part of the 2017 Forbes Services Memorial Club Find it in Forbes promotion, now in full swing.

On the night, 10 people will win $500 in Find it in Forbes dollars.

For your chance to win a share of the $20,000 Why Leave Town dollars drop into anyone of the participating businesses – many of them have a Find it in Forbes Christmas tree out the front. 

While you’re there, explore the wonderful range of stock available for Christmas. Every purchase over $10 receives a ticket.  

Tickets can be filled in and left in store ready for the various draws that are taking place at the Forbes Christmas Festival on December 14 and and then at the major prize draw on December 23.  

To ensure that your ticket counts please remember to fill in your full name and address and the business will validate your ticket/s.

The Forbes business Chamber is advertising that members are extending their trading hours throughout December.

Saturday December 9, 16 and 23 shops will be open 9am to 2pm; and Sunday 10, 17 and 24 shops will be open 10am to midday.