Newcastle’s Civic precinct is about to shine a little brighter! City of Newcastle is getting ready to light up the season with the return of its much-loved Christmas tree and a full program of free, family-friendly festive fun.
From this Friday, Wheeler Place will start to transform as the enormous 11-metre Christmas tree goes up — the perfect signal that Christmas in the City is on its way.
The celebrations officially begin on Friday 28 November, when the tree is switched on for the first time. This marks the start of three magical weekends filled with live entertainment, sparkling decorations and plenty of spots to snap a family photo.
Think twinkling reindeer, oversized bells and Santa’s sleigh — ideal for your own DIY family portraits or cute pet “pawtraits” with Santa.
Jingle in the City: Christmas Launch Event
Get ready to Jingle in the City as Newcastle’s Christmas season officially begins! Head to Wheeler Place on Friday 28 November from 5pm – 8pm for the lighting of the Christmas tree with the Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Charlotte McCabe, Santa and the Elves with Bells.
Enjoy an evening full of festive fun, including:
- Santa photos and roving performers, the ‘Elves with Bells’
- Festive live music, carolling choir and dance performances
- Sweet treats from LuLu’s Gelato Co and Doughheads’ Christmas range
- Christmas bell craft station and Letters to Santa
- A joyful “Jingle Bells” finale with a jazz band, choir and dancers
Free event, everyone welcome – even your four-legged friends! Visit the Facebook event for updates.
Santa Photos
Over three weekends, starting on 28 November, Santa himself will be at Wheeler Place to meet with families and be available for photos on Fridays from 5pm to 7pm and Sundays from 4pm to 6pm.
Wheeler Place will be transformed into a festive space for the whole community. Snap a photo with Santa in his sleigh in front of the Christmas tree or let your pet take the reins for an adorable holiday paw-trait.
Kids can also get hands-on at the festive craft station, where they can write letters to Santa or make their own silver bell ribbon bracelets to take home.
Where: Wheeler Place (next to Civic Theatre)
When: 28 & 30 November, 5 & 7 December and 12 & 14 December
Time: Fridays 5pm – 7pm & Sundays 4pm – 6pm
Live Music
Enjoy live music performances by local schools and community groups every Friday and Sunday at Wheeler Place (next to Civic Theatre).
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Friday 28 November, 5pm – 8pm | Elves with Bells roving performers Ablaze Dance Academy – Christmas Dance Performance Hive Youth Choir Jazz Performance Band playing Christmas Carols Lighting of the Christmas tree Finale performance of “Jingle Bells” at 7:45pm, after the lighting of the tree |
| Sunday 30 November, 4pm – 6pm | Inner Voice Vocal |
| Friday 5 December, 5pm – 7pm | Belair Public School Choir |
| Sunday 7 December, 4pm – 6pm | Novatones |
| Friday 12 December, 5pm – 7pm | Evan Worgan, National Music Academy |
| Sunday 14 December, 4pm – 6pm | Hunter Singers |
Be moved by a stirring performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Newcastle University Choir at City Hall on 14 December, take part in the One Song Sing community performance in Wheeler Place on 22 December and check out the award-winning musical Kinky Boots at Civic Theatre from 18 to 21 December.
Join in for a special Christmas One Song Sing in Wheeler Place. Newcastle’s own enormously popular pop-up community choir returns to help us sing in the end of the year. Join us for a special Christmas One Song Sing in Wheeler Place.
This year’s Christmas One Song Sing is Last Christmas Mashup, a mashup of ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham! and ‘Birds of a Feather’ by Billie Eilish. Learn the song, in a three-part harmony, in one hour with friends, family and complete strangers. In true The Sum of the Parts (music) style, the song lyrics will be mashed up with a good lashing of Christmas cheer. Civic Theatre Bar will be open from 4:30pm for refreshments. This is a free event. Please register to reserve your spot today!
To find out more, visit City of Newcastle’s What’s On website