’Tis the season for making special memories with your family. Whether it’s heading out to see Christmas lights, singing along at carols in the park, or simply spending time together at home watching a movie, the Christmas and summer holiday period is a chance to slow down and enjoy quality time with your kids.
Traditions don’t need to be big or expensive to be meaningful. Often, it’s the simple things that children remember most — shared experiences, familiar rituals and moments spent together.
To help inspire your festive season, we’ve put together a family-friendly holiday bucket list filled with Christmas traditions, summer activities and memory-making ideas for kids of all ages.
You can also download our Holiday Bucket List printable and tick things off as you go.
Christmas traditions & festive family activities
Drive around and see Christmas lights
Visiting local Christmas lights is a much-loved tradition for many families. Pop the kids in the car, play some festive music and explore your neighbourhood or follow a planned Christmas lights trail. It’s an easy, low-cost activity that feels special every year.
Enter a Christmas raffle or competition
Local clubs, schools and community groups often run Christmas raffles and competitions. It can be a fun way to support local organisations while getting kids involved in the excitement of Christmas.
Get a photo with Santa
A photo with Santa is a classic Christmas tradition. Whether it’s a professional photo or a quick snap at a local event, kids love the chance to meet the big guy. Check out our list of local places where you can get Santa photos across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Visit Christmas markets
Christmas markets are a great way to soak up the festive atmosphere. Enjoy food, entertainment and browsing for gifts at local favourites like Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Farmers Markets, Olive Tree Market and Homegrown Market. They’re also a lovely way to support local makers and small businesses.
Participate in Elf on the Shelf
If Elf on the Shelf is part of your family’s December routine, let the fun begin. Whether your elf gets up to mischief or simply moves around the house each night, it’s a tradition many kids look forward to.
Drop off a letter to Santa
Visiting your local post office to post a letter to Santa is a special outing for younger kids. Some post offices offer a reply from Santa on the spot (while stocks last), making it a memorable experience.
Do a Christmas sensory play activity
Sensory play is a great option for younger kids. Think Christmas-themed play dough, rice trays with festive colours, or water play with holiday toys. It’s creative, calming and easy to set up at home.
Make Christmas crafts
Christmas crafts are a simple way to spend time together while encouraging creativity. Decorations, cards or handmade gifts all make great keepsakes and can become part of your annual traditions.
Sing along to Christmas carols
Whether it’s at a local carols event or at home, singing Christmas carols with friends and family is a tradition that brings people together. Familiar songs and shared experiences help create lasting memories.
Read Christmas books together
Reading a Christmas-themed book is a lovely way to wind down. Choose a favourite each year or add a new book to your collection and make it part of your bedtime routine during December.
Attend a Christmas pantomime or musical
Christmas shows, pantomimes and musicals are a festive treat for kids. They’re a great way to enjoy live entertainment and make the season feel extra special.
Stage an ugly Christmas sweater photo
Dress up in your funniest or most over-the-top Christmas jumpers and take a family photo. It doesn’t have to be perfect — silly photos often become the most treasured.
Summer holiday traditions
Eat your way through a box of mangoes
Mango season is one of the joys of an Australian Christmas. Share a box of mangoes, make a mess, and enjoy this simple summer tradition together.
Enjoy a real Christmas tree or Christmas bush
Whether you choose a fresh Christmas tree or decorate with native Christmas bush, adding greenery to your home can make the season feel extra festive.
Watch Christmas movies together
From classics to newer family favourites, Christmas movies are perfect for quiet nights in. Make it a tradition with popcorn, treats and a movie you all love.
Hit the beach at Christmas time
Christmas at the beach is a uniquely Australian tradition. A swim, a walk along the sand or a relaxed picnic can make Christmas Day or the days around it feel special.
Cool down with a water fight
Water fights are a fun way to cool off on hot summer days. Grab the hose, water pistols or buckets and let the kids burn off some energy.
Spot a surfing Santa
Keep an eye out at the beach for Santa making a summer appearance on a surfboard. It’s a fun sight kids love spotting.
Play beach or backyard cricket
Backyard or beach cricket is a Christmas classic. It doesn’t matter who wins — it’s all about spending time together.
Giving, gratitude & connection
Make a homemade Christmas gift
Handmade gifts like drawings, baked treats or crafts are meaningful and personal. They’re especially lovely for grandparents and extended family.
Listen to Christmas music
Create a festive atmosphere at home with Christmas tunes. You can also check out the Newy with Kids Christmas playlist for family-friendly listening.
Eat Christmas cherries and seafood
Cherries and seafood are staples of an Australian Christmas. Enjoy them together as part of your holiday meals.
Give back to those in need
Christmas is a great time to talk with kids about helping others. Donating food, toys or time can help children understand kindness and generosity.
Perform a random act of kindness
Small acts of kindness — a thank-you note, helping a neighbour or checking in on someone — can make a big difference and become a meaningful family tradition.
Choose experience gifts
Cut back on physical gifts and choose experience gifts instead. Shared experiences often create stronger memories than things.
Make Christmas ornaments
Creating ornaments each year can become a treasured tradition, with decorations that tell the story of your family over time.
Play board games together
Board games are a great way to slow down and enjoy time together. Choose games that suit your family’s ages and enjoy some friendly competition.
Christmas Eve, Boxing Day & New Year traditions
Track Santa on Christmas Eve
Following Santa’s progress on Christmas Eve using the NORAD Santa Tracker is a fun tradition that builds excitement for younger kids.
Leave treats for Santa and the reindeer
Leaving out carrots for the reindeer and cookies for Santa is a simple ritual kids love being part of.
Enjoy a seafood lunch
Seafood lunches are a popular Christmas Day tradition for many Australian families, especially during warm weather.
Hit the Boxing Day sales
For families who enjoy a bargain, Boxing Day sales can be a tradition of their own.
Watch the Boxing Day Test
Cricket fans can make watching the Boxing Day Test part of their holiday routine.
Go camping
A camping trip during the Christmas or New Year break is a great way to unplug and spend quality time together. Here’s our list of camping spots within a 3-hour drive.
Ring in the New Year together
Whether you celebrate NYE at home or attend a local New Year’s Eve event, welcoming the New Year as a family is a lovely way to finish the holiday season.
Any other suggestions for Christmas family fun?
You might also like:
How to Get Organised For Christmas (Without Losing Your Mind)!
10 Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers
How to Save Money & Have an Amazing Christmas on a Budget
🎄 🎅🏼 Make sure that you don’t miss any of the other fun and family-friendly Christmas events and activities in Newcastle and the Hunter, visit the Newy with Kids Guide to Christmas.