There’s nothing quite like Christmas carols to make you feel festive! Whether you love a big night out under the stars or prefer a cosy community sing-along, there are plenty of Christmas carols across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter in 2025 to enjoy.
Gather your friends, pack a picnic blanket and join in the magic as local choirs, schools and community groups fill the air with classic Christmas tunes. From the huge Lake Mac Carols and Lambton Park Carols to smaller neighbourhood, church and school events, there’s something for every family this festive season.
Check out our full guide below to find out where and when the best Christmas carols are happening near you and start planning a joyful night out with your loved ones.
Look for this icon showing our Featured Carols
Jingle in the City
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. There’ll be festive live music, carolling choir, dance performances and more. Then enjoy live music performances by local schools and community groups every Friday and Sunday evening at Wheeler Place (next to Civic Theatre).
Date: Fridays & Sundays from Friday 28 November – Sunday 14 December 2025
Time: 5 – 8pm
Location: Wheeler Place, Newcastle
Cost: Free
Website
Maitland Carols at the Town Hall
Maitland Musical Society Presents: Carols at the Town Hall! Santa arrives at 3pm – grab a photo for just $3 per photo and treat yourself to some delicious sweet goodies before the show! Then at 4.30pm, join in a joyful afternoon of carols, laughter, and festive cheer performed by the talented members of the Maitland Musical Society.
Date: Saturday 29 November 2025
Time: From 3pm
Location: Maitland Town Hall
Cost: $8 (Adults), $5 Children (12 & under), $22 Family (2 Adults + 2 Children)
Website
Waratah Brass Presents Christmas Brass at Warners Bay Theatre
Join in an afternoon of festive music provided by Waratah Brass Academy Band and Waratah Brass as part of their ongoing Concert Series.
Date: Sunday 30 November 2025
Time: From 1.30pm
Location: Warners Bay Theatre, Lake Street, Warners Bay
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Adults $20, Kids FREE, tickets at the door
Website
Newcastle Salvos
Join Newcastle Salvos for an afternoon of family entertainment including a petting zoo, face painting, a photo booth, an inflatable bowling alley, a basketball shootout and fairy floss & snow cones. Family entertainment in the afternoon and carols following at 6.30pm with their brass band.
Date: Sunday 30 November 2025
Time: Family entertainment 3pm – 6pm. Christmas carols 6:30pm
Location: 67 Cleary Street, Hamilton
Cost: Free
Website
Samoan Christmas Carols on the Green Edgeworth
Join Newcastle Samoan Community Inc. for a joyful afternoon of carols, live music, and festive fun! Performances by local churches and artists, sing-along to your favourite Christmas tunes, sausage sizzle on the day, and BYO picnic and snacks. Alcohol-free event. Festive attire (ugly sweaters welcome!).
Date: Sunday 30 November 2025
Time: TBA
Location: Edgeworth Sport and Recreation Club
Cost: Free
Website
Carols at the Rotunda – Wallsend
Hosted by WOW Wallsend (Business Improvement Assoc.), Carols at the Rotunda is a great short and sweet opportunity for the community to gather on their way home from work or with a picnic. Join the big Christmas launch of Carols at the Rotunda on Monday 1 December, and then on Friday 5th, 12th and 19th December from 6.30pm to 7.30pm each evening.
Date: Monday 1 December 2025
Time: From 6pm
Location: Wallsend Rotunda, Tyrrell Street, Wallsend
Cost: Free
Website
Waratah Brass Presents Christmas Brass at Waratah Village
Waratah Brass Band can be found at Waratah Village this festive season, doing their annual series of Christmas Carol performances from the 3rd until the 20th of December, on Wednesdays from 6-7.30pm and Saturdays from 11-12.30pm.
Date: Wednesday 3 December – Saturday 20 December 2025
Time: Wednesdays 6 – 7.30pm, Saturdays 11 – 12.30pm.
Location: Waratah Village, Waratah
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Coco’s Community Carols
Join Valentine Public School for a fabulous evening of live entertainment, music, food trucks, performances, gift stalls and, of course, a visit from Santa! This is a Valentine Public School P&C Association run community event open to all local residents and their families. Bring a picnic rug or chair and enjoy the festivities!
Date: Thursday 4 December 2025
Time: From 4pm
Location: Valentine Public School, Valentine
Cost: Free
Website
Cessnock Carols in the Park
The much-loved Cessnock City Council’s Carol in the Park is back! There’ll be food stalls, market stalls, fun activities and entertainment. Of course, the night would not be complete without a visit from the man himself. Gates open at 5pm. Fireworks from 9pm. This is a FREE family event! Please Note: Carols in the Park 2025 is strictly an alcohol-free event. BYO picnic rug or picnic chairs for seating.
Date: Friday 5 December 2025
Time: 5 – 9.30pm
Location: Cessnock Sportsground
Cost: Free
Website
Carols at the Rotunda – Wallsend
Hosted by WOW Wallsend (Business Improvement Assoc.), Carols at the Rotunda is a great short and sweet opportunity for the community to gather on their way home from work or with a picnic.
Date: Friday 5 December 2025
Time: 6.30 – 7.30pm
Location: Wallsend Rotunda, Tyrrell Street, Wallsend
Cost: Free
Website
Belair Baptist Christmas Carols Celebration
Belair Baptist Church and Adamstown Mainly Music invite you to their free community Christmas Carols Celebration! With live music, kids’ activities, pony rides, jumping castle, putt putt, petting zoo, face painting and Christmas crafts from 4pm. A special Mainly Music performance featuring local families at 5.30pm and carols with the Belair music team, a performance by The Dance Establishment, and a short Christmas message from 6pm. There’ll be food and drinks, sausage sizzle, and gelato available for purchase. Bring a picnic blanket, chairs and your favourite nibbles to enjoy as the sun sets.
Date: Saturday 6 December 2025
Time: 4 – 7.30pm
Location: 130 Garden Grove Parade, Adamstown
Cost: Free
Website
Huntlee Christmas in the Park
Celebrate the holiday season at Huntlee! The 2025 Christmas Carols in the Park will be filled with music, community spirit and holiday cheer. Bring your picnic rug, sing along, and enjoy a magical night under the stars.
Date: Saturday 6 December 2025
Time: 5 – 7pm
Location: 1 Triton Boulevarde, North Rothbury
Cost: Free
Website
Cessnock Congregational Church Carols
A fantastic night of entertainment and singing with special guests, the Cessnock Community of Greater Public Schools Choir. Gates open at 5:30pm with Food Trucks available or bring your own picnic. There will be free activities for the kids! Carols begin at 6:30pm. Please remember to bring your own seating. This is a strictly alcohol-free and smoke-free event.
Date: Saturday 6 December 2025
Time: Gates open 5.30pm
Location: St Phillips Christian College, 10 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba
Cost: Free
Website
Maitland Baptist Church Carols Under the Stars
Join Maitland Baptist Church for a fun-filled family Christmas night with carols, delicious food, drinks, Santa, and a special Christmas story! Children’s activities kick off at 6pm. Grab dinner from one of the food vendors or bring your own picnic. Don’t forget your chairs and blankets for their beautiful grassed area, where carols will begin at 7pm!
Date: Saturday 6 December 2025
Time: 6-9pm
Location: Maitland Baptist Church, 81-85 Weblands Street, Rutherford
Cost: Free
Website
Carols at the Podium
Macquarie Life Church invites you to Carols at the Podium. Pre-show entertainment from 5pm, with carols from 6pm. Drinks, snacks and sausage sizzle fundraiser. Plus Santa will be there.
Date: Sunday 7 December 2025
Time: Starts from 5pm
Location: Warners Bay Foreshore
Cost: Free
Website
Carols at the Bay
There’s something special about Christmas by the water. Proudly sponsored by Ray White The Knaggs Group and hosted by the Combined Churches of Tomaree Peninsula, this free community event brings everyone together to celebrate the heart of Christmas with beautiful carols, local performances, and a stunning fireworks finale. Community performances begin at 5.30pm, main concert starts at 7pm, fireworks light up the sky at 9pm. Bring your picnic rug, grab some dinner from local food stalls, and enjoy a night that captures the true spirit of Christmas.
Date: Sunday 7 December 2025
Time: 5.30 – 9pm
Location: Fly Point Park, Nelson Bay
Cost: Free
Website
Christmas Carols in Longworth Park – Karuah
See Santa with his sleigh, Reindeer and Elves. Candles provided. Sausage Sizzle. Christmas Raffle. Bought to you by Karuah Progress Assoc Inc and Karuah RSL.
Date: Thursday 11 December 2025
Time: 5.30 – 8.30pm
Location: Longworth Park, Karuah
Cost: Free
Website
St Peters Christmas Carols East Maitland
Live performances, Carols and alcohol free festive fun for the whole family. Guests include The Three Tenors, Soprano Kirsten Busby and the Maitland Choir. Refreshments available.
Date: Friday 12 December 2025
Time: From 6pm
Location: St Peters Anglican Church, 49 William Street, East Maitland
Cost: Free
Website
Carols at the Rotunda – Wallsend
Hosted by WOW Wallsend (Business Improvement Assoc.), Carols at the Rotunda is a great short and sweet opportunity for the community to gather on their way home from work or with a picnic.
Date: Friday 12 December 2025
Time: 6.30 – 7.30pm
Location: Wallsend Rotunda, Tyrrell Street, Wallsend
Cost: Free
Website
Medowie Community Carols
Save the date for Medowie Community Carols at Ferodale Sports Complex. Santa Claus is coming to town… Follow their Facebook page for updates!
Date: Saturday 13 December 2025
Time: 2 – 8pm
Location: Ferodale Sports Complex, Medowie
Cost: Free
Website
Seaham Carols
Featuring entertainment and carols by Jumpin’ Jukebox, free games for the littles, Santas arrival on the RFS truck, hot food from the Lion’s Club food van and drinks and Zooper Doopers from the Scouts.
Date: Saturday 13 December 2025
Time: 5 – 8pm
Location: 80 Warren Street, Seaham
Cost: Free
Website
Carols on the Green – Tilligerry RSL
Join Gina Jeffreys at Tilligerry RSL. There will be music, Santa, food stalls and fireworks!
Date: Saturday 13 December 2025
Time: Carols from 6pm, fireworks 9pm
Location: Tilligerry RSL
Cost: $2 entry
Website
Kurri Kurri Community Carols
Kurri Kurri Carols by Candlelight is a community event run by Kurri Kurri Public School P&C. Bring a picnic blanket and the family. Gates open 5pm, fireworks at 9pm.
Date: Saturday 13 December 2025
Time: 5 – 9pm
Location: Kurri Kurri Sportsground
Cost: Gold coin donation
Website
Christmas Under the Stars at King Edward Park
A local Christmas tradition returns! Newcastle Permanent’s Christmas Under the Stars is back at King Edward Park for another evening of free carols and festive fun. From 5.00pm, enjoy live Christmas carols, tasty food vendors, and free kids’ activities including arts and crafts, face painting, and lawn games. Keep an eye out for Santa before settling in for a magical outdoor screening of Elf (2003, PG) with free popcorn! Don’t forget your picnic blanket when you hop on the free shuttle bus running between Bar Beach Car Park and King Edward Park for the carols event Newcastle families look forward to every year.
Date: Saturday 13 December 2025
Time: From 5.00pm (carols) – movie at sundown
Location: King Edward Park, Newcastle
Cost: Free
Website
Carols by the Lake
Join New Vine Lakes at Thomas H. Halton Park, Croudace Bay for a much-loved evening of carols, community, and festive fun featuring free kids’ activities, live music, and a sing-along. Bring a picnic or enjoy a meal from the food vendors and celebrate the season together by the lake.
Date: Saturday 13 December 2025
Time: From 6pm
Location: Thomas H. Halton Park, Croudace Bay
Cost: Free
Website
Lake Mac Carols (Speers Point)
Lake Macquarie City Council is proud to present a spectacular evening of entertainment, as they count down to Christmas at the Lake Mac Carols by Candlelight event at Speers Point Park.
Take your picnic rug, sing along to the live entertainment, enjoy a fun program of family-friendly activities, feast at the onsite food trucks and revel in the joy of season with a special visit from Santa!
Date: Sunday 14 December 2025
Time: 3 – 8.45pm
Location: Speers Point Park
Cost: Free
Website
Carols Under the Stars Anna Bay
Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at Carols Under The Stars! Sing beloved carols and witness a live Nativity with real animals. Gather your family and friends for a night of joy, hope, and community under the night sky.
Date: Sunday 14 December 2025
Time: From 5.30pm
Location: Gateway Presbyterian Church, 43 Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay
Cost: Free
Website
Fern Bay Christmas Carols
This free community event is open to everyone – bring your family, friends, and neighbours for an evening of Christmas cheer under the sunset, and stars. Enjoy a joyful performance from the talented Get Vocal team as they sing all your favourite Christmas classics. We’re also expecting a special visit from the Big Guy himself — Santa! Delicious food will be available to purchase, or feel free to pack your own picnic. The event is BYO, so please drink responsibly and enjoy a relaxed evening in the community.
Date: Thursday 18 December 2025
Time: 5 – 8pm
Location: Waratah Park, Seaside Estate, Fern Bay
Cost: Free
Website
Carols at the Rotunda – Wallsend
Hosted by WOW Wallsend (Business Improvement Assoc.), Carols at the Rotunda is a great short and sweet opportunity for the community to gather on their way home from work or with a picnic.
Date: Friday 19 December 2025
Time: 6.30 – 7.30pm
Location: Wallsend Rotunda, Tyrrell Street, Wallsend
Cost: Free
Website
Caves Coastal Christmas Carols
Celebrate the most magical time of year by the sea. Join Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows for an afternoon of festive cheer, live music, coastal food, cold drinks, and good times with family and friends. As the sun sets over Caves Beach, sing along to your favourite Christmas carols in a beautiful beachside setting. Bring a picnic rug, gather your crew, and settle in for a relaxed evening filled with holiday spirit.
Date: Saturday 20 December 2025
Time: 3 – 9pm
Location: Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows, Caves Beach
Cost: Free entry
Website
Lambton Park Carols
The annual Lambton Park Carols is a family-friendly, community celebration of Christmas organised by Hunter Bible Church. The popular event includes food stalls and a fireworks finale. Get a group together and enjoy a picnic to celebrate Christmas.
Date: Sunday 21 December 2025
Time: 5-9pm
Location: Lambton Park
Cost: Free
Website
* These listings were accurate at time of publication but we always encourage you to check again before heading out because cancellations happen. We’ll be adding more events as we hear about them. If you know of other Christmas carols that haven’t listed on the website, please email us.
Feature photo credit: Lambton Carols
🎄 🎅🏼 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.