Get into the Christmas spirit with City of Newcastle’s Christmas in the City celebrations! Wheeler Place will come alive with festive entertainment, free Santa photos, Christmas carols and fun activities for kids across four Fridays in November and December 2026.
The celebrations kick off on Friday 27 November with the official lighting of Newcastle’s spectacular 11-metre Christmas tree, followed by three more Friday evenings of festive fun in the heart of Newcastle.
Best of all, these Christmas activities are free, making them a great way to celebrate the festive season with the family without spending a fortune.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Wheeler Place
The Christmas celebrations officially begin on Friday 27 November with the lighting of Newcastle’s giant Christmas tree at Wheeler Place.
Bring the kids along for a festive evening featuring Santa, live music, Christmas performances and free activities.
Here’s what’s happening at the launch event:
- Free Santa photos from 5pm
- Bubble-blowing stilt-walking elves
- Christmas music from a DJ
- Live Christmas carols by the Novotones Choir
- Christmas dance performances by Ablaze Dance School
- Jingle Bell craft station for kids
- Letter to Santa post box
- Sweet treats available from LuLu’s Gelato Co van
The highlight of the evening will be the official Christmas tree lighting with Lord Mayor Cr Gavin Morris, Santa and his elves.
Date: Friday 27 November 2026
Time: 5 – 8pm
Location: Wheeler Place, Newcastle (next to Civic Theatre)
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Website
Free Santa Photos in Newcastle
Looking for free Santa photos in Newcastle? Head to Wheeler Place during Christmas in the City celebrations.
Families can meet Santa and take festive photos, with the giant Christmas tree and sparkling decorations providing a lovely backdrop.
There will also be opportunities for pet owners to capture festive pawtraits with their furry friends.
Free Santa photos are part of the Christmas celebrations on four Fridays, with the full December session times still to be announced.
Dates: Friday 27 November, 4, 11 & 18 December 2026
Time: From 5pm on 27 November; December times TBC
Location: Wheeler Place, Newcastle
Cost: Free
Website
More Christmas Fun on Friday Evenings
The festive fun continues at Wheeler Place on Friday 4, 11 and 18 December.
City of Newcastle is planning more family-friendly entertainment, including free Santa photos, pet pawtraits, live music and Christmas activities.
Plan Your Visit to Christmas in the City
Dates: Friday 27 November, 4, 11 & 18 December 2026
Time: Launch event 5 – 8pm; remaining times TBC
Location: Wheeler Place, Newcastle (next to Civic Theatre)
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free
Bookings: No booking requirement currently listed
For the latest program updates, visit City of Newcastle’s Christmas in the City website.