Local libraries and community spaces across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter run a full program of Christmas storytime and craft sessions every December. Most are free, drop-in and take a bit of the pressure off the school holidays with an easy, low-cost outing.
Libraries usually confirm their December program in early to mid November, so treat the sessions below as a guide to what typically runs each year rather than a locked-in 2026 schedule. We will update this page with confirmed dates as libraries release their programs.
Jump to: Craft Sessions | Storytime Sessions | Santa at the Library | Ornament Workshops | Movie & Craft Nights
Christmas Craft Sessions
Most branches across Newcastle City Library, Lake Macquarie Libraries and the Hunter run at least one drop-in Christmas craft afternoon in early to mid December. These are usually free, need no booking, and involve simple decorations like ornaments, cards or puppets using supplies provided on the day. Sessions are typically aimed at primary school age kids, with adults required to stay.
Christmas Storytime Sessions
Alongside their regular storytime programs, most libraries add a Christmas-themed session in December with festive books, songs and a surprise visitor. Some are drop-in, others need a quick booking, so check the individual library page before you head out. These suit younger children best, particularly toddlers and preschoolers.
Santa at the Library
A handful of library branches host a Santa visit each December, usually paired with a craft or storytime activity. These are popular and tend to be drop-in, so arrive a little early if you want a shorter wait to meet Santa.
Custom Ornament Workshops
Lake Macquarie Libraries’ Fab Lab runs a laser-cut ornament workshop most Decembers, aimed at older kids and teens rather than younger children. These are ticketed and need basic computer skills, so they suit a different age group to the drop-in craft sessions above.
Movie & Craft Nights
A few branches combine craft with a family movie screening as a one-off evening event in December, usually built around a Christmas film. These run later in the day than the daytime sessions above, so they suit families happy to stay out past dinner.
🎄 🎅🏼 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.