See Santa on the Lake on Christmas Eve

Santa at Western Lake Macquarie

If you’re around the west side of Lake Macquarie on Christmas Eve, keep an eye out for Floating Santa also known as Santa on the Lake. Each year on Christmas Eve for over 30 years, Santa sails around the western side lake visiting different jetties.

Santa will be spreading Christmas wishes via Christmas carols and happy cheers from the boat. So bring the family along and wave to Santa as he approaches.

boat santa

Santa will travel from Bolton Point to Wangi, along the western lake foreshore as slow as possible along the way, so that he can wish as many as possible a very happy Christmas.

This year, Rotary Club of Toronto Sunrise have chosen to donate funds, including those raised on the night (via a fundraising campaign) to Got Your Back Sista instead of handing out lollies.

Everyone is welcome to bring their family to one of Santa’s vantage points or join the flotilla of boats to accompany Santa on his journey.

Santa will be travelling slowly on his cruiser and will arrive at the locations as per the following schedule:

2025 Schedule

  • 4:30pm – Bolton Point Foreshore
  • 5pm – Toronto Foreshore
  • 6:15pm – Kilaben Bay Park
  • 6:45pm – Rathmines
  • 7:15pm – Wangi Wangi Foreshore
Santa on the Lake Macquarie

Photo credit: Rotary Club Toronto Sunrise NSW

For more information, check their Facebook page for the latest updates.

Santa at Eastern Lake Macquarie (Not by boat this year)

You can also see Santa at Valentine in an event hosted annually by Valentine Lions Club. They’ve been hosting this popular Christmas event for more than 20 years.

Santa is coming back to Valentine on Christmas Eve in Bennett Park. His trike is due to arrive at 5 pm at the playground side of the park (not by boat like he has in previous years). Please be at the park before 4.45 and allow plenty of time to park and walk to the park. Santa will only be at the playground side of the boat ramp.

Come along with your friends for a fantastic community event. There will be the usual walk around and lollies. All provided by Valentine Lions Club. Bring a picnic and enjoy the village atmosphere at this annual event.

For more information, check out the Valentine Lions Club Facebook page.

Photo credit: Valentine Lions Club


🎄 🎅🏼 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.

Newy with Kids

Since 2012, Newy with Kids has been Newcastle's most trusted family guide, built on over a decade of local knowledge. Founded by local mum Reena Bilen, our platform serves thousands of parents and carers seeking reliable information on family-friendly activities across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter. Our content is created and regularly updated by a team of local parents who live in the region. From curated attraction guides and event listings to kids eat free deals and school holiday programs, we provide the local expertise families rely on for planning adventures with children of all ages.