It’s the most magical time of the year and to celebrate, here is our Ultimate Guide to Christmas. Read on to find the best Christmas events, Christmas lights, Santa photos, Santa runs, and much more in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region. (We’ll be updating this list in the weeks to come as more events are confirmed). From all of us at Newy with Kids, have a very Merry Christmas!
Christmas Advent Calendars
Here’s our pick of 2024 Christmas advent calendars in Australia. Choose from beauty advent calendars as well as LEGO, stationery, toys, wine, chocolate and more. We have a massive list to choose from.
Christmas Events
Enjoy Christmas 2024 with your family. There are loads of fun and festive Christmas events to enjoy in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Hunter.
Christmas Carols
Find out where the best Christmas carols are being held around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. Organise friends and family and celebrate the season with Christmas carols. Plan ahead with a list of local carols organised in date order. Choose from large events like Lambton Park Carols, Lake Mac Carols, Christmas under the Stars at King Edward Park or smaller school and church carols.
Maitland: Making Christmas Magical With Lots of Fun Events & Activities
The holiday spirit will shine bright in Maitland this year with a calendar full of fun and festive spirit right across the city presented by Maitland City Council. From Christmas celebrations and free Santa photos at The Levee, Christmas market, a giant Christmas tree, an outdoor movie – there’s plenty to do with loved ones this year.
Christmas in the City! City of Newcastle Kicks Off Christmas Activities
Get into the spirit of the season thanks to City of Newcastle who are lighting up Wheeler Place in Newcastle CBD with a giant Christmas tree for Santa selfies plus free live music and kids craft activities on selected Friday and Sundays during December.
Experience the Magic of Christmas at Glendale City Centre!
This holiday season, make Glendale City Centre (formerly Stockland Glendale) your ultimate destination for family fun and festive cheer. Conveniently located and accessible for everyone, they have a lineup of exciting Christmas events that you won’t want to miss including Mrs. Claus Breakfast, Santa Cinema, community choirs and charity gift wrapping.
Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens
There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to visit Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular. It’s a wonderful feeling to wander through the Christmas lights displays and this year’s event is incredible with even more light displays! Here’s our tips for a great night out.
Christmas Lights
Driving around and spotting Christmas lights is a holiday tradition for many local families. Newy with Kids is encouraging people to decorate their homes and /or front yards so that we can create a trail of Christmas lights in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley and Port Stephens for Christmas 2024 #christmasjoy.
Christmas Trees
If you’re after the fragrant pine smell of a real Christmas tree this festive season, we have a few options for you. Here’s where you can purchase a real Christmas Tree in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter region.
How to Give Back at Christmas
This holiday season, teach your children the true gift of giving. Here are some ways that families can give back and help those less fortunate around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter this Christmas.
Christmas on a Budget
Trying to cut costs without ruining Christmas for your kids? Here are our top Christmas money-saving tips so you can enjoy the festive season.
Getting Organised for Christmas
Want to enjoy Christmas with less stress and more joy? They don’t call it the silly season for nothing. Here are some tips on how to get organised for Christmas.
Santa Photos
The annual Santa photo is a tradition for many local families. Here are details on where to find the Santa photos around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter for Christmas 2024. We’ll be updating this article as we find out about local Santa photos. There’s also Sensitive Santa photo sessions for kids on the autism spectrum as well as Santa Pet photos.
You can also do Christmas Family Shoots ahead of time if you need images for your Family Christmas Card. A Christmas Mini Session with Alpha Imagery is a quick fun filled family photo shoot session in Valentine, Lake Macquarie capturing special memories.
Natural Lights Photography offers two options for unique Christmas photos: Santa in the Park sessions at Tocal Homestead & Morpeth Commons and Christmas winter wonderland sessions at Catherine Hill Bay in Lake Macquarie.
Christmas Shows
Get in the spirit of Christmas and take your family and friends along to a Christmas show, concert or movie in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter. There are a few to choose from including The Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah at the Civic Theatre.
Santa Mail
Now, you can hand deliver your letter to Santa in-store at your local Australia Post Office. There’s no need to worry about stamps or a return address. Simply bring your letter to your local Post Office before 24 December. Pick up a special gift and Santa’s reply on the spot. While stocks last!
Santa Fire Truck Runs
Spot Santa out and about as he travels through neighbourhoods on a fire truck spreading Christmas cheer in the lead up to Christmas Day. Here is the Fire Brigade Santa Run list for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter, organised in date order.
Santa on the Lake (Floating Santa)
If you’re around Lake Macquarie on Christmas Eve, keep an eye out for Floating Santa also known as Santa on the Lake. Each year, Santa sails around visiting different jetties. The Rotary Club of Toronto Sunrise coordinates Santa sailing around the west side of Lake Macquarie on Christmas Eve while the Valentine Lions Club coordinates the visit to Bennett Park in Valentine.
Christmas Markets
Enjoy the experience of shopping at local markets in the lead up to Christmas. There’s a variety of markets to enjoy in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. Find unique Christmas gifts and treats, local fruit and vegetables and enjoy live entertainment and food.
Christmas Craft
The silly season is here! There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to get crafty with the kids and make some thoughtful homemade Christmas gifts for teachers or family and friends. Here are some easy ideas that you can try with your little ones!
You can also enjoy local Christmas storytime and craft sessions offered by libraries and other places. Here are some sessions for your kids to enjoy.
Christmas Bucket List
Christmas is about creating special memories with your family. There are loads of fun things to do in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter. Here are some ideas in a Christmas bucket list to enjoy the season with your kids.
Christmas Sensory Play
Christmas is just around the corner… and what better way to kick off the celebrations than with some fun Christmas play activities with your children. When it comes to Christmas activities, the possibilities are endless, making them suitable for children of all ages. This year why not try something new and explore your senses by checking out these ten unique Christmas sensory play activities.
Dreaming of a Green Eco-Friendly Christmas? 30+ Tips for a Sustainable Christmas
Bring more joy to your holiday season while reducing waste. Follow our top tips for an eco-friendly and sustainable green Christmas.
Christmas Movies
Grab some popcorn and chill out with your family watching some classic Christmas movies. Here’s a list of family-friendly Christmas movies to watch with your kids.
Christmas Songs
Enjoy some tunes playing while you get into the Christmas spirit. Here’s a Spotify playlist filled with our favourite classics & contemporary Christmas music.
Elf on the Shelf
Need some help figuring out what to do with your elf each day? Here’s how to bring the fun of Elf on the Shelf to your family this Christmas.
Free Call to Santa
Head to a payphone and dial #HO HO HO (#46 46 46). Kids can make a free call to Santa. From now until Christmas Eve, Telstra is connecting all of their payphones around Australia to the North Pole.
What’s Open & Closed in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter Region Over Christmas & New Year?
Wondering what’s open? Here’s a handy holiday services guide showing what’s open over Christmas and New Year in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter for 2024/25 break.