The countdown to Christmas is on, and there is so much to enjoy with the family across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter this year. This guide brings together everything you need in one place, from Christmas events and Santa photo spots to the best light displays, markets and budget-friendly ways to celebrate. We update it as new events are confirmed, so bookmark this page and check back through December.
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Christmas Events | Santa Experiences | Christmas Lights | Planning & Budget | Markets & Shopping | Family Activities
Don’t Miss These Highlights!
- Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens – The ultimate light display experience
- Santa Photos – Book your family tradition early
- Christmas Carols – Free festive events across the region
- Santa Fire Truck Runs – Watch for Santa in your neighbourhood
- Maitland City Coucil & City of Newcastle – Free activities and entertainment
Christmas Events
Christmas Events
Enjoy Christmas 2026 with your family. There are loads of fun and festive Christmas events to enjoy in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Hunter.
Christmas Carols
Carols are a Christmas tradition for a lot of local families, and there’s a good spread of dates across the region to choose from. Bigger events like Lambton Park Carols, Lake Mac Carols and Christmas Under the Stars at King Edward Park draw big crowds, while smaller school and church carols offer a fun and local alternative. We keep a running list of Christmas Carols organised by date so you can plan your November and December around them.
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 each year including The Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah.
Christmas Storytimes & Craft Sessions
Local libraries and community centres run Christmas storytime and craft sessions throughout December, and most are free or very low cost. Good for younger kids who need a break from the heat.
Santa Experiences
Santa Photos
Getting a Santa photo is a tradition a lot of local families look forward to each year. We keep an updated list of where to find Santa around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter, including Sensitive Santa sessions for kids on the autism spectrum and Santa Pet photo days. Popular sessions book out early, so it’s worth locking in a time as soon as dates are announced.
Santa Mail
You can hand deliver a letter to Santa at your local Australia Post Office, no stamp or return address needed. Bring your letter in before 24 December and you’ll get a small gift and a reply from Santa on the spot, while stocks last.
Santa Fire Truck Runs
Keep an eye out for Santa touring local neighbourhoods on a fire truck in the lead-up to Christmas. We list Fire Brigade Santa Run dates for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter as they’re confirmed, organised by date.
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 Bus
Each year, Newcastle Transport runs its Christmas Bus decked out in decorations and playing carols as it does its rounds across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie from 1 to 25 December. It’s a free bit of festive fun on your regular Opal fare, and little ones love spotting the decorated windows and getting a Christmas selfie on board. Check the Christmas Bus timetable each year for routes and times.
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.
Christmas Lights & Decorations
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. Here’s our guide to finding local Christmas lights displays in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.
Christmas Trees
Looking for a real Christmas tree this year? We’ve rounded up where to buy one across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter.
Markets & Shopping
Christmas Advent Calendars
Our advent calendar guide has just been refreshed for 2026, covering beauty, LEGO, stationery, toys, wine, chocolate and more across every budget. See the updated Advent Calendar picks.
Christmas Markets
Local Christmas markets are a great way to pick up unique gifts, fresh produce and a bit of festive atmosphere before the big day. We’ve listed the best Christmas markets running across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter this December.
Glendale City Centre
This Christmas holiday season, make Glendale City Centre your ultimate destination for family fun and festive cheer. As well as Christmas events, there’s so many reasons to head to Glendale City Centre in the lead up to Christmas. Shop at Woolworths, Coles, Target, Event Cinemas and over 80 additional retailers! Glendale City Centre is all about convenience, saving you time and money!
Gift Experiences
If the toy cupboard is already full, an experience gift is a good alternative. We’ve got 50+ ideas for gift experiences across every budget for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter, plus a few options if you’re heading down to Sydney.
Planning & Budget
Getting Organised for Christmas
A bit of planning goes a long way toward a less stressful December. Our getting organised guide has practical tips to help you get ahead of the silly season.
Christmas on a Budget
Christmas is a wonderful time of year but it can also be expensive! Between Christmas gifts, decorations, entertaining and travel, it’s easy for the festive season to stretch your budget. Whether you’re saving for a special treat or simply want to spend less this year, here are our top Christmas money-saving tips so you can enjoy a joyful, stress-free Christmas without breaking the bank.
Secret Santa
Secret Santa (or Kris Kringle as some call it) shows up everywhere this time of year. It’s the easiest way for a group to still exchange gifts without everyone having to buy for everyone else. You draw one name, buy one gift, and the whole group gets the fun of unwrapping something on the day. Here’s ideas for Secret Santa gifts.
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 doing it tough across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter this Christmas.
Dreaming of a Green Eco-Friendly Christmas? 30+ Tips for a Sustainable Christmas
Small changes can cut a lot of holiday waste. Our sustainable Christmas guide has 30+ tips for a greener celebration without losing any of the festive joy.
What’s Open & Closed in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter Region Over Christmas & New Year?
Trading hours change across the region over the break. Our holiday services guide will cover what’s open and closed in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter for the 2026/27 break.
Family Activities at Home
Christmas Bucket List
Christmas is about the memories you make together, not just the events you attend. Our Christmas bucket list has ideas to help you make the most of the season at home and around the region.
Christmas Craft
Get crafty with the kids and make some homemade gifts for teachers, family or friends. Our craft guide has easy ideas for little ones of all ages, plus a list of local library storytime and craft sessions running through December.
Christmas Sensory Play
Try something a bit different this year with our list of ten Christmas sensory play activities, a fun way to explore the senses while getting into the festive spirit.
Elf on the Shelf
Running out of ideas for where to hide your elf each morning? Our Elf on the Shelf guide has plenty of inspiration to keep the tradition going all December.
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 our list of the best Christmas songs, classic and new, so you can build your family playlist.