What’s on in December? Here’s the month’s top events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter specially selected for families. There is a mix of ticketed and free events for parents, grandparents and carers to enjoy some family fun.
For Christmas and NYE events, check out the Newy with Kids Guide to Christmas and our NYE 2024 Guide
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Dinosaurs: Surviving Extinction
Step into a world where ancient giants roamed and uncover how some dinosaurs evolved, survived extinction, and became the birds we see today. Through captivating displays, artworks, and interactive exhibits, this exhibition reveals the fascinating connection between dinosaurs and their avian descendants.
Date: On now until 2 March 2025
Age Group: 3+
Cost: Adults $15, kids 5 to 14 $7.50. Family ticket $40 (2A + 2C)
Website
Music in the Podium
Music in the Podium returns to Warners Bay Foreshore on Friday 1 November and runs until Friday 28 March 2025. The program, hosted by Lake Macquarie City Council will feature popular local musicians every Friday evening.
Date: Various dates in December – check website
Time: 6 – 9pm
Location: Warners Bay Foreshore
Cost: Free
Website
Teen Takeover! Newcastle Museum
Calling all teens! For its second year, TAKEOVER is back—a free, after-hours event exclusively for ages 13-17. Inspired by the Museum’s ‘Surviving Extinction’ blockbuster, this year’s theme is Evolution. Join Newcastle Museum for a night filled with live music, hands-on creative stations, VR experiences, computer games, and plenty of free food and giveaways. It’s a night to explore, create, and connect.
Date(s): Friday 6 December 2024
Time: 6 – 8pm
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: 13-17
Cost: Free
Website
The Wiggle & Learn Big Show
The Wiggles will be back in Newcastle for their traditional pre-Christmas shows. The Wiggle & Learn Big Show feature all your favourite Wiggles songs including Rock-a-Bye Your Bear, Hot Potato & Fruit Salad plus new favourites like Getting Strong, and Hey Tsehay! In true Wiggles tradition, the concert wouldn’t be complete without a special appearance from the man in red from the North Pole!
Date: 11 December 2024
Location: Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Age Group: All ages
Cost: From $45
Website
The Clyde St Arts Open Market
Shop local and support your local talent at The Clyde St Arts Open Market. This event brings the community together at this vibrant “one night only” event of open studios, art sales, market stalls with second-hand goods and handmade recycled products, food trucks, live music & DJs, vintage Karaoke bus and large-scale mural painted live.
The tenants of Clyde St Arts in Hamilton North make up Newcastle’s largest collective of artists, producers, creative manufacturers & social innovators, where you’ll find your favourite businesses likeUpcycle Newcastle, The Creator Incubator, Earthen Rhythms, FeatherEdge and OzHarvest Newcastle.
Date: 13 December 2024
Location: Clyde St Arts in Hamilton North
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Christmas Party Race Day
Bring your family to Newcastle Racecourse as Santa is coming to town for the Coastline Pools & Spas Biggest Christmas Party Race Day. Featuring the NSW Championship Pony Racing Qualifier and a giving tree fundraising for the Samaritans, it is the perfect way to kick off the festive season.
Date: Saturday 14 December 2024
Time: From 12pm.
Location: Newcastle Racecourse, Darling Street, Broadmeadow
Cost: $20 General Admission
Website
Speers Point Summer Fair
The Speers Point Summer Fair is set to be a spectacular evening of live music, mouthwatering food from around the globe, carnival rides and games. It’s runs on Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 December at Speers Point Park.
Date: Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 December 2024
Time: 4pm to 10pm both nights
Location: Speers Point Park
Cost: $2 Event Entry at the Gate
Website
Pick Your Own Sunflowers
Little Tin Shed is famous in Medowie for selling freshly grown fruit, vegetables and flowers from their ‘little tin shed’ roadside stall. In recent years, they have planted a sunflower field at Lisadell Road, Medowie and open it to the public for photos and sunflower picking. It’s a great family day out with KiKis Face Painting onsite on Saturday.
Date: Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 December 2024
Time: 9am to 1pm
Location: Little Tin Shed, 54 Lisadell Road, Medowie
Age Group: All ages
Cost: $5 entry fee to enter the sunflower paddocks (free entry for kids 12 years and under). Each sunflower you pick will be $3 each or 6 for $15.
Website
What’s On Next Month?
Looking for more events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter? Check out our What’s On Guide with information about events all year long. The guide provides a list of local family-friendly events organised by month.