Looking for what’s on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Hunter Valley this December? You’ll find the best family-friendly events right here — from festivals to shows, free community events and everything in between.
Events are listed by date so you can easily plan your week or weekend, whether you’re heading out during the school term, the summer school holidays, or just looking for something fun to do with the kids.
For our Christmas events and activities, see our Ultimate Guide to Christmas 2026.
🔖 Bookmark this page — we update it throughout the month so you can easily find what’s on in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
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For Christmas and NYE events, check out the Newy with Kids Guide to Christmas and our NYE 2026 Guide
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December at a Glance
- 1 December — Pre-school Art School | Pevan & Sarah in Concert
- 2 December — Story Explorers
- 3 December — IncludingYOU Art Program
- 4 December — Twilight Fridays at MAP mima: Beats and Eats
- 6 December — Bikers For Kids Newcastle Toy Run & Family Day
- 8 December — Importance of Play Workshop: The Power of Quiet Play
- 10 December — Digitales: Storytime and Art: Art After Hours
- 11 December — Twilight Fridays at MAP mima
- 13 December — High Tea On The Harbour Cruise – Christmas Edition
- 15 December — Importance of Play Workshop: Reading with your Child
- 18 December — Twilight Fridays at MAP mima: Art After Hours
Pre-School Art School
An expert tour guide leads little ones through the latest exhibition at the Museum of Art and Culture, Lake Macquarie, followed by story time and a craft activity inspired by the artwork. A great way to spend the morning getting creative with the youngest artists in the family.
Date: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Time: 10 – 11am
Location: Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, 1A First Street, Booragul
Age Group: suited to ages 0 – 6
Cost: Free, bookings preferred but not required
Website
Pevan & Sarah in Concert
If your kids know every word to a Pevan & Sarah song (and chances are they do), this live show at the Civic Theatre is worth putting in the diary. It’s an interactive 50-minute concert with all their favourite songs, and kids under 2 get in free on the knee.
Date: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Time: 10.30am
Location: Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Age Group: Kids (under 17)
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Story Explorers
Join Newcastle Museum for stories and adventures on the first Wednesday of each month, during school terms, exploring different items in the Museum collection.
Date: Wednesday 2 December 2026
Time: 11.15am – 12pm
Location: Newcastle Museum
Age Group: Aimed at ages 3-5 years, but all ages welcome!
Cost: Free, no bookings needed, just drop-in!
Website
IncludingYOU Art Program
IncludingYOU encourages people living with a disability and their support worker, if required, to explore the current exhibition and take part in engaging art activities that explore a variety of techniques.
Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 10am – 11.30am
Location: Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, Booragul, Lake Macquarie
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free but bookings essential
Website
Twilight Fridays: Beats and Eats
Kick off the weekend with live music from Horatio Dow Myers at MAP mima. Bring a picnic blanket, relax in Speers Point Park and grab something delicious from Spiral Spuds. The gallery will also be open for an evening visit.
Date: Friday 4 December 2026
Time: 5 – 8pm
Location: Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Bikers For Kids Newcastle Toy Run & Family Day
Now in its 49th year, this is one of the region’s biggest community traditions: 10,000-plus motorbikes ride from Stockton into Carrington loaded with donated toys for the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. Skip the ride itself and just head straight to the family day at Connolly Park for face painting, kids’ rides, market stalls and food trucks, then watch the bikes roll in.
Date: Sunday 6 December 2026
Time: From 9am (riders arrive around 10am)
Location: Connolly Park, Carrington
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Importance of Play Workshop: The Power of Quiet Play
Join Maitland Libraries for their Importance of Play series to explore how everyday play supports learning, emotional wellbeing, creativity and connection. Through shared activities, practical ideas and supportive conversations, families will discover how play strengthens relationships, nurtures creativity, and supports learning at home.
Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: From 11am
Location: Maitland City Library, 480 High Street, Maitland
Age Group: Adults and their children
Cost: Free, bookings required
Website
Digitales: Storytime and Art
A lovely indoor activity for little ones. Digital stories projected on the big screen followed by hands-on artmaking and shadow play, run by Lake Mac Arts at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, MAP mima.
Date: Thursday 10 December 2026
Time: 11am – 11.45am
Location: Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point Park, Speers Point
Age Group: 2 – 5 years
Cost: Free, bookings required
Website
Twilight Fridays: Art After Hours
Step inside The Fish Tank, a colourful animated artwork by Jagath Dheerasekara. Created for MAP mima’s 360-degree Cube, this immersive experience surrounds visitors with a watercolour fish tank that comes to life. A curious and colourful experience for families.
Date: Friday 11 December 2026
Time: 5 – 8pm
Location: Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
MV Calmer: High Tea On The Harbour Cruise – Christmas Edition
Celebrate the festive season with a Christmas themed high tea on Newcastle Harbour, featuring seasonal treats, a glass of sparkling wine and views from three levels of MV Calmer. A pretty way to catch up with family or friends before Christmas.
Date: Sunday 13 December 2026
Time: 12pm to 2.30pm (check in from 11.30am)
Location: Queens Wharf Terminal, 242-258 Wharf Road, Newcastle
Age Group: Best for older kids, teens and adults (under 18s must be with a parent or guardian)
Cost: $89 adult, $49 child (2 to 11 years)
Website
Importance of Play Workshop: Reading with your Child
Join Maitland Libraries for Importance of Play – Reading with Your Child (Even if They Won’t Sit Still!) to explore how everyday play supports learning, emotional wellbeing, creativity and connection. Through shared activities, practical ideas and supportive conversations, families will discover how play strengthens relationships, nurtures creativity, and supports learning at home.
Date: Tuesday 15 December 2026
Time: From 11am
Location: Rutherford Library, 13 Arthur Street, Rutherford
Age Group: Adults and their children
Cost: Free, bookings required
Website
Twilight Fridays: Art After Hours
Explore MAP mima after dark and discover The Fish Tank, a colourful 360-degree animated artwork that transforms the Cube into an underwater watercolour world. A fun way to experience art with the family.
Date: Friday 18 December 2026
Time: 5 – 8pm
Location: Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
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.