Christmas 2024 in the Hunter

The countdown to Christmas is underway, with several Hunter councils revealing their plans to celebrate the festive season.

Lambton

Lambton Park Carols is Newcastle’s biggest Christmas celebration.

And, it returns on Sunday 15 December.

Thousands of people will gather at beautiful Lambton Park for food trucks, a picnic and amusements – everyone’s favourite carols – and an epic firework finale.

It’s a free, family-friendly, independently-run event to build much-needed community in Newcastle at a special time of year.

The extravaganza starts from 5pm, with the Christmas carnival fair with food trucks, activities and amusements, before the carols are performed at 7pm.

The pyrotechnics then wrap up proceedings at 9pm.

Lake Macquarie

Lake Macquarie City mayor Adam Shultz has called on the community to give generously to the annual Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, which aims to support hundreds of families through local charity, Samaritans.

Cr Shultz, accompanied by his family, officially launched the appeal in partnership with Samaritans, the welfare arm of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle.

“Christmas can be a fun and special time of year, but for some in our community it can be a real struggle,” he said.

“With the high cost of living, this year has been incredibly challenging for many.

“While I understand that household budgets are tight, even a small gift could make a real difference to a family or a child this Christmas.

“Donated toys, gifts and non-perishable items will help the Samaritans provide for families struggling to make ends meet at Christmas.”

Cr Shultz praised the community spirit shown by Lake Macquarie residents throughout 2024 and expressed his hope that this generosity would continue with the Christmas Appeal.

The appeal is open until Friday 13 December with drop-off sites available at all Lake Mac Libraries branches.

Suggested donations include toiletries packs, jewellery, hand cream, chocolate, socks, aftershave and deodorant.

For children, recommended gifts include beach towels, sun hats, sunscreens, Barbie dolls, sports gear, monster trucks, cars and board games.

“Donations to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal will ensure that local families in need have gifts to open on Christmas Day,” Cr Shultz said.

Samaritans provides community assistance through more than 100 programs across the Hunter Region and NSW, including disability care, youth and family support and mental health services.

Wallsend

The Wallsend Town Business Association (WOW Wallsend) is bringing joy to the Wallsend and surrounding community once again at Christmas time.

Each year the organisation hosts a range of free family-friendly festivities at the Rotunda to celebrate the holiday season and this year is no exception.

From 1 to 31 December, families can enjoy the stunning lights, Xmas trees and beautiful decorations at the Rotunda, making the perfect backdrop for a family selfie or a maybe even a romantic picnic in the park under the fairy lights.

“We invite locals to get involved from now until the end of December and enjoy the fabulous lights,” chair Wayne Rogers said.

“They can take photos and post on socials to help spread the word about Wallsend and the joy and spirit of our community.”

Thirty lucky children were chosen as part of a competition in conjunction with radio station NEWFM and will enjoy the ultimate Santa experience at Wallsend’s iconic Rotunda on 1 December.

Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer and his happy helper will be on hand to play games.

Santa will take all the kids wishes onboard (pending the naughty and nice list of course) and nobody will leave empty-handed as he will give a little gift to all.

The Xmas light activation will wrap up what has been a huge year for Wallsend as it has celebrated 150 years of becoming a municipality.

“It’s been a wonderful 12 months of activities recognising Wallsend’s anniversary and we have been proud to be involved on so many levels.

“The collaboration with local community groups and City of Newcastle has really helped make this a very special and memorable year for our suburb.”

City of Newcastle

The unveiling of a giant present in Hunter Street Mall has heralded the start of festive fun as City of Newcastle kicks off its annual Christmas activities for the community.

At two metres high and two metres wide, the gift will light up the Market Street steps until Boxing Day and be large enough for a group photo with family, friends or co-workers to help everyone get into the Yuletide spirit.

Making it even more unique and sustainable, the present was constructed using original cedar boards recovered from a 140-year-old house in Carrington.

It’ll be wrapped in artwork by prominent local artist Mitch Revs.

The festivities also got underway at Wheeler Place this week with the installation of City of Newcastle’s 12.5-metre Christmas tree, before Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge joined Santa Claus to officially switch on the lights on 29 November.

Father Christmas will then be available for photos every Friday and Sunday until 15 December, accompanied by more than just reindeer, with local schools, community groups and professional performers providing musical numbers during the Santa Selfie sessions.

The Newcastle Youth Orchestra will headline a special performance on 13 December, featuring instrumental ensembles, and emerging local vocalists leading traditional Christmas carols.

City of Newcastle’s executive director creative and community services Alissa Jones said this year’s festive season was a celebration of everything local.

“We want to encourage everyone to be part of the fun and support local businesses in the city,” she stated.

“Our Christmas display will feature a Santa’s Shopping List that will highlight special offers from participating businesses.

“A spend-to-win competition will be run in collaboration with the Newcastle Business Improvement Association to give shoppers the chance to win a Staycation Package, which includes a Civic Theatre gift voucher and accommodation at Quest Apartments.

“Santa’s sleigh will be part of the display in Wheeler Place so families can take photos and even attach their pets to the sleigh for a fun pet ‘pawtrait’.

“We’ll also have an interactive craft table where visitors can write letters to Santa, which they can post at an on-site mailbox.”

Singleton

Get ready for a massive evening of music, food, fireworks and fun when Christmas on John Street returns to Singleton’s Town Centre on Friday 6 December.

Bringing all the magic of the festive season, from 6pm to 9.30pm, the much-loved annual event attracts more than 5,000 people into the heart of Singleton for a community celebration like no other in the Hunter.

Singleton mayor Sue Moore said John Street would transform into Santa Claus Lane this December, overrun with roving Christmas-themed performers, crafty workshops, a huge range of kids’ activities, market stalls and more.

“As Christmas on John Street is a free, accessible, family friendly event, it’s a true community celebration, bringing people together to enjoy entertainment for all ages, delicious food, local drops in the Laneway Bar and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus and fireworks,” she explained.

“There’ll be even more festivities to enjoy in the event precinct this year – more street performers plus performances from local dance and music groups, free activities and games and entertainment for kids like a Silent Disco, jumping castle and putt putt golf.

“A special light installation in Burns Lane by Creative Sensory Spaces will bring even more festive season magic to Christmas on John Street and visitors will have plenty of opportunities to get their Christmas shopping done as many of our John Street retailers stay open late.”

Cr Moore said it wasn’t a Christmas celebration without Santa, who’ll arrive in style escorted by Singleton’s firefighters in a fire truck.

“Families will once again be able to get free photos with Santa in the North Pole Grotto thanks to Singleton Rotary,” she added.

“The event will be capped off with an epic fireworks display thanks to Yancoal.

“Christmas on John Street is a great occasion for people to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, as well as everything that’s great about Singleton.

Maitland

Maitland is embracing the magic of Christmas with events and activities that promise joy for all.

The holiday season officially began with the lighting of Maitland’s iconic 11-metre Christmas tree at Maitland City Library, setting the stage for weeks of festive celebrations.

“Christmas in Maitland is a time to come together, celebrate and create lasting memories with loved ones,” Maitland City mayor Philip Penfold said.

“Our community has so much to offer and we’re excited to share the joy of the festive season through these events.”

One of the highlights is the Christmas Movie Night on Saturday 7 December at Maitland Regional Sportsground.

Families can enjoy an evening of fun starting at 5pm, with kids’ activities, free popcorn and delicious treats, leading to a screening of Home Alone (PG) under the stars.

Tickets are just $5 for adults, while children aged 17 and under can attend for free.

Maitland’s Best Christmas Lights is also returning, encouraging residents to light up their streets and share their displays with the community.

Submissions of photos or videos of festive displays can be made via the Maitland Your Say website until 6 December, where the winning street will receive a barbecue voucher, a custom street sign declaring them the 2024 winners and tickets to the Christmas Movie Night, where the winner will be announced.

Festive celebrations continue at The Levee with the return of free Santa photos, giving families a chance to capture magical moments with the jolly man in red and his elves.

On Saturday 14 December, A Merry Little Christmas mini market will take over The Levee precinct, featuring boutique shopping, kids’ entertainment, food stalls and a special visit from Santa himself.

“Christmas in Maitland is about creating lasting memories, whether you’re attending our exciting events, exploring our streets, or simply enjoying time with loved ones,” Cr Penfold said.

“While this time of year is a joyous occasion for many, we also recognise that it can be difficult for some.

“We hope these events can spread a little Christmas cheer and light to everyone in our community.”

Cessnock

Cessnock City Council is kicking off its annual Christmas Gift and Food Appeal and, now, accepting donations until Wednesday 11 December.

Residents are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items for those doing it tough this Christmas season.

They can be dropped off at council’s Administration Building on Vincent Street, Cessnock, under the Christmas tree.

Additionally, locals can give directly to the following local community organisations:

Barkuma Neighbourhood Centre
Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Service
Samaritans Information and Neighbourhood Centre
We Help Ourselves (WHOS Hunter Region)
Kiray Putjung Aboriginal Corporation
Kurri Kurri Community Services
Seventh Day Adventist Church
St Vincent de Paul Cessnock
Kingdom Food Care Weston
Rotary Club Cessnock
Soupz On Cessnock
Hunter Food Relief
Spirit of Giving
Jodie’s Place

Cessnock City mayor Dan Watton is calling on the local community to extend a helping hand to those in need.

“As we head into the festive time of year, I encourage everyone who is in a position to contribute, to donate to those who may be struggling,” he said.

“It touches my heart to see so many wonderful and dedicated organisations spreading kindness and generosity in our region.

“And, together, we can ensure our efforts reach even more families and individuals and help make their Christmas brighter.”

For health and safety reasons, ensure all donations are new and unwrapped.

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Christmas 2024 in the Hunter

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