The lead up to Christmas is anything but dull in the Hunter, and 2022 is no exception.

Whether you’re chasing a sing-a-long, toe-tapping tunes, or to get out on the ocean and reel in a winner, check out some of these events that will hopefully get you feeling festive.

DREAMING

Crowded House will present their rescheduled Australian Dreamers are Waiting Tour at Bimbadgen in the Hunter Valley on Saturday 12 November. When gates open at 3pm the stage will come alive with help from live entertainment from The Waifs and Boy and Bear until 10pm.

FISHING

Last year’s winning catches included a 44.6cm bream, a 48.9cm tailor, a 42.4cm whiting and a 90cm flathead, with organisers of this year’s Let’s Fish Lake Mac event hoping the $32,000 worth of prizes attracting record entries. Now in its third year, the popular catch-and-release contest will see anglers of all ages wet a line in Lake Macquarie across the weekend of 12-13 November in search of four target fish species: tailor, flathead, bream and whiting. Registered participants receive a unique number and ‘brag mat’ for measuring their catch, with fish photographed on the mat before they’re released.

RECYCLING

Sustainability is the theme of a mini exhibition on Sunday 13 November at Miss Porter’s House Museum. Visitors are invited to see how the Porter women practiced a sustainable lifestyle in the early twentieth century. The mending of clothing, recycling of soap, shoes, furniture and flour bags will be on display from 1pm to 4pm.

REMINISCING

The historic township of Morpeth is set to commemorate its bicentenary with a weekend of activities on 19 and 20 November, including a Morpeth Bridge open day.

In addition to serving as the backdrop for a spectacular fireworks display on the Saturday evening, Morpeth’s iconic 1898 timber truss bridge closed to traffic on the Sunday, for a free all ages open day. The bridge will be decked out in picnic tables, astroturf and planter boxes, so that the public can enjoy a unique vantage point of the river and the town. Pack a picnic or grab lunch from one of Morpeth’s popular eateries, who will be selling grazing platters, slider boxes, and sandwich boxes.

There will also be the opportunity to take a horse and carriage ride, watch some penny farthing demonstrations along Swan Street or participate in dragon boat races starting from Queens Wharf.
Vintage games, antique valuations, face painting, craft activities, historic sketching, drawing classes, and live music are set to fill the weekend as well as a firehouse open day, produce markets, blind Arnott’s biscuits tasting, high tea, and folk dancing.

SERENADING

Christ Church Camerata will be joined by pianist Erin Sweetman for Mozart’s Piano Concerto no. 12 at Christ Church Cathedral from 2.30pm on Sunday 13 November. The final Camerata concert for the year will also feature Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings.

CHRISTMAS

A Taste of Ireland will be presenting A Celtic Christmas on Friday 18 November at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre. Traditional tunes, heartfelt ballads and festive carols will combine with rhythms and Irish charm for a night of entertainment from 7.30pm.

The Olive Tree Market kicked off the first of four special dates at Civic Park earlier this month. But, the main event, its Christmas Market, is scheduled to take place at Civic Park on Saturday 19 November. Between 9am and 2pm, expect to discover more than 150 artists, designers and boutique food producers.

The jolly man in the red suit is heading to the Santa Special at the Richmond Vale Railway Museum on Sunday 20 November, from 9.30am to 3pm. Santa will arrive by historic train about noon and then move through the site in a Christmas-themed vintage fire engine, with opportunities for children to be photographed. Santa’s helpers will hand out lollies and show bags.

There will be plenty of festive cheer at the Speers Point Christmas Market on Sunday 20 November between 10am and 2pm. Hosted by Homegrown Markets, take in 120-plus stalls, while enjoying delicious hot food, coffee, drinks and sweet treats. It offers fun for the entire family, including your pets.

The much-loved Newcastle Homegrown Christmas Market returns to The Station, on the corner of Scott and Watt streets, on Saturday 26 November from 10am until noon. Check out more than 150 handmade and eco-focused stalls, street food, music and Xmas workshops.

It’s not too late to start your Xmas shopping, so venture to the Hunter Arts Network Art Bazaar Christmas Market at Lambton Park on Sunday 27 November between 9am and 3pm. If you purchase direct from the makers, you’ll support their work while taking home a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Prepare to have a fun day out at the Medowie Christmas Carnival, at Ferodale Park, on Saturday 10 December, from 3pm until 8pm. The adults can enjoy time together while the kids revel on the rides and games. You’ll also be able to check out some of the unique stalls from local businesses, as well as lots of food options.

Lake Macquarie City Council will present another spectacular evening of entertainment, as we count down to Christmas at the Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point Park on Sunday 11 December between 3pm and 8pm. The free event features kids’ activities along with food trucks, roving entertainers and a jam-packed main stage program from 5pm, including a special visit from Santa.

FILM

Newcastle International Short Film Festival 2022 will be held on Friday and Saturday 18 and 19 November at the Royal Exchange Hybrid Arts Centre on Bolton Street in Newcastle. This year’s event includes short films in the drama, documentary, experimental, animation and comedy genres from around the world from 8pm.

FUNDRAISING

The Live Your Light: Body, Mind and Soul Expo will be held at Wallsend Diggers on Sunday 20 November with all funds raised going to Jenny’s Place. More than 50 stalls in the health, holistic and wellbeing industry will offer free motivational and inspirational presentations from 10.30am to 5pm.

FITNESS

The 29th annual Sparke Helmore Newcastle City Triathlon is on Sunday 20 November. The event will be staged from the Foreshore Park area on Newcastle Harbour and will include a sprint and enticer distance category, age group teams, and relays with prizes for winners.

CRIME

Maitland Gaol will come to life with stories focused on crimes of passion on Saturday 26 November. Shocking tales will be shared during a 1.5-hour tour of the historic site recommended for adults only.

SOUNDS

Iconic Irish Celtic band The Corrs will perform their one-night-only Australian show at the Hunter Valley’s Hope Estate on Saturday 26 November. They will be joined by Wet Wet Wet, Ben Lee and Gaudion from 4pm.

BOOKS

Australian storyteller Peter FitzSimons will discuss the real story behind the Battle of Long Tan when he hosts a free author talk at Rathmines Theatre on Monday 28 November. Book sales and signing are available at the event that runs from 11am to noon.

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