The Christmas season is upon us, with carols, parades and markets galore to help you ring it in. Photo: KonArt.
‘Tis officially “the season”, and the festive spirit is coming at us hard and fast. Starting this weekend and through to Christmas Eve the Illawarra is set to explode with carols, parades and markets to bring us to the big day.
From intimate grassroots community events to major retail therapy opportunities and every vibe in between, there’s a way for everyone to ring in some Christmas cheer.
Here are 33 events where tidings of comfort and joy are spreading near you.
Thirroul Public School is staging a full-blown community event. Image: Thirroul Public School P&C.
2024 Thirroul Public School Xmas Market
When: Saturday 30 November, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Thirroul Public School, Roxburgh Avenue, Thirroul
Cost: Gold coin donation (card option available) | Payable upon entry.
Thirroul Public School P&C have upped the ante on school-based Christmas markets with a full-blown community event. Think big school fete vibes that will tap right into your festive spirit with market stalls, where you can get your hands on some Christmas gifts for your loved ones or a little something special for yourself. There will also be food trucks, live music, a skate ramp, games and more, so grab your friends, family, and picnic blanket and make a day of it.
Start the festive season with well-loved carols and heart-melting harmonies. Image: The Song Company.
Hark! The Song Company Christmas Wollongong
When: Saturday 30 November, 6 to 7 pm
Where: St Francis Xavier Cathedral, 36 Harbour Street, Wollongong
Cost: Adult $49 | Seniors/Pensioners $39 | Concession/Under 35s $25 | Family $98 | Book via The Song Company.
Directed by Song Company artist Andrew O’Connor, this year the Song Company Christmas Carol program Hark! is stopping by Wollongong on its tour. This magical concert of well-loved carols and heart-melting harmonies, complemented by the reverence and incredible acoustics of St Francis Xavier Cathedral, promises an uplifting experience for all.
Kiama Anglican Church is stepping things up with a carnival to accompany its carols. Image: Kiama Anglican Church.
Kiama Anglican Church Christmas Carnival
When: Sunday 1 December, 3 to 6 pm
Where: Kiama Anglican Church, 2 Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
Enjoy an afternoon of fabulous fun with pony rides, jumping castle action, face painting, games and Christmas arts and crafts. Christmas carols kick off on the lawn at 5 pm at this community event, with something for all ages to enjoy.
Pick up gifts and stocking stuffers or come for a fabulous day out for the whole family. Image: The Albion Park Community Hub Market.
Illawarra’s Mega Indoor Christmas Market
When: Sunday 1 December, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Shellharbour City Stadium, 110 Croome Road, Croom
Cost: Gold coin entry | Under 12s Free | Payable upon entry.
Expect 135 of the best market stalls offering a diverse range of goods and services for your Christmas shopping enjoyment. There will be Christmas craft activities for the kids and Santa will be attending for you to take your free Santa photos against our beautiful backdrop. Wollongong Harmony Chorus will be singing Christmas carols on the day to create a magical Christmas atmosphere. Mouthwatering food vendors, fairy floss, ice cream, candy and an onsite cafe will satisfy your every craving.
This event is billed as the “biggest Christmas market in the Illawarra region”. Image: Groundz Precinct.
Illawarra Family Christmas Fair
When: Sunday 1 December, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Groundz Precinct, 89 – 99 Princes Highway, Dapto
Cost: Free entry.
This free-entry event is packed with festive zones for every family member, unique shopping, live entertainment and holiday photo opportunities with Santa and The Grinch. Browse the Christmas Market Zone for unique, handcrafted gifts, festive decorations and delicious treats from talented local artisans. Little ones will enjoy holiday fun with face painting, crafts, a visit from Santa and an exclusive meet-and-greet with Captain America in Kids Zone. Celebrate with your furry friends in the Pet Zone, featuring doggie pet stalls with treats, toys and accessories for pets and photos with Santa. Enjoy savoury snacks and sweet treats from a variety of food trucks in the Food Truck Zone. All of this comes against the backdrop of live performances, carol singing and festive entertainment all day long.
Shellharbour City Council is going all out for Christmas. Image: Shellharbour City Council.
Carols by Candlelight 2024
When: Friday 6 December, 6 to 9 pm
Where: Croom Regional Sporting Complex, 110 Croome Road, Croom
Cost: Free.
Shellharbour City Council is set to light up the night with festive cheer. Hosts Bella and Christian from the i98FM Breakfast Show will get you into the holiday spirit and guide you through a heartwarming evening of classic Christmas music, delicious treats and unique goodies for everyone. This year’s line-up includes family-friendly performances by Woods Ray Theatrical, Shellharbour City Physie and Dance, The Music Makers and Circus WOW.
Arrive early for the pre-show from 5 pm, featuring Musical Bingo with prizes, plus kids’ activities like Bush Kindy, face painting and the Circus Drop Zone. Keep an eye out for captivating roving performers, including unicycle angels, acrobatic elves and the magical duo True and Love. Don’t miss the exciting golden ticket competitions running throughout the night and make sure to drop by the House of Letters station to fill out a letter to Santa. Trusty elves will help deliver them to the North Pole. A festive feast comes courtesy of a wide range of food stalls serving up seasonal favourites, and there are also fun-filled show bags for all ages, perfect for stocking stuffers.
This annual event is back, bigger and better than ever. Image: Koonawarra Public School.
Carols at Koonawarra Public School
When: Friday 6 December, 5 to 8 pm
Where: Koonawarra Public School, Byamee Street, Dapto
Cost: Free entry.
This charming carols event brings a variety of Christmas stalls, face painting, tattoos, plaster craft, Santa photos, show bags and much more to Koonawarra Public School. There will be food trucks on site – grab a bite to eat from Dapto Lions Club sausage sizzle, Normies Ice Cream, Dip and Dots, Fairy Floss, 2 Smoking Barrels, Mini Donuts, Twisted Potato and many more. Be sure to grab a raffle ticket online (prizes to be drawn during the carols).
Fill your hearts and your stockings at this school Christmas event. Image: Stella Maris Catholic Primary School.
Stella Maris Christmas Markets
When: Friday 6 December, 4:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Stella Maris Catholic Primary School, 16 Wentworth Street, Shellharbour
Cost: Free entry.
Get your Christmas shopping sorted with over 35 local market vendors. Snap a picture with the man in red himself, and let the kids indulge in some crafts, fun and games. Food vendors will be selling delicious food and treats. Musical performances come courtesy of the wonderful children of Stella Maris Catholic Primary School.
Celebrate the magic of the season at The Wentworth Christmas Festival. Image: The Wentworth.
The Wentworth Christmas Festival
When: Saturday 7 December, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: 96-106 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: Free entry.
Enjoy a festive day filled with joy, giving, and activities for all ages. Festival highlights include Santa photos with Mr and Mrs Claus, market stalls with unique gifts, handmade crafts, seasonal treats and real Christmas trees for sale, a kids’ crafting zone and face painting. There are also plenty of opportunities to get into the true spirit of Christmas with the Giving Tree, toy and food drive and clothing drive.
Join Fairy Meadow Anglican for an unforgettable evening of Christmas joy and community spirit. Image: Fairy Meadow Anglican Church.
Fairy Meadow Community Carols and Outdoor Cinema
When: Sunday 8 December, 4 pm
Where: Fairy Meadow Anglican Church, corner Jardine Street and Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Free entry.
Kick off the festivities on this epic evening with fun, free kids’ activities starting from 4 pm. Highlights of the day include a petting zoo, face painting, biscuit decorating and a jumping castle. The Donuts4U food truck provides indulgent treats. Carols kick in at 6 pm and you can stick around after for a screening of classic Christmas movie Home Alone, shown on a big outdoor screen at 8 pm. There will also be a Toys ‘n’ Tucker Collection Point, so bring along a toy or food item to share the joy with those in need.
This uplifting community event takes place as the sun sets at beautiful Austinmer Beach. Image: Austinmer and Thirroul Anglican Church.
Carols by the Sea
When: Sunday 8 December, 7 pm
Where: Austinmer Beach, Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Austinmer
Cost: Free.
This tradition is cherished among locals in the Illawarra’s northern suburbs. Grab your crew, a blanket and Eski and head down to beautiful Austinmer Beach. All are welcome to this kid-friendly event. Get into the Christmas spirit with all your favourite hymns and carols, break out the cool beverages and picnic dinner and make a night of it.
Classical Kiama returns for its final concert of the year, offering a captivating evening of music. Image: Classical Kiama.
Classical Kiama Concert ‘SantaMental’
When: Sunday 8 December, 5 pm
Where: Kiama Anglican Church, 2 Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: General Admission $65 | Concession $55 | Book via Bookeasy.
Daniel Rohn, internationally acclaimed for his exceptional talent, takes the stage for a one-man performance that blends the elegance of classical violin with the versatility of piano. With his unique flair and a touch of holiday spirit, “SantaMental” promises an intimate and unforgettable experience.
Thanks to Heartland Ministries Inc, in association with Corrimal Community Church in collaboration with kingdom partner churches, Augusta Street comes to life with “Carols in the Street”. Image: Corrimal Community Church.
Carols in the Street
When: Sunday 8 December, 4 to 7:45 pm
Where: Augusta Street, East Corrimal
Cost: Free entry.
The neighbourhood works together with the church community to execute a partial street closure and produce a safe mall for families to come and enjoy the gift of Christmas music and carol singing. Grab something from the food and ice cream vans and enjoy, as the main stage kicks off just after 5 pm.
From markets to kids’ entertainment and of course, Christmas carols, this magical evening has something for everyone. Image: Bulli Anglican Church.
Carols and Markets
When: Sunday 8 December, 4 to 8 pm
Where: Bulli Anglican Church, 66 Park Road, Bulli
Cost: Free entry.
Browse the many stalls of homemade gifts, pottery, crafts, plants, cakes, books and more. Entertainment includes face painting and a jumping castle. Stay for some dinner, with pizza, barbecue and more to choose from. Then settle in on your picnic rug for a night of entertainment and Christmas carols. There will be a children’s play, followed by a carols sing-along from 6:30 to 8 pm.
All are welcome to this special Christmas event organised by Village Church Bulli. Image: Village Church Bulli.
Carols on the Court
When: Sunday 8 December, 4 to 7 pm
Where: PCYC Bulli, 253 Princes Highway, Bulli
Cost: Free.
A jumping castle, traditional carols, grazing food, a barbecue dinner and a whole bunch more for the whole family to enjoy – welcome to the second annual Carols on the Court. Grab your family and friends and BYO picnic rug. Everyone is welcome.
Starting with family fun and ending with fireworks, the Illawarra’s north-most suburb is bringing out the big guns this Christmas. Image: Combined Churches.
Combined Churches – Carols in the Burgh
When: Saturday 7 December, 6 to 9 pm
Where: Helensburgh Park, Boomerang Street, Helensburgh
Cost: Free.
The collective efforts of Helensburgh’s combined churches have resulted in a fantastic event for all the family. There will be family entertainment, and carols kick off at 7:30 pm. At 9 pm comes the evening’s highlight – the fireworks display.
This free community event is a lovely way to reel in the festive spirit. Image: Kiama Golf Club.
Carols on the Green at Kiama Golf Club
When: Tuesday 10 December, 5:30 pm
Where: Kiama Golf Club, 79 Oxley Avenue, Kiama Downs
Cost: Free entry.
Bring the family down for a fun-filled night of Christmas entertainment. Grab yourself something yummy from the food and refreshment tent, pitch a picnic rug and settle in for a wonderful evening. The kids will love a special appearance from the big man in red himself.
This humble carols in the park event is the ideal no-frills way to ring in the festive season. Photo: Elisaveta Ivanova.
Jamberoo Community Carols
When: Tuesday 10 December, 5:30 pm
Where: Reid Park, Allowrie Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
Looking for a low-key way to ring in the festive season? This grassroots community event starts with a sausage sizzle sale and continues with uplifting carols and hymns at Reid Park. No frills but a lot of heart.
From face painting to live music, food and Chris Cringle himself, this event is a perfect way to mark the start of the season with the whole family. Image: Kiama Leagues Club.
Carols in the Park
When: Wednesday 11 December, 5:30 pm
Where: Hindmarsh Park, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
Bringing festive cheer to the community, Carols in the Park centres on the newly revamped Ory Kelly Stage in Hindmarsh Park. This joyful evening will feature Christmas songs, delicious food and family-friendly fun, including a special visit from Santa and his friends from NSW Fire Rescue Kiama.
All donation proceeds from this event go to the Kiama charity “Homestead of Hope”. Image: Kiama Combined Churches.
“Songs Of Joy” Carols
When: 11 December, 6 to 8 pm
Where: SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 112 Manning Street, Kiama
Cost: Free or by donation | Payable upon entry.
The Kiama Combined Churches are celebrating the Christmas season with a very Australian twist and inviting the community to join in. It’s a great opportunity for children to hear beautiful music, sing and see some performers/choirs their own age, as well as adult choirs.
Eleven venues, 30 live performances and 14 hours of entertainment – it’s time to lace up for the biggest Santa Fest yet. Image: i98.
Santa Fest
When: Saturday 14 December, noon
Where: North Wollongong Hotel, 3 Flinders Street, North Wollongong
Cost: General $24.50 | Book via Oztix.
North Wollongong Hotel, Humber and the Illawarra Hotel have teamed up with Towradgi Beach Hotel, The Prince, LA LA LAs, Pepes, Heyday, Bevanda, Halfway and many others to stage the biggest Santa Fest yet and raise funds for local charities doing amazing work in our beautiful community. Your ticket includes access to all participating venues filled with entertainment, continuous entry to the shuttle buses throughout the event and special discounts.
Market stalls, community groups, food trucks, live music and lots of fun. Image: Balgownie P&C Association.
Bally Twilight Festival
When: Tuesday 17 December, 4:30 to 8 pm
Where: Balgownie Public School, 220 Balgownie Road, Balgownie
Cost: Free entry.
From students to their families and friends, Balgownie community members and the general public, everyone is welcome to this special fundraising event staged by the Balgownie Public School P&C Association. There will be market stalls, food trucks, community groups, live music and more. Grab your crew, your picnic rug and make an evening of it.
Get your festive spirit on in between your shopping at Stockland. Photo: selimaksan.
Christmas Carols at Stockland Shellharbour
When: Thursday 19 December, 11 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Ground floor (outside the Santa set near Woolworths), Stockland Shellharbour, 211 Lake Entrance Road, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free.
One surefire way to tap into your festive spirit is to catch these Christmas carols with Sing Australia Choir and Alchemy Chorus. You’re of course invited to join the chorus of voices in singing all your favourite Yuletide tunes. Better yet, since it’s at Stockland Shellharbour, you can get any last-minute Christmas shopping done while you’re at it.
Listen to the sounds of the season at Stockland Shellharbour. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with the Sing Australia Choir and Alchemy Chorus. Get ready to sing all your favourite joyful seasonal jingles!
Carols, plenty of entertainment and proximity to all the culinary delights of the Crown Street Mall Thursday night markets make Wollongong’s carols event an all-out community event. Image: Wollongong City Council.
Carols in McCabe Park
When: Thursday 12 December, 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: McCabe Park, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
It’ll be anything but a silent night when Wollongong’s city centre is filled with festive spirit for Carols in MacCabe Park. Presented by Wollongong City Council, this event is expected to attract families keen to celebrate the most wonderful time of year. Carols kick off from 7 pm and run until 8:30 pm, and because the Crown Street Mall Thursday night markets will also be on, it’ll be a chance to grab something yummy, pitch a rug and make an evening of it with the family. In addition to the carols led by the musicians from Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, there will be roving entertainment, festive face painting and live stage shows including Hula Hooping Elves and a Christmas show from Circus Monoxide.
“Plus, no carols event would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus and he has assured us he will be able to take some time out from his hectic North Pole schedule for a quick stop in Wollongong,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown said.
With free entry, this community celebration promises good times, great music, and plenty of holiday spirit. Image: Gerringong Bowlo.
Christmas on the Green at Gerringong Bowling Club
When: Saturday 21 December, 1 to 9 pm
Where: Gerringong Bowling Club, Pacific Avenue, Gerringong
Cost: Free entry.
Mere days before the big day, if you’re not “there” yet with the Christmas spirit, Gerringong Bowlo has everything you need. This family-friendly afternoon of festive cheer and live music celebrates the holiday seasons with a sausage sizzle, a visit from Santa, and an incredible line-up of performers, including Grace Mae, Mystic Souls, Kiara Edwards, The Eighties Ladies, Night & Day and Boysenberry.
A simple idea for an alternative to a Christmas tree. Photo: Shutterstock.
Carols by Wollongong Harmony Chorus
When: Saturday 21 December, 10 am
Where: Dapto Mall, Moombara Street, Dapto
Cost: Free.
This might just be the final call for carols combined with a chance to get any last-minute gift shopping in. Head to Dapto Mall and, in between the frantic search for the “perfect something” for that “special someone”, why not get into the Christmas spirit with live carols from Wollongong Harmony Chorus? Warm up your vocal chords – they’ll be singing all your favourites, and participation is encouraged.
Usher in the Christmas spirit surrounded by community. Image: St Michael’s Anglican.
Carols at Corrimal
When: Saturday 21 December, 6 pm
Where: St Michael’s Anglican Church Corrimal, 121 Princes Highway, Corrimal
Cost: Free entry.
The first in a series of carolling events staged by St Michael’s Anglican Cathedral, Carols at Corrimal comes complete with a barbecue dinner at 6 pm (bring a gold coin donation). Carols themselves kick off at 6:30 pm and for anyone looking for a gentle, community-driven way to usher in the big day, this is it.
The Christmas parade tradition is alive and well in Gerringong. Image: Gerringong Lions Club.
Gerringong Christmas Street Parade
When: Saturday 21 December, 10 am
Where: Between Blackwood and Fern streets, Gerringong
Cost: Free.
Though the cherished tradition of the Christmas parade seems to be flagging these days, as one Illawarrior recently pointed out, Gerringong has a beautiful one. Organised by the Gerringong Lions Club and supported by Kiama Council and the Gerringong Bowling Club, this festive parade will feature floats from local businesses and groups along Fern Street, with a $100 prize for the best float. Enjoy live music by the Shoalhaven, Kiama, and Illawarra Pipe Bands, plus entertainment by The Hot Potato Band. Illawarra’s fun breakfast announcer Jade, from Wave 96.5 FM will be MC. The event coincides with Gerringong Markets in the Old School Park, making it ideal for a family-friendly day out.
The community comes out in force for this event. Image: St Michael’s Anglican.
Carols on the Lawn
When: Sunday 22 December, 6 pm
Where: St Michael’s Anglican Church Wollongong, 74 Church Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
This is your last chance to do the carols thing before Christmas Eve. The second of three carolling events by St Michael’s is always enjoyable. Dinner is sorted with food trucks on site from 6 pm, so grab your friends and family, a rug or folding chair and settle onto the lawn for an uplifting musical line-up that starts at 7 pm.
Jamberoo Anglican invites the community to celebrate the joy of Christmas. Image: Jamberoo Anglican Facebook.
Churchill Carols
When: Tuesday 24 December, 5 pm
Where: Jamberoo Anglican Church, 45 Churchill Street, Jamberoo
Cost: Free.
As Christmas Eve arrives, Jamberoo Anglican Church taps into the giving spirit of Christmas. A free sausage sizzle kicks off at 5 pm. Stick around til 6 pm for a one-hour, open-air event on the grass, followed at 7 pm by supper and more games. This is a special moment for the Jamberoo Anglican community as it comes together and invites others to celebrate the joy of Christmas.
St Michael’s Anglican Church Wollongong has two services, at 5 and 7 pm. Image: St Michael’s Anglican.
Carols in the Cathedral
When: Tuesday 24 December, 5 and 7 pm
Where: St Michael’s Anglican Church Wollongong, 74 Church Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
The pinnacle of reverent carol and hymn experiences comes on Christmas Eve at Wollongong. The chorus of voices shall rise to the yawning ceiling, taking your spirits with it. There are two Christmas Eve services at 5 and 7 pm. For those of the faith and those who simply love Christmas, this is a great way to spend the night before.
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