The Illawarra has some fantastic ways to ramp up the festive magic this week. Photo: Vasil Dimitrov.
The festive season is in full swing across the Illawarra, with a host of events to inspire, entertain and get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Browse unique gifts at Gemtopia or soak up the seaside vibes at Shellharbour Marina’s Christmas market, while live performances and charity events offer a mix of entertainment and heartwarming ways to give back. Families can find magical experiences such as festive train rides, Santa visits and interactive celebrations to make the season truly memorable.
Whether you’re looking for shopping, music, or meaningful ways to connect with your community, this weekend’s line-up has it all.
Multiple Days
With Christmas just around the corner, this is the perfect spot to find gifts or treat yourself to something magical. Image: Crystal Fest.
Gemtopia
When: Saturday 13 December, 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 14 December, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Winners Room, WIN Stadium, corner Crown and Harbour streets, Wollongong
Cost: General $5 | Under 18s Free | Payable upon entry.
Crystal lovers, rejoice — the beloved Crystal Fest returns with a new name, Gemtopia, but the same vibrant, high-energy atmosphere fans know and love. Over two sparkling days, browse more than 25 stalls filled with crystals, minerals, gemstones, statement pieces, handcrafted jewellery and wellness treasures. Expect readers on-site, free kids’ activities including a crystal quiz and daily lucky-door prizes.
Find the perfect Christmas gift by the water at Shellharbour Marina’s two-day festive market — sunshine, small businesses and seaside vibes included. Image: Eat Shop Love.
Markets at The Marina 2 Day Christmas Market
When: Saturday 13 December, 3 to 8 pm and Sunday 14 December, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Shellharbour Marina, Marina Drive, Shell Cove
Cost: Free entry.
Shellharbour Marina comes alive for a two-day Christmas weekend market, offering the perfect chance to tick off your festive shopping list in a stunning waterfront setting. Wander through a vibrant mix of artisan stalls, boutique retailers, local makers and emerging brands — each showcasing thoughtful, handcrafted and beautifully curated gifts.
Expect a lively atmosphere filled with passionate small-business operators, unique finds and plenty of seasonal cheer. With the marina as your backdrop and the fantastic eateries of The Waterfront Dining Precinct just steps away, it’s an ideal spot to meet friends, enjoy a relaxed stroll and soak up the sunshine. Bring a picnic blanket, chill out on the lawn and make a weekend of it.
Saturday
Handel’s Messiah at Wollongong Town Hall
When: Saturday 13 December, 2 pm
Where: Wollongong Town Hall, corner Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: Adult $45 | Student/Pensioner $40 | Under 15 $20 | Book via TicketSearch.
A much-loved Illawarra tradition returns this December as the Illawarra Choral Society presents Handel’s Messiah. Featuring the soaring Hallelujah Chorus and moments of powerful reflection, this annual performance brings together choir, soloists and full orchestra, joined by the historic Ronald Sharp pipe organ, crafted by the same renowned builder behind the Sydney Opera House organ.
This year’s soloists include Hannah Burton (soprano), Elizabeth Cooper (alto), Daniel Verschuer (tenor) and Matthew Avery (bass), with musical director Carlos Alvarado at the podium.
North Gong Santa Fest is back with a massive line-up, festive chaos and good vibes, all supporting two great local causes. Image: The North Wollongong Hotel.
North Gong Santa Fest
When: Saturday 13 December, 2 pm to 12 am
Where: North Gong Hotel, 3 Flinders Street, North Wollongong
Cost: $10 | Book via OzTix.
Now in its 32nd year, North Gong Santa Fest returns with the city’s biggest all-day Christmas charity party, raising funds for the Disabled Surfers Association South Coast and Talk2MeBro. For just $10, expect a full day of live music, festive chaos and good vibes, all for a great cause.
The line-up is stacked, featuring headline sets from Tigerlily, Helena Ellis, The Villains, A-Shuffle, Jonnie S, DJ 13 and Felixx. Pull on your best Santa suit and get ready for an epic afternoon and night of dancing, mates and holiday cheer.
Sunday
Step out for a cause — join the Walk for Sheree to honour loved ones, raise awareness, and support the fight against cancer. Image: Walk For Sheree.
Walk for Sheree — Walk Against Cancer
When: Sunday 14 December, 8 am to noon
Where: Towradgi Park, Towradgi Road, Towradgi
Cost: Adult (17+) $25 | Youth (8 to 16) $15 | Under 8s Free | Donations welcome | Book via DoItForCancer.
Join the eighth annual Walk for Sheree, a fundraising event in memory of Sheree Naylor, lovingly organised by her parents David and Margot. Choose a leisurely 3 km, 5 km, or 10 km route to walk in memory of Sheree or dedicate your walk to someone close to you affected by cancer.
The event is a meaningful way to connect, reflect, and support cancer awareness. After the walk, participants are invited to gather for lunch at the Towradgi Bowling Club.
Enjoy a joyful, relaxed way to celebrate the season, perfect for little ones and Christmas lovers of all ages. Photo: ILRM.
Ride the Christmas Train
When: Sunday 14 December, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Illawarra Light Railway Museum, 48a Tongarra Road, Albion Park Rail
Cost: Adults $18 | Under 17s $12.50 | Under 3s Free (with accompanying adult) | Book via ILRM.
The museum is turning into a magical Christmas Wonderland for a festive family day out. Kids can meet Santa and Mrs Claus and snap a photo to take home, while the whole family enjoys train rides all day. Pack a picnic or grab some snags, ice creams and a cuppa. There’s also a playground to run off energy, and tours of the museum itself, which is packed with locomotives with fascinating stories.
Join the Wollongong Salvation Army for a free, fun-filled Christmas Celebration. Image: Salvation Army.
Wollongong Salvation Army Christmas Celebration
When: Sunday 14 December, 10:30 am to 1 pm
Where: Osborne Park, 1 Cliff Road, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
Celebrate the season with the Wollongong Salvation Army at its festive Christmas celebration. Enjoy a family-friendly morning filled with food, live music, games and activities. Activities kick off at 10:30 am, barbecue lunch at noon and carols from 12:30 pm. Note: In case of wet weather, the event will be relocated to 11–13 Burelli Street, Wollongong.
Wednesday
This is a perfect way to connect with friends, family and neighbours before the holidays. Image: Balgownie Public School.
Bally Twilight Festival 2025
When: Wednesday 17 December, 3 to 8 pm
Where: Balgownie Public School, 220 Balgownie Road, Balgownie
Cost: Free.
The Bally Twilight Festival is back for 2025. Spend an afternoon celebrating community, fun and festive cheer with the whole family. Enjoy kids’ entertainment and activities, live music, delicious food and drinks, and the popular mango fundraiser. Meet local community groups and soak up the vibrant school spirit in a relaxed, fun-filled atmosphere.
Getting ready for the Friends of Industry Christmas Networking Event are (back) FOI board members Nick Halakatevakis and Ioanna Alexopoulos, event sponsor Wynter Dares from Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group, FOI board member Julian O’Brien and (front) Karen Walker from the Salvos. Photo: FOI.
Friends of Industry Christmas Networking Event
When: Wednesday 17 December, 5:30 pm
Where: The Illawarra Hotel, 160-164 Keira Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Friends of Industry is gathering local business leaders for its annual Christmas event in support of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal. This year, attendees are encouraged to donate items for families in need, with a special focus on gift cards for teenagers, a group The Salvation Army has identified as facing particular hardship during the festive season.
Proudly sponsored by Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group, the event highlights the power of community-led generosity. As board member Ioanna Alexopoulos says, it’s a chance for the business community to make a meaningful difference. Further details can be found on Friends of Industry’s social media channels. You can also donate to the Salvos Christmas Appeal at the event or online.
