Festive vibes have hit the Illawarra hard. Photo: KonArt.
The festive season is here, and the Illawarra is bursting with holiday cheer. From waterside Santa arrivals to hands-on craft workshops, indoor markets and paw-some pet festivities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a creative escape, or a magical night of interactive holiday fun, this guide has you covered. Gather your loved ones, mark your calendars, and dive into the best Christmas lead-up events the region has to offer — there’s no better way to celebrate the season.
Friday
Herald in the most wonderful time of the year at the waterfront. Photo: davidf.
Santa’s Arrival at The Waterfront Shell Cove
When: Friday 5 December, 4:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: The Waterfront Shell Cove, Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove
Cost: Free.
Head to The Waterfront for an evening of festive fun as Santa and his friends make a special waterside arrival. Families can enjoy free kids’ workshops, live music and a great line-up of food trucks, creating the perfect spot to relax and celebrate. From 8 pm, the night continues with an outdoor screening of Elf on the big screen.
Saturday
Celebrate the season the sustainable way and book your spot to create a unique holiday keepsake. Photo: haveseen.
Christmas Wreath Making at The Tinkerage Shellharbour
When: Saturday 6 December, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: The Tinkerage – Shellharbour, 44 Buckleys Road, Dunmore
Cost: Residents Free | Non-residents $40 | Book via Humanitix.
Join local artist Cherry Corr for a festive, hands-on workshop focused on sustainable creativity. Learn to design and craft your own personalised Christmas wreath using a mix of natural and salvaged materials, with guidance on weaving, wrapping and tying techniques to make a piece that reflects your style. All materials are provided, and guests are welcome to bring a special item to incorporate into their wreath. Enclosed protective footwear is required at The Tinkerage.
A great day out for families looking to celebrate together — don’t miss it. Image: Lake Illawarra Hotel.
Christmas Family Fun Day
When: Saturday 6 December, noon to 3 pm
Where: Lake Illawarra Hotel, 193-197 Windang Road, Windang
Cost: Free entry.
Get into the festive spirit with a Christmas-themed Family Fun Day packed with activities for kids and parents alike. Enjoy a cheerful mix of crafts, games and holiday entertainment throughout the day, all designed to bring a little extra sparkle to the season. The highlight is a special appearance by Santa himself, ready for photos and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Sunday
This family-friendly event brings together the best of the season in one magical space. Image: The Albion Park Community Hub Market.
Illawarra Mega Indoor Christmas Market
When: Sunday 7 December, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Shellharbour City Stadium, 110 Croome Road, Croom
Cost: Adult $5 | Under 12s Free | Payable upon entry.
Get ready for a fun-filled family Christmas market, all under one roof. Browse more than 100 stalls showcasing unique gifts, handmade creations, homewares, festive treats and plenty more — perfect for ticking off your Christmas shopping list.
Santa will be on-site for free photos against a beautiful festive backdrop, and kids can enjoy complimentary Christmas craft activities throughout the day. Live Christmas carols will set the mood, while food vendors, an on-site cafe, sweet stalls, fairy floss and ice cream keep everyone happily fuelled.
Mould yourself a merry little Christmas at Black Duck Studio. Image: Black Duck Studio.
Christmas Clay Events
When: Saturday 6 December, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Black Duck Studio, 80b Towradgi Road, Towradgi
Cost: Various | Book via Black Duck Studio.
Black Duck Studio is celebrating the season with a full line-up of festive clay and painting workshops for all ages. Get hands-on and create something special to keep or gift, with sessions including:
- Christmas tree decoration making
- Ceramic Christmas plates
- Christmas lanterns (house or tree design)
- Ceramic platters
- Paint-your-own Christmas baubles (with optional names)
- Paint-your-own mugs (festive or any design you like)
With a range of projects to suit kids, adults and families, it’s a great way to dive into some creative Christmas fun. Visit the studio’s Christmas page for full details and session times.
A festive afternoon of wagging tails, cute snaps and Christmas cheer for you and your four-legged friends. Image: Coledale RSL.
Santa Paws
When: Sunday 7 December, noon to 3 pm
Where: Coledale RSL, 731 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale
Cost: Free entry.
Santa Paws is coming to Coledale RSL, offering a fun chance to snap a festive Santa photo with your pooch. Santa will be making a special appearance between 1 and 2 pm, so be sure to arrive early. The day includes Christmas goodie bags for the first 20 dogs, doggie Christmas stalls, and a “Guess the Treats” competition with a chance to win the entire jar. Country Companions Rescue will also be on-site with adorable pups looking for their forever homes.
Bring the family and ring in the festive season the Bally way. Image: Balgownie Hotel.
Family Fun Day
When: Sunday 7 December, noon to 4 pm
Where: Balgownie Hotel, 141 Balgownie Road, Balgownie
Cost: Free entry.
Balgownie Hotel is starting the festive season early with an afternoon of Christmas fun for the whole family. Enjoy live music that sets the merry mood while the kids get creative at the DIY Christmas Decoration Station — a great spot for making keepsakes to take home. It’s a relaxed, cheerful way to celebrate the season, spend time together and soak up the early Christmas magic at Bally.
This is a relaxed and joyful way to celebrate the season with a little hands-on festive crafting. Image: Georgia Rose.
Paint n Graze – Christmas Bauble Decorating Afternoon at Georgia Rose
When: Sunday 7 December, 3 to 5:30 pm
Where: Georgia Rose, 1/9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove
Cost: $69 | Book via TryBooking.
Get into the Christmas spirit with an afternoon of creative fun. Each guest receives six baubles to decorate using a mix of paints, pens, ribbons, stickers, embellishments and plenty of glitter glue. Whether you prefer elegant designs, quirky creations or all-out sparkle, it’s the perfect chance to let your imagination shine. A glass of wine on arrival and savoury snacks are included, along with six Christmas gift bags to take your finished baubles home.
Thursday
Step into a festive adventure with The Ultimate Christmas Movie Mystery, an interactive experience celebrating the magic of Christmas films. Image: Cin Cin Wine Bar.
The Ultimate Christmas Movie Mystery
When: Thursday 11 December, 6 to 9 pm
Where: Cin Cin Wine Bar, 10 Tingira Crescent, Kiama
Cost: $45 | Book via eventbrite.
This lively, fast-paced event blends nostalgia, playful challenges, unexpected twists and irresistibly cute moments, as beloved characters from holiday classics collide and create all-new magical scenes. Tickets include a drink on arrival along with a fully guided, immersive experience lasting about two to 2.5 hours. Suitable for adults and children, it’s the perfect way for families to enjoy the Christmas spirit together. Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase at the bar throughout the evening.
