Get ready to lift your voice, feel the festive energy, and experience the Illawarra at its most magical this Christmas. Photo: Imgorthand.
The Illawarra is buzzing with festive cheer as the holiday season kicks into full swing, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by joining in the magic of Christmas carols. From good old-fashioned, no frills carols by candlelights to fullblown community events, locals are invited to come together to sing, laugh and soak up the twinkling lights and joyful atmosphere that make this time of year so special.
Whether you’re a family looking for a night of fun, a couple seeking some seasonal atmosphere or simply someone who loves the sound of carols drifting through the air, the region’s carol events promise an evening of music, merriment and community spirit.
This community event is the perfect way to ease into the season, unwind with loved ones and share in the spirit of Christmas. Image: The Works Corrimal.
Corrimal Community Carols
When: Friday 5 December, 5 to 8:45 pm
Where: Ziems Park, Short Street, Corrimal
Cost: Free | Book via Humanitix.
This alcohol-free community event promises a sparkling evening of Christmas cheer, inviting families and friends to gather for music, laughter and a touch of holiday magic. Sponsored by The Works Corrimal, visitors can enjoy lively performances, browse community stalls and sample delicious treats from local food trucks. The big man in red himself will make a merry appearance at 8:30 pm.
The much-loved Combined Churches Carols in the Burgh returns with an uplifting evening of Christmas spirit, community celebration and family entertainment. Image: Combined Churches Carols in the Burgh Facebook.
Combined Churches – Carols in the Burgh
When: Saturday 6 December, 6 to 8:30 pm
Where: Helensburgh Park / Rex Jackson Oval, 1 Cowper Street, Helensburgh
Cost: Free.
This year’s carols event from Helensburgh’s combined churches offers family entertainment, food stalls, backyard games, community displays and carols kicking off at 7 pm, with live music and special guests. This year also marks an exciting new milestone with the Helensburgh Public School choir and drumming group performing for the first time, adding fresh energy and showcasing local young talent.
The night concludes with a spectacular fireworks finale at 8:30 pm.
Bulli Anglican Church hosts this not-to-be-missed carols and markets combo. Image: Bulli Anglican Church.
Carols & Markets
When: Sunday 7 December, 4 pm
Where: Bulli Anglican Church, 66 Park Road, Bulli
Cost: Free entry.
The much-loved Carols and Markets are back, bringing a full afternoon and evening of festive fun for families. From 4 pm, visitors can wander through a charming selection of stalls filled with handmade gifts, pottery, plants, cakes, crafts, Christian books and more — perfect for finding something special before Christmas.
Dinner is covered too, with pizza, a barbecue and other tasty options ready to enjoy before everyone settles in on their picnic rugs for the evening program. From 6:30 pm, the community can look forward to a children’s play, lively entertainment and plenty of opportunities to sing along to favourite Christmas carols. The festivities wrap up around 8 pm, leaving everyone with a warm dose of Christmas cheer. This is a family-friendly celebration, so attendees are asked to keep it alcohol free.
Warm, welcoming and full of festive cheer, it’s the perfect chance to celebrate the hope of Christmas with friends, neighbours and loved ones. Image: Village Church Bulli.
Carols on the Court
When: Sunday 7 December, 4 to 7 pm
Where: Village Church Bulli, 253 Princes Highway, Bulli
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Carols on the Court returns for its third year at PCYC Bulli, bringing the community together for an uplifting night of music, joy and Christmas spirit. Families can settle in with a picnic blanket and enjoy traditional carols backed by a live band, kids’ activities, a short Christmas message and plenty of delicious food — from grazing options to a barbecue dinner.
This community event is presented by Albion Park Anglican Church in partnership with Stockland Calderwood Valley. Image: Albion Park Anglican Church.
Calderwood Christmas
When: Sunday 7 December, 4:30 pm
Where: Calderwood Family District Park, corner Escarpment Drive and Bartlett Crescent, Calderwood
Cost: Free.
Calderwood is set to shine on this evening of festive family fun. Families are encouraged to pack a rug, rally their friends and pop on a Christmas hat before settling in for a cheerful night of celebrations. The festivities begin at 4:30 pm with family activities for all ages, followed by Christmas carols from 6 pm. The evening will feature heartfelt performances from All Saints Preschool, the Tullimbar Public School Choir and Calderwood Christian School — perfect for sparking that warm Christmas spirit and bringing neighbours together.
The spirit of Christmas is alive at Woonona Baptist Church. Photo: RomoloTavani.
Carols on the Grass
When: Sunday 7 December, 5:30 pm
Where: Woonona Baptist Church, 477 Princes Highway, Woonona
Cost: Free.
For those looking for a more low-key carols experience for the whole family, Woonona Baptist Church holds “Carols on the Grass”. Grab a picnic blanket and prepare for a relaxed but joyous evening of food, fun and of course, singing. This is a community-focused event, so grab your neighbours and friends — the more the merrier.
A festive evening of music, community spirit and Christmas cheer as Jamberoo comes together for its carols under the stars. Image: Kiama Jamberoo Uniting Church.
Jamberoo Carols in the Park
When: Tuesday 9 December, 6 pm
Where: Reid Park, Allowrie Street, Jamberoo
Cost: Free entry.
Hosted by the Jamberoo Combined Churches and supported by Red Cross and RFS, this is a good old-fashioned community carols event. Grab a rug, bring a picnic, or buy some sausage sandwiches, purchase a glow stick and settle in for live music. Enjoy the vocal stylings of the Illawarra Seniors Band, Jamberoo Public School and SingSpace Vocal Ensemble.
Here’s a night to share smiles, make memories and celebrate the spirit of Christmas together. Photo: andresr.
Kiama Community Christmas Carols
When: Wednesday 10 December
Where: Hindmarsh Park, 92 Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
Experience the wonder of Christmas at Kiama’s community carols, where families and friends gather for an evening of music, merriment and festive cheer. Under the starry sky, local school choirs, singers and musicians will fill the air with joyful carols, spreading the magic of the season. Bring a picnic blanket or camp chair, enjoy a sizzling sausage, grab a glow stick and sing along to your favourite Christmas classics.
Bring your friends and family to this magical evening of music and merriment. Image: Wollongong City Council.
Carols in MacCabe Park
When: Thursday 11 December, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: MacCabe Park, Church Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
The Wollongong Conservatorium of Music will lead this special night, joined by the Wollongong City Brass Band, Hummingbirds, Children’s and Youth Choir, Southern Brothers Choir and Street Beatz.
Damien Leith will MC the event and also take to the stage to perform. Festivities kick off at 6:30 pm with face painting, food, and roving entertainment, while stage performances begin at 7 pm. Stay until the end for a special visit from Santa Claus — perfect for capturing festive memories.
Bring your family and friends to celebrate a night of music, laughter and holiday magic. Image: Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour Carols by Candlelight 2025
When: Friday 12 December, 5 to 9 pm
Where: Croom Regional Sporting Complex, Croome Road, Croom
Cost: Free.
Shellharbour’s Carols By Candlelight is a biggie. Hosted by i98 FM’s Bella and Christian, the evening will be filled with classic Christmas music, festive treats and unique goodies for the whole family. Pre-show activities and market stalls open at 5 pm, with the main event starting at 6 pm. Enjoy delicious seasonal fare from handpicked food vendors and browse for last-minute stocking stuffers.
This Christmas carols event is the perfect way to mark the beginning of the festive season. Image: Figtree Anglican Church.
Figtree Community Carols
When: Saturday 13 December, 5:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Figtree Anglican Church, 4-10 Gibsons Road, Figtree
Cost: Free entry.
Join special guest artists and local performers for a magical evening of your favourite Christmas carols, ending with a spectacular fireworks display (weather permitting). The night kicks off with free face painting and activities for the little ones, plus carnival rides, market stalls, food vendors and a barbecue to keep everyone in the festive spirit. Bring your family and friends and celebrate the joy of the Christmas season together.
Spread the word — the more, the merrier at this beloved community event in the northern suburbs. Image: Austinmer and Thirroul Anglican Church.
Austi Carols
When: Sunday 14 December, 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: Austinmer Beach, Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Austinmer
Cost: Free.
Save the date and bring your crew, a blanket and an esky for the annual Austi Carols by the Sea, a much-loved community tradition. This beloved, family-friendly event welcomes everyone to enjoy a good old-fashioned evening of Christmas carols by the water. With a warm, festive atmosphere, it’s the perfect opportunity to sing along with friends and neighbours, soak up the holiday spirit, and celebrate the season together.
Get into the festive spirit with Christmas On The Greens at Gerringong Bowlo. Image: Gerringong Bowlo.
Christmas on the Greens
When: Saturday 20 December, 4 to 7 pm
Where: Gerringog Bowlo, Pacific Avenue, Werri Beach
Cost: Free.
This family-friendly event is packed with fun for all ages, featuring free live music, a sausage sizzle hosted by the Gerringong Breakers and a special visit from Santa himself. Entry is free – bring the whole family, sing along to your favourite carols and celebrate the season together.
Celebrate the season with a festive evening of joy, carols and community spirit at The Woolshed Carols. Image: Lighthouse.
Home for Christmas: Woolshed Carols
When: Sunday 21 December, 5 and 7 pm
Where: Woolshed Kitchen by Fine Spun, 601 Princes Highway, Yallah
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Bring the whole family and experience the magic of Christmas at this community event. Expect a special visit from Santa, face painting for the kids, delicious food available for purchase and carols to fill the night with festive cheer.
There are two identical sessions to choose from — 5 pm or 7 pm — so pick the time that suits your family best. This is a free community event, but spaces are limited, so grab your tickets early and enjoy a heartwarming evening celebrating what it means to be home for Christmas.
