See the festive season in Wollongong from a new perspective. Our guide highlights all the key holiday events. Whether you're a Wollongong regular or a one-time guest, this guide maximizes your holiday enjoyment.
One must-visit event is the Wollongong Christmas Carols, which bring the community together with enchanting songs and joyful vibes. Adding to the festive fun is the Santa Claus Pub Crawl, where participants dress as Santa and enjoy the city's lively nightlife. And the Coledale Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its unique crafts and local treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Wollongong
- Wollongong Christmas Carols
- Santa Claus Pub Crawl
- Christmas at the Belmore Basin
- Christmas Lights Tour
Wollongong Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Guided tour of elaborately decorated homes
Description:
Wollongong's Christmas Lights Tour illuminates the city's most festive neighborhoods. A knowledgeable guide leads visitors through streets adorned with elaborate light displays, sharing stories of local holiday traditions. The tour includes a stop at the historic Wollongong Lighthouse, specially decorated for the season. Visitors can vote for their favorite display, continuing a friendly neighborhood competition that began in the 1950s. This tour offers a unique perspective on Wollongong's community spirit and creativity during the holiday season.
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Wollongong Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Wollongong Christmas Carols
What to Expect:
Community-led carol singing with local choirs
Description:
Wollongong's Christmas Carols transform the city into a melodious haven. Local choirs and community groups lead the singing, creating a powerful chorus that echoes through the streets. You can join in with traditional Australian carols, including "Six White Boomers." The event honors Wollongong's rich musical heritage, dating back to the early 20th century when coal miners formed choral societies. Bring a picnic blanket and immerse yourself in the harmonious atmosphere as the sun sets over the Illawarra coastline.
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Wollongong Other Holiday Activities
Santa Claus Pub Crawl
What to Expect:
Charity fundraiser with costumed participants
Description:
Wollongong's Santa Claus Pub Crawl injects a spirited twist into holiday celebrations. Thousands of revelers don Santa suits, transforming the city's streets into a sea of red and white. This unique event raises funds for local charities, continuing a tradition that began in 1993 with just 20 participants. As you traverse the city's pubs, you'll encounter live music and themed drink specials. The crawl showcases Wollongong's vibrant nightlife while fostering a sense of community and goodwill.
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Christmas at the Belmore Basin
What to Expect:
Historical harbor setting with maritime-themed decorations
Description:
Christmas at the Belmore Basin brings holiday spirit to Wollongong's historic harbor. Maritime-themed decorations adorn the area, paying homage to the city's seafaring past. The event features a towering Christmas tree made entirely of lobster pots, a nod to the local fishing industry. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Breakwater Lighthouse, decorated for the season. The celebration highlights the Basin's significance as a key port since the 1860s, blending history with holiday cheer in a uniquely coastal setting.
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Christmas at the Belmore Basin
Nearby Events
Coledale Christmas Market (Coledale)
What to Expect:
Beachside market with locally-made gifts
Description:
Coledale Christmas Market brings holiday cheer to the seaside. Set against the backdrop of crashing waves, this market showcases the talents of local artisans and craftspeople. Visitors can browse handmade jewelry, artwork, and gourmet treats while enjoying the salty sea breeze. The market reflects Coledale's history as a coal mining village, with many vendors drawing inspiration from the area's industrial past. Sample locally-produced honey and jams as you explore the stalls, each offering unique gifts that capture the essence of coastal living.
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Kiama Farmers' Market Christmas Edition (Kiama)
What to Expect:
Farm-fresh produce and artisanal goods with a holiday twist
Description:
Kiama Farmers' Market Christmas Edition elevates the traditional market experience with a festive flair. Local farmers and producers offer seasonal delights, from plump cherries to aromatic herbs perfect for holiday cooking. The market celebrates Kiama's agricultural heritage, which dates back to the early 19th century. Visitors can taste artisanal cheeses and locally-brewed craft beers while listening to live acoustic performances. This event captures the essence of an Australian summer Christmas, blending fresh produce with holiday cheer.
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Kiama Farmers' Market Christmas Edition
Bulli Christmas Market (Bulli)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly market with upcycled and sustainable gifts
Description:
Bulli Christmas Market champions sustainability with its eco-friendly approach to holiday shopping. Vendors offer upcycled gifts, zero-waste products, and locally-made sustainable goods. The market takes place in the historic Bulli Showground, a site that has hosted community events since 1899. Visitors can participate in workshops on eco-friendly gift wrapping and sustainable decorating. This event reflects Bulli's commitment to environmental conservation, offering a green alternative to traditional holiday consumerism.
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Helensburgh Carols by Candlelight (Helensburgh)
What to Expect:
Intimate candlelit carol service in a bush setting
Description:
Helensburgh Carols by Candlelight offers an intimate holiday experience in a serene bush setting. As dusk falls, hundreds of candles illuminate the gathering, creating a warm glow against the backdrop of eucalyptus trees. The event pays tribute to Helensburgh's mining heritage, with traditional carols sung alongside songs that celebrate the town's history. Visitors can join in a community lantern-making workshop before the carols begin. This unique celebration combines nature, history, and music for a truly Australian Christmas experience.
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Helensburgh Carols by Candlelight
Port Kembla Christmas Parade (Port Kembla)
What to Expect:
Industrial-themed parade celebrating local heritage
Description:
Port Kembla Christmas Parade marches through the streets with an industrial flair. Floats decorated with steelwork and maritime themes pay homage to the town's rich industrial history. Local steelworkers and port employees participate, showcasing the community's pride in its working-class roots. The parade culminates in a street party featuring live performances by local musicians. Visitors can sample traditional multicultural holiday foods, reflecting Port Kembla's diverse population. This event uniquely blends holiday cheer with industrial heritage.
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Austinmer Christmas Fair (Austinmer)
What to Expect:
Beachside fair with surfing Santa and ocean-themed activities
Description:
Austinmer Christmas Fair brings holiday cheer to the beach. A surfing Santa arrives on the waves, kicking off a day of ocean-themed festivities. The fair celebrates Austinmer's history as a popular seaside resort since the early 1900s. Visitors can participate in sandcastle-building competitions or try their hand at beach volleyball. Local artists showcase their work, much of it inspired by the coastal landscape. This event captures the essence of an Australian summer Christmas, where sun, sand, and sea meet holiday traditions.
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Dapto Christmas Carols (Dapto)
What to Expect:
Drive-in carol service with vintage car display
Description:
Dapto Christmas Carols reinvents tradition with a unique drive-in experience. Attendees tune their car radios to a special frequency to hear the carols, creating a personal concert space. A display of vintage cars, decorated for the holidays, pays homage to Dapto's automotive history and its famous greyhound racing track. Visitors can enjoy a picnic from their vehicles while watching performances on a large screen. This innovative event combines nostalgia with modern convenience, offering a fresh take on holiday celebrations.
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Corrimal Christmas Expo (Corrimal)
What to Expect:
Multicultural Christmas traditions showcase
Description:
Corrimal Christmas Expo celebrates the diversity of holiday traditions. Booths representing different cultures showcase their unique Christmas customs, foods, and decorations. The event honors Corrimal's history as a melting pot of cultures, influenced by waves of immigration since the mid-20th century. Visitors can learn to make traditional Greek Christmas cookies or participate in a Filipino parol-making workshop. This expo offers a global perspective on Christmas, fostering cultural understanding and community spirit.
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Warrawong Community Christmas Lunch (Warrawong)
What to Expect:
Inclusive community meal with international cuisine
Description:
Warrawong Community Christmas Lunch brings together people from all walks of life for a shared meal. The event features an array of international dishes, reflecting the area's diverse population. Volunteers serve meals and provide entertainment, embodying the spirit of community that has defined Warrawong since its establishment. Visitors can contribute by bringing a dish to share or helping with setup. This lunch breaks down social barriers and ensures that no one spends the holiday alone, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.
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Warrawong Community Christmas Lunch
Gerringong Christmas Fair (Gerringong)
What to Expect:
Artisanal fair showcasing local wine and cheese
Description:
Gerringong Christmas Fair celebrates the region's gourmet offerings. Local wineries and cheese producers take center stage, offering tastings of their finest products. The fair pays homage to Gerringong's agricultural heritage, which dates back to the early 19th century. Visitors can participate in wine and cheese pairing workshops or watch demonstrations by local chefs. Artisanal crafts and locally-made gifts round out the offerings, creating a sophisticated holiday shopping experience that captures the essence of this coastal town.
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Thirroul Christmas Lights Walk (Thirroul)
What to Expect:
Self-guided beachside walk with illuminated art installations
Description:
Thirroul Christmas Lights Walk combines art, nature, and holiday cheer. A self-guided path along the beach features illuminated art installations created by local artists. The walk celebrates Thirroul's artistic heritage, made famous by D.H. Lawrence's novel "Kangaroo." Visitors can interact with some of the light displays, creating their own colorful patterns. The sound of waves provides a soothing backdrop to the twinkling lights, offering a uniquely Australian Christmas experience that blends coastal beauty with artistic expression.
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Thirroul Christmas Lights Walk