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Lake Macquarie transforms into a festive wonderland each December, offering families and visitors countless ways to celebrate the holiday season. From traditional carol nights under the stars to unique markets featuring local artisans, the area surrounding Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake provides something special for everyone during the Christmas period.

The region hosts major events like the Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point Park, intimate community gatherings at various lakeside locations, and Christmas markets where you can find handcrafted gifts from local creators. Whether you’re looking for free entertainment, unique shopping experiences, or ways to give back to the community, Lake Macquarie delivers a genuine Australian Christmas celebration.

We’ve gathered all the essential information about this year’s Christmas events in Lake Macquarie to help you plan your festive season. From booking parking at popular venues to discovering hidden gem events across the lake’s eastern and western shores, this guide covers everything you need to make the most of Christmas 2025 in Lake Mac.

Key Takeaways

• Lake Macquarie offers multiple Christmas carol events, markets, and entertainment options throughout December for families and visitors
• You can support local artists and producers through Christmas markets and exhibitions while finding unique gifts for loved ones
• The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal provides opportunities to help community members in need during the holiday season

Signature Christmas Events in Lake Macquarie

Lake Macquarie hosts several major Christmas celebrations each December that bring the community together with live music, festive activities, and holiday cheer. These free events feature performances, food trucks, and visits from Santa across multiple locations around the lake.

Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point Park

Lake Mac Carols is the region’s premier Christmas celebration organised by Lake Macquarie City Council. This spectacular community event takes place at Speers Point Park and draws thousands of locals and visitors each year.

The event features a packed program of live entertainment on the main stage. We can enjoy sing-along carols, roving performers, and kids’ activities throughout the evening.

Food trucks line the park offering dinner options while families spread out picnic rugs across the lawn. Santa makes a special appearance to delight children before the night concludes. The atmosphere combines festive music with community spirit as neighbours gather to celebrate the season together.

Carols by the Lake and Wangi Lions Carols

Multiple carols events occur around Lake Macquarie’s shoreline communities during the Christmas season. These smaller gatherings offer intimate alternatives to the main Speers Point celebration.

Wangi Wangi hosts its own carols night organised by the local Lions Club. The event brings the northern lake community together with traditional Christmas songs and local performers. Toronto and other lakeside suburbs also hold their own carols gatherings.

These neighbourhood events create strong community connections. Local churches, schools, and service organisations often collaborate to present the performances and coordinate activities for families.

Twilight Christmas Festival and Fireworks

Evening Christmas festivals across Lake Macquarie combine market stalls, entertainment, and fireworks displays. These twilight events start in late afternoon and continue into the night with illuminated celebrations.

The festivals feature local artisans selling Christmas gifts and decorations. Live bands and carol singers perform throughout the evening while children enjoy carnival rides and face painting. Food vendors offer seasonal treats and festive meals.

Fireworks displays light up the lake at several locations, creating memorable finales to the evening celebrations. The combination of shopping, entertainment, and pyrotechnics makes these festivals popular with families seeking a complete Christmas experience.

The Nutcracker Remixed Performance

Professional theatre productions bring Christmas classics to Lake Macquarie stages during December. The Nutcracker and similar holiday performances offer cultured entertainment options beyond outdoor community events.

These ticketed shows feature skilled dancers, elaborate costumes, and orchestral music. Modern remixes update traditional stories whilst maintaining the festive spirit that makes them Christmas favourites. The productions typically run for multiple performances across several days.

Attending a Christmas performance provides an elegant night out during the busy holiday season. The shows suit families wanting to expose children to performing arts whilst celebrating Christmas through storytelling and dance.

Festive Family Activities and Entertainment

Lake Macquarie offers multiple ways for families to celebrate the season together. Children can meet Santa at special events, families can enjoy outdoor gatherings with festive entertainment, and live performances add excitement throughout December.

Kids’ Activities and Santa Visits

Several venues host dedicated children’s events where kids can meet Santa and participate in festive activities. The Kids Christmas Party at Pelican RSL runs from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm on 21st December 2025.

Toronto Workers Club offers a free Christmas party on 6th December starting at 11 am. Wangi Workers Club hosts their kids’ party on 13th December at 2 pm.

For younger children, Chipmunks Playland & Cafe in Belmont holds a Christmas party on 19th December from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. The Argenton Hotel provides multiple activity sessions from 14th to 23rd December, including face painting, craft activities, and Christmas movies at various times.

Picnics and Outdoor Gatherings

Families can bring blankets and enjoy outdoor community events across Lake Macquarie. Christmas Under the Stars takes place at Kind Edward Park in Newcastle on 13th December from 5 pm to 10:30 pm, perfect for a festive picnic evening.

Christmas in the Sky at Morisset Showground on 23rd December runs from 4 pm to 10 pm. These outdoor gatherings provide space for families to relax together whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Live Music and Roving Performers

Several Christmas events in Lake Macquarie feature live entertainment throughout December. The Toronto Brass Band performs “Christmas Around the World” at Rathmines Theatre on 14th December from 2 pm to 4 pm.

A Christmas Brass Concert takes place at Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre in Warners Bay on 30th November at 1:30 pm. The Charlestown Seventh-day Adventist Church hosts “Peace on Earth” on 20th December from 10 am to 12:30 pm, featuring musical performances.

These community events bring live entertainment to various locations, making it easy to find a performance near you.

Christmas Markets and Local Shopping

The Lake Macquarie region hosts several festive markets throughout December, with the main event taking place at Speers Point Park in late November. These markets feature local artisans, handmade gifts, and food vendors perfect for holiday shopping.

Speers Point Park Christmas Market

The Lake Macquarie Christmas Twilight Market takes place on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 from 5:00pm to 10:00pm at Speers Point Park. This annual event on the foreshore gives us a chance to finish our Christmas shopping in a relaxed outdoor setting.

We can browse through specialty vendors offering unique gifts, arts, crafts, homewares, baked goods, and condiments. The market includes children’s amusements to keep the little ones entertained while we shop.

Food trucks and street food vendors serve dinner options throughout the evening. The twilight timing makes it easy to visit after work or school.

Twilight and Homegrown Markets

Beyond the main Christmas market, we can find various Christmas markets throughout Newcastle and the Hunter region during December 2025. These smaller markets often feature live entertainment alongside shopping opportunities.

The Newcastle Christmas Markets run on Sunday, 14 December 2025 from 9am to 3pm. Many markets welcome families and even allow pets to join the festive experience.

Warners Bay Foreshore also hosts market events where we can support local vendors while enjoying the lakeside atmosphere.

Handmade Gifts and Artisan Products

Local markets prioritise handmade and artisan products from regional makers. We can find one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts including handcrafted jewellery, pottery, textiles, and home décor items.

Many vendors offer Australian-made products that support local businesses and craftspeople. These unique items make more meaningful gifts than mass-produced alternatives.

Specialty food items like preserves, chocolates, and baked goods from local producers are popular choices. We can also discover skincare products, candles, and other handmade goods perfect for gift-giving or treating ourselves.

Supporting the Lake Macquarie Community During Christmas

The Christmas season brings opportunities to give back through local initiatives and support neighbourhood businesses. Lake Macquarie offers several ways residents can contribute to those in need while enjoying community events and local flavours.

Food Trucks and Local Flavours

Christmas markets and events throughout Lake Macquarie feature food trucks that showcase regional tastes and support small business operators. These mobile vendors appear at gatherings like the Speers Point Christmas Market and Feast Fest Twilight Market at Blacksmiths Beach, where we can sample diverse cuisines while supporting local entrepreneurs.

The food truck scene at Christmas events around Lake Macquarie creates a festive atmosphere whilst keeping money within our community. When we purchase from these vendors, we directly support families who operate these businesses year-round. Many markets run from 9 am to 1 pm or as twilight events from 4 pm to 8 pm, giving us flexible options to enjoy local food offerings.

Initiatives by Lake Macquarie City Council

Lake Macquarie City Council coordinates major festive celebrations that bring our community together. The annual Mayor’s Christmas Appeal partners with Samaritans to support hundreds of families in need. Mayor Adam Shultz launched the appeal asking residents to donate toys, gift cards, and non-perishable food items by 12 December at any Lake Mac Libraries branch.

Council also organises Lake Mac Carols, one of the region’s biggest annual events that attracts thousands of attendees. These initiatives demonstrate how local government creates opportunities for residents to gather and celebrate whilst supporting vulnerable members of our community.

Ways to Support Local Businesses

We can make a meaningful difference by choosing local shops and services throughout December. Shopping at Christmas markets such as the Pelican Christmas Market or Made & Found Christmas Market at Webb Park connects us with local artisans and makers.

Simple ways to support local:

• Purchase gifts from Lake Macquarie retailers rather than chain stores
• Book activities like yacht charters on Lake Macquarie for Christmas gatherings
• Attend ticketed events at local venues
• Share and promote local businesses on social media

Supporting our neighbourhood economy helps ensure these businesses thrive beyond the holiday season. Every purchase keeps employment local and strengthens the connections that make Lake Macquarie special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lake Macquarie offers dozens of festive events throughout December, from markets at Speers Point Park to family parties at local clubs. Most activities take place between early December and Christmas Eve, with specific venues hosting everything from Santa visits to outdoor concerts.

What are the top family-friendly Christmas events in Lake Macquarie?

We recommend checking out the Christmas events at various Lake Macquarie venues throughout December. The Kids FREE Christmas Party at Toronto Workers Club on 6th December starts at 11 am and offers free entry for children.

Santa Cinema runs from 6th to 20th December at Event Cinemas in Glendale City Centre, with morning sessions at 9:30 am. Christmas in the Sky takes place on 23rd December at Morisset Showground from 4 pm to 10 pm.

Christmas Family Fun happens at Edgeworth Town Square from 6th to 20th December between 2 pm and 4 pm. The Kids Christmas Party at Pelican RSL on 21st December runs from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Where can I find information on Christmas markets in the area?

We’ve found several Christmas markets happening across Lake Macquarie in December. The Pelican Christmas Market takes place on 6th December at Pelican Foreshore from 9 am to 1 pm.

Speers Point Christmas Markets run on 7th and 21st December at Speers Point Park from 9 am to 1 pm. The Made & Found Christmas Market happens on 14th December at Webb Park in Redhead from 9 am to 1 pm.

Feast Fest Twilight Market occurs on 13th December at Blacksmiths Beach from 4 pm to 8 pm. The Marks Point Community Christmas Market takes place on 5th December at Marks Point Public School from 4 pm to 8 pm.

What dates are the Christmas lights displays scheduled in Lake Macquarie?

The Avenue of Trees runs from 14th to 16th December at East Lakes Salvos on Pacific Highway in Belmont. Sessions operate from 6 pm to 8 pm each evening.

We can find various Christmas light displays throughout Lake Macquarie at residential properties across the region. Many families decorate their homes throughout December, with displays typically running until Christmas Day or shortly after.

Can you recommend some outdoor Christmas activities for all ages?

Christmas Under the Stars at King Edward Park in Newcastle happens on 13th December from 5 pm to 10:30 pm. This event offers outdoor entertainment suitable for the whole family.

We suggest the Christmas in the Sky event at Morisset Showground on 23rd December from 4 pm to 10 pm for an outdoor celebration. The Avenue of Trees at East Lakes Salvos provides an outdoor light experience from 14th to 16th December.

Private yacht charters on Lake Macquarie offer a unique way to celebrate Christmas with up to 12 guests. Lake cruises and nature walks with CoastXP provide opportunities to experience the region’s natural beauty during the festive season.

Which venues will host Christmas lunches or dinners around Lake Macquarie?

Christmas at Hotel Elermore takes place on 21st December starting at 11 am. The Argenton Hotel offers Christmas-themed activities including movies, face painting, craft, and cooking from 14th to 23rd December at various times.

Local clubs and hotels across Lake Macquarie typically host Christmas functions throughout December. We recommend contacting individual venues directly for booking information and menu options.

Many restaurants and dining establishments around the lake offer special Christmas Day meals. These venues usually require advance bookings due to high demand during the festive period.

How do local communities in Lake Macquarie celebrate Christmas together?

Community celebrations include the Peace on Earth event at Charlestown Seventh-day Adventist Church on 20th December from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Gingerbread House Fun at Swansea District Baptist Church happens on 3rd December from 7 pm to 9 pm.

The Christmas Brass Concert at Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre in Warners Bay takes place on 30th November at 1:30 pm. Christmas Around the World with Toronto Brass Band occurs on 14th December at Rathmines Theatre from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Local clubs host various community events including the Christmas Toy Raffle & Disco at Edgeworth Sport & Rec Club on 30th November. The raffle starts at 1 pm, followed by a disco at 2 pm for families to enjoy together.