What's On December 2023 / January 2024

Christmas Lights Spectacular. Image Source: Hunter Valley Gardens.

NOW - SUNDAY 28 JANUARY

• Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens

Christmas in the Hunter Valley means one thing for locals and visitors alike - the largest light display in the Southern Hemisphere! Step into a bright world filled with lights while you create lasting memories with friends and family. With over 4 million Christmas lights on display, entertainment, rides, food, and more, it’s the perfect outing for all! For more information or to book tickets, visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au

• Newcastle True Crime Tour at Newcastle

If you’re curious about Newcastle’s hidden past, why not enjoy a tour and journey through to the city's murky, dangerous past? Take a walk on the wild side this summer! For more information or to book tickets, visit www.darkstories.com.au

SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER

• Christmas Under the Stars at King Edward Park

Newcastle Permanent presents Christmas Under the Stars, a free family event that will feature a performance of carols before an outdoor screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Bring your festive cheer, pack a picnic, and join the fun evening of festivities! For more information, visit www.newcastlepermanent.com.au/community

• Wildest Dreams | The Music of Taylor Swift Orchestrated at Civic Theatre

Wildest Dreams is a 24-piece symphony orchestral tribute to Taylor Swift that will perform all her greatest hits! You don’t want to miss this magical night. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER

• Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run & Family Day at Connolly Park

The Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run is a community event designed to donate gifts and raise funds for The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. Ten thousand motorbikes will hit the road from Stockton, led by Santa’s Sleigh to Connolly Park where activities such as face painting, rides, market stalls, and more will be on offer. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

• My Kids Market at Newcastle Entertainment Centre

My Kids Market is the place to buy, sell, and recycle preloved kids and babies’ items! Host a stall and earn some extra cash or go along as a shopper to grab a bargain. For more information, visit www.nec.net.au

FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER

• Deck the City Halls at City Hall

Newcastle Pro Wrestling presents Deck the City Halls 2023, an exciting event that will turn the town on its head. Featuring championship matches, tag teams, women’s wrestling and more, you’re guaranteed to have a great time! For more information or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

• Dashville Christmas Weekender at Dashville

Dashville is hosting a fun weekend (from Fri 8 to Sun 10 Dec) in the lead-up to Christmas - perfect for family gatherings! The event promises to be full of fun times, live music, markets, portraits, and picnic vibes. It’s sure to be a fun event for everyone. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.dashville.com.au

• Friday Night Feast at The Station

Friday Night Feast is returning for the warmer months. This family-friendly street feast will host a range of food vendors, market stalls, live music and entertainment, kids activities, and a new drink bar! (Friday Night Feast is also on Fri 12 Jan.) For more information, visit www.fridaynightfeast.com.au

SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER

• A Merry Little Christmas at The Levee

A Merry Little Christmas is a small fair event with a range of stalls from across the region. There will also be food, drinks, activities, and more on offer. For more information, visit www.thelevee.com.au

• Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point Park

Lake Mac Carols is back with a spectacular evening of Christmas entertainment. The free event will host kid’s activities, food trucks, and main-stage entertainment. For more information, visit www.lakemac.com.au

FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER

• On the Edge Exhibition at Belmont Library

Newcastle Creative Embroiderers and Textile Artists (NCEATA) brings textile artists of all skill levels from all over the Hunter region together to share, learn and network. The On The Edge exhibition of NCEATA member works presents a feast of outcomes while working with needle, thread, yarn and fabric. Short textile taster workshops will also be available for ages 8 and up. Works will be for sale; entry is free and open during library hours, from Fri 15 Dec to Sat 27 Jan. For more information, visit www.nceata.org/exhibitions

SUNDAY 17 DECEMBER

• Lambton Park Carols at Lambton Park

Celebrate Christmas with your community at this family-friendly event while enjoying a picnic and singing along to your favourite carols. Alongside the carols, there will also be a Christmas carnival that will conclude the evening with a fireworks display. For more info, visit www.lambtoncarols.com.au

TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER

• The Nutcracker at Civic Theatre

The Ballet International Gala presents The Nutcracker, a ballet performance that will take you on a journey through a winter wonderland at Christmas time. Make this Christmas magical with a show that will leave you with memories to treasure. For more info or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER

• 150 Years Under Lock and Key Guided Night Tour at Maitland Gaol

Enjoy a 90-minute tour of Maitland Gaol as you discover a range of stories of prisoners and their treatment. Immerse yourself in the history of Australia's oldest continually operating prison. Tours will run from Thurs 21 Dec to Sun 28 Jan. For more info or to book tickets, visit www.maitlandgaol.com.au

MONDAY 25 DECEMBER

• Christmas Day Lunch at Roundhouse

Roundhouse is hosting a Christmas Day lunch, with a range of buffet options on offer and a two-hour beverage package! For more info or to book tickets, visit www.crystalbrookcollection.com

SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER

• NYE Cruise at Newcastle Foreshore

If you want to avoid the crowds this New Year’s Eve, secure a ticket for the NYE Cruise to end the year with a night you won’t forget. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.novacruises.com.au

SUNDAY 7 JANUARY

• Free Art Sunday at Maitland Regional Art Gallery

Maitland Regional Art Gallery is hosting art sessions every Sunday from 7 January, designed for kids of all ages to embrace their creativity. Now a drop-in session, each activity takes around half an hour and all materials are provided. For more information, visit www.mrag.org.au

FRIDAY 12 JANUARY

• The Rocky Horror Show at Civic Theatre

The iconic Rocky Horror Show by Richard O’Brien is coming to Newcastle to thrill audiences with an amazing production. Start your 2024 off with an exciting show that will keep you on the edge of your seats. The show will run from Fri 12 Jan to Sun 4 Feb. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

SATURDAY 13 JANUARY

• 2024 Australian Deaf Games at NEX

The 2024 Australian Deaf Games has the theme of ‘Achieving Together’ and will include up to 20 sports for individuals to participate in. For more information or to register, visit www.thenex.com.au

• Mayfield Arts Trail at Mayfield

Mayfield Arts Trail is returning to bring attendees an immersive experience designed to embrace their creativeness. With mural paintings, music, market stalls, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For more information, visit www.huntereventsnsw.com.au

MONDAY 15 - FRIDAY 19 JANUARY

• Newcastle Summer Dance Intensive at National College of Dance

The Summer Dance Intensive is designed to elevate skills and ignite creativity through five days of workshops and classes with a world-class faculty. For more info or to book tickets, visit www.nationalcollegeofdance.com

SATURDAY 20 JANUARY

• Newcastle Comedy Showcase with Nick Cody at The Playhouse

Nick Cody is an easy-going comedian that ensures a great night for all at his live shows. Don’t miss it! For more information or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

FRIDAY 26 - SUNDAY 28 JANUARY

• Newcastle Beach 5s Australia Day & Weekend Festival 2024 at Nobbys Beach

Beach 5s is a competition based on rules of union, touch, and league, the only difference is that it is held on the sand. Register a team or go along to cheer from the sidelines. For more info, visit www.beachrugbyaustralia.com.au

SUNDAY 28 JANUARY

• Hunter Wedding Expo at NEX

If you are planning an upcoming wedding, this is the event for you! Explore and meet the region's wedding professionals in one place, and organise your special day with ease. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.trybooking.com