What's On Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter | December 2024 - January 2025
Get intouch with what's on this festive season in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter...
FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER – SUNDAY 26 JANUARY
Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens
Experience enchanting displays of millions of sparkling lights across five hectares of gardens. This much-loved family event brings the spirit of Christmas to children (and adults) of all ages and is held at the Hunter Valley Gardens. A world of wonder awaits; secure your tickets by visiting www.huntervalleygardens.com.au.
WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER – SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER
Shakespeare Under the Stars at Pacific Park
Whale Chorus is thrilled to present the third season of summer Shakespeare Under the
Stars with Shakespeare's comedy ‘Twelfth Night’ at Newcastle’s Pacific Park. Following last year's sold-out success, this December's event will expand to accommodate larger local and visiting audiences. The popular park will be transformed into a round theatre, where a local professional theatre company will stage the classic comedy with a modern flair, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. For more information, visit www.whalechorus.com.
SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER
The Run Port Stephens at Nelsons Bay
Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and stunning scenery, The Run Port Stephens returns for another year. Whether you're out to crack a new PB or just in it for the fun, the flat shores of Nelson Bay are calling your name! With a distance for the whole family, immerse yourself in a run to remember; choose from a full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, or 2km. Rally the family, choose your distance and get amongst the fun! For more info, visit www.raceroster.com.
SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER
Bjorn Again - The Waterloo Anniversary Tour at PACC
Join Bjorn Again as they celebrate ABBA's iconic Eurovision victory from 1974! This electrifying tribute band lets you unleash your inner Dancing Queen or Super Trouper for a night filled with nostalgia and non-stop fun! The stage will dazzle with vibrant lights, stunning costumes, and an infectious energy that will have you grooving like you’re at an ABBA concert! For more information, visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER
Hunter IDPWD Community Fun Day at Cessnock PCYC
You are invited to join in a day of fun, connection and celebration of people with disability and our inclusive Hunter community. The event is proudly co-designed with people with disability as well as local disability employment, NDIS and allied health providers. It offers a unique opportunity for everyone to gather and enjoy live entertainment, games, interactive sessions, stalls, food and prizes in an inclusive setting. For more info, visit www.events.humanitix.com.
FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER
Lewis Garnham, ‘Choosing The Wrong Story To Tell’ at Newcastle Comedy Club
Humans have started developing a genetically modified onion that doesn’t make you cry when you cut it. In our search for ultimate convenience, constant comfort, and a total absence of pain, we’ve started doing weird stuff. In his first regional tour, join multiaward nominee and 2024 Moosehead Award recipient Lewis Garnham as he tries to make sense of the world (and himself) through an hour of stories, observations and pondering. For more information or to get tickets, visit
FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER
CR4K Christmas Movie Night at Lydon Oval
Grab your picnic rug or bean bag, and enjoy delicious treats from DashTheHound Cafe - including snow cones, popcorn, ice cream, BBQ, and more while you sit back and enjoy an evening movie under the stars! The movie kicks off at 8 PM, but don’t be late! Bring your best moves and join the fun at the disco, and Santa Claus is set to visit before the film starts rolling. This event is a charity-run event supporting families battling childhood cancer. For more information or to purchase tickets and/or donate, visit www.charliesr4k.com.
SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER
Kids’ Christmas Disco at Mayfield West Bowling Club
Get ready for the magical Kids' Christmas Disco, providing a festive evening filled with music from DJ Jingle Beats. Wear your best holiday attire and bring your little elves for a fun time! Perfect for kids of all ages, join the merriment! For more information, visit www.mayfieldbc.net.
SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER
National College of Dance 50th Anniversary Gala at Civic Theatre
The National College of Dance is celebrating its 50th Anniversary Gala, marking five decades of dance excellence. The Gala will honour the college's history and its impact on the arts, highlighting alumni who now perform globally and showcasing performances by both current and former students. Hosted by actress Chloe Bayliss, the gala will also feature special
appearances by Artistic Directors Marie Walton Mahon OAM and Brett Morgan OAM, recognising their pivotal role in the college's legacy. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER
HARK! Christmas in the Park at Newcastle Civic Park
Uncover a festive celebration featuring live local music, carols, theatre, food stalls, and fun activities like face painting and camel rides for the kids. Kicking off at 4 o'clock, listen to local musicians and browse the food stalls and trucks, but stay for the main event at 7 pm with carols and family-friendly theatre. For more information, visit the Facebook Event Page.
WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER
The Wiggles at Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! This interactive experience, inspired by their hit YouTube series, is packed with beloved songs like “Hot Potato” and features all eight Wiggles, plus special friends and a visit from the Great Big Man in Red! Perfect for all ages, especially the kids! For more information, visit www.nec.net.au.
SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER
Two Door Cinema Club & Declan McKenna at Bar on the Hill
Prepare for the collaboration of the year! The ultimate night of live music is coming to Newcastle, with Two Door Cinema Club, and Declan Mckenna co-headlining a tour of Australia for the very first time! Dance to old favourites such as ‘Brazil’ by McKenna, ‘What You Know’ and ‘Undercover Martin’ by Two Door Cinema Club. Make the most of live music this summer; get your tickets now! For more info, visit www.livenation.com.au.
SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER
Lambton Park Carols at Lambton Park
Enjoy local food trucks, fun activities such as amusement rides and a jumping castle, and live performances of your favourite Christmas carols. The celebration begins with the fair and is followed by the carols, but the best event of the evening comes right at the end! The night concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at 9! Bring your friends and
family for a night of Christmas cheer. For more information, visit the event Facebook Page.
SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER
Carols by the Lake at Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay
Carols by the Lake is back and promises to be bigger and better than ever! Sing along to your favourite carols in a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere with stunning views of Lake Macquarie. Enjoy local community stalls, free kids’ activities, a sausage sizzle, food trucks, and more. For more info, visit www.newvinelakes.com.au.
WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER
Christmas Day Lunch at Shoal Bay Country Club
Remove the stress of preparing a feast this Christmas Day and focus on spending the day with the ones you love! Bask in the sunshine, take in the waterfront views and enjoy great company at Shoal Bay Country Club. Choose from three incredible options: either a Greek feast in Atmos, a seafood banquet on the Patio or a seafood buffet in Whitesands. It’s
time to sit back, relax and book now! For more info, visit www.shoalbaycountryclub.com.au.
TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER
NYE Featuring The Viper Creek Band at Huntlee Tavern
Ring in the new year with The Viper Creek Band in true Huntlee fashion! Dine in before the show, and then make your way to the dancefloor to party with the iconic Australian country-rock band for a night to remember. The fun doesn’t end there; dance the night away with DJs until 2PM! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.huntleetavern.com.au.
TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER
Maitland New Year’s Eve at The Levee
Ring in 2024 along the charming banks of the Hunter River this New Year’s Eve. This family-friendly celebration offers something for everyone, featuring free entertainment, live music, fireworks and a variety of delicious food and dessert trucks and stalls. Don’t miss this memorable start to the new year! For more info, visit www.maitlandevents.com.au.
FRIDAY 10 JANUARY
Jimeoin’s Pandemonium at Belmont 16’s
A night spent with this comedy legend is not only funny but also full of handy tips. Jimeoin will teach you how to make your bed with minimal effort, how to prank your partner and get away with it and how to talk dirty in a nice way…. You’ll come out the other side having laughed yourself stupid and maybe with a life hack or two. For more info, visit 16s.com.au.
SATURDAY 18 JANUARY
Operation Ouch Live on Stage! at Civic Theatre
Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand return to Australia with "Quest for the Jurassic Fart!" Packed with wild experiments, this show will take you back to the age of dinosaurs, blending science with laughs and a bit of gross-out fun. It’s the perfect school holiday activity, perfect for all ages! For more information, visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
SATURDAY 25 JANUARY
The Script ‘Satellites World Tour’ at Bimbadgen Estate
Dublin four-piece The Script are set to return to our shores this Summer for their first shows in Australia since 2022’s Greatest Hits tour! Enjoy the sounds of their new album and greatest hits while sitting on the hill sipping on some of the Hunter Valley’s greatest wines and snacking on many tasty food options. For more information, visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au.
SATURDAY 25 – SUNDAY 26 JANUARY
Beach 5s Australia Day Weekend Festival at Nobbys Beach
Beach 5s offers an inclusive and fun summer sport that combines Rugby Union and Rugby League on the sand for a weekend of fun! Designed to bring fun and excitement to players and spectators in the warmer months of the year while celebrating the beach culture of our country, you don’t want to miss out. For more information, visit www.beach5s.com.au.
%20(6%20sec)_gif.gif)
