Lake Mac is getting in the festive spirit this year, with carols, Christmas markets and much more!
Here is what’s on in the lead-up to Christmas this year.
Sing for joy:
Coco’s Community Carols, 4 December, Valentine Public School, Valentine
Join Valentine Public School for a fabulous evening of live entertainment, music, food trucks, performances, gift stalls and, of course, a visit from Santa! This is a Valentine Public School P&C Association run community event open to all local residents and their families. Bring a picnic rug or chair and enjoy the festivities!
Carols on Dobell, 7 December, Wangi Wangi
Come and celebrate the spirit of Christmas with the Wangi Lions Carol. This free event will have performances by local bands, school groups, soloists and choirs all accompanied by the Newcastle Army Band. Enjoy a BBQ to support Arcadia Public School, a coffee truck, face painting and free jumping castle for the kids. Santa will make a special visit on a vintage fire truck!
Carols at the Podium, 7 December, Warners Bay Rotunda and Foreshore Reserve
Bring your friends, family and your picnic to share at Carols in the podium. Enjoy entertainment from 6pm and if you're lucky, you may spot Santa! There will be drinks, snacks and a sausage sizzle fundraiser.
Carols by the Lake, 13 December, Thomas H Halton Park
Join New Vine Lakes at Thomas H. Halton Park, Croudace Bay for a much-loved evening of carols, community, and festive fun featuring free kids’ activities, live music, and a sing-along. Bring a picnic or enjoy a meal from the food vendors and celebrate the season together by the lake.
Lake Mac Carols, 14 December, Speers Point Park
Bring your picnic rug, sing along to the live entertainment, enjoy a fun program of family-friendly activities, feast at the onsite food trucks and revel in the joy of the season with a special visit from Santa! There will be an Auslan Interpreter on stage for the main Carols program between 6pm – program close.
Lake Mac Carols are offering the option to purchase a pre-booked park to take the hassle out of finding a spot to leave your car. Book your parking space at Macquarie Field, (Red Car Park) within convenient walking distance of the Lake Mac Carols event for only $10 per car or $15 on the day, if not sold out prior.
Christmas around the world, 14 December, Rathmines Theatre.
Join Toronto Brass and Catalina Brass as they present a wonderful concert of Christmas classics to celebrate the season. Tickets are $20-25 with light refreshments included.
Caves Coastal’s Christmas Carols, 20 December, Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows
Caves Coastal’s Christmas Carols is a festive celebration of the holiday season, bringing together live carols, delicious holiday treats, and seasonal drinks by the beach. Enjoy a family-friendly evening with talented performers, and fun activities from 3pm.
Give a gift with meaning:
MAC yapang shop
Looking for a unique gift for your loved one for Christmas? Shop MAC stocks a range of artisan made, ethically sourced products by local and national makers, including handcrafted jewellery, glassware, ceramics, bags, cards, novelty items, textile accessories and more. Throughout December Museum of Art and Culture yapang will also be offering free gift wrapping by gold coin donation or free for purchases of over $50.
Lake Macquarie Adventures for Kids Book
Inspire your kids or family with the Lake Mac adventure book! This children’s book encourages families to get out and explore the lake and what it has to offer. Each of the book’s double-page spreads features a different part of Lake Mac, from Rathmines Park to Swansea Channel, and from Redhead Beach to the Watagan Mountains. The book is available in hardcover ($30) and softcover ($20) from Lake Mac Libraries branches and the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang. It will also be sold at this year’s Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point on 14 December.
Christmas Markets:
Enjoy a day or evening of shopping at local market stalls, food trucks and Christmas spirit at a markets across Lake Macquarie!
Wyee Markets, 13 December, Wyee Community Hall
Feast Fest, 13 December, Blacksmiths Beach
Pelican Foreshore Markets, 20 December, Pelican Foreshore
Explore, Discover & join in on the fun:
Lake Mac Carols Dinner Cruise
Experience the magic of the Lake Mac Christmas Carols from the water. Enjoy a festive dinner cruise where you can relax, dine, and soak up the live soundtrack drifting across the lake as the community sings. A serene, crowd-free way to celebrate Christmas on board Lake Macquarie Cruises.
Cams Wharf Tavern
Book your table for some Christmas fun by the lake over 3 days.
Wednesday 17th Dec – Christmas Trivia at 7pm
Saturday 20th Dec – Santa on the Wharf from 2–4pm. Snap a pic with Santa for $5.
Sunday 21st Dec – Christmas Ham Raffle at 3pm
Sail Lake Macquarie
Book your family and friends in for a private yacht charter on Lake Macquarie this holiday season. Perfect for Christmas parties and get-togethers, bookings include food and drinks and up to 12 guests.
Coast XP
See Lake Macquarie from a new perspective this summer, on a Lake Cruise and Nature Walk with CoastXP. Book a scheduled trip with like-minded travellers or arrange a private guided experiences for you and up to 12 of your family and friends.
Showtime Kayaking
Enjoy a Christmas tour with Showtime Kayaking with options for "Pizza & Paddle" or "Seafood & Paddle" experiences on Lake Macquarie. Marvel at the marine life below through your 100% clear kayak, fitted with lights below in the night.
Belmont 16s’
Enjoy Lakeside dining with a gourmet Christmas feast at Belmont 16s and ditch the hassle of cooking and clean up! Get your tickets here.
TINTA Belmont
it’s time to Christmas Party! Book your End of Year work lunch or dinner with Tinta, order the special $89pp Christmas Banquet & all bookings of every 4 guests will receive a complimentary bottle of Moët & Chandon* to end the year on a high.