What’s On // Your Guide To Living Your Best Life In The Illawarra In December
Must Do’s, Don’t Miss Outs + You’re Nuts If You Don’t Go...
OK it’s December already! Nobody panic!
You’ve probably got a ton of plans and obligations this month but you’re gonna have to cancel them because our events calendar is heaving with fantastic fun you just can’t miss.
You may as well call your boss and tell them you won’t be coming in for the rest of the year because there’s just too many epic events to be enjoying. [We’re sure they’ll understand….wink wink]
Anyway have a look at some of our top picks for a merry and joyful December.
GET FESTIVE // Christmas Fun At Wests Illawarra
Forget the North Pole, Wests Illawarra is where the magic’s at this season.
Think toy raffles, tech raffles, and members-only giveaways and more. There’s also a super fun Christmas ‘Wax & Wicks’ candle-making session and a Christmas Paint & Sip. Plus, they’re hosting a Christmas lunch, so you can skip the dishes and still reap the rewards.
SING IT // Carols in MacCabe Park
Is it even Chrissy if you don’t belt out some jingles on Carols night?
Warm up your vocal chords, don your red hat and head to MaCabe Park on the 12th. There’ll be roving entertainers, face painting and a visit from Santa himself.
Bring along an unwrapped gift suitable for a kiddo under 16 to donate to the City of Wollongong Giving Tree Appeal to spread some extra festive cheer.
CREATE MAGIC // Mum & Kids Roller Making Session
She Made HQ is putting on this wonderful roller session for mums and their kiddos on the 8th.
Create your own low-tox perfume or wellness blend while having fun together. It’s all about making memories and exploring the beauty of nature as a fam.
Book your spot here.
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP // Market Madness
There are genuinely so many awesome markets happening this month!
Illawarra’s Indoor Christmas Mega Market is set to be epic with around 125 stalls selling all manner of goodies. And to keep the merriment going Santa will be there for FREE photos, as well as Christmas craft for the kids and a choir singing carols.
The Boutique Markets at The Wentworth will be on this month as well with a special Cheer Fest theme…. ooh we can’t wait!
Berry Village Market will also be getting festive with their Christmas Market on the 22nd.
And make sure to check our directory for plenty of other marvellous markets happening this month.
THE BIG ONE // Santa Fest
After some doubts earlier this year about whether this iconic Illawarra event would go ahead, we’re absolutely stoked to confirm it’s back!
It’s been reimagined with live music and entertainment spread across 11 different Illawarra venues. We’re sure it’s going to be totally epic, and we can’t wait to see you there rocking your red hat or reindeer ears!
KIAMA COOL // Changing Tides Festival
The Kiama Showgrounds will be home to the Changing Tides Festival on 14 and 15 December. There’ll be HUGE names like Hilltop Hoods, Ocean Alley, Tones and I, and Lime Cordiale as well as talented local artists. Tickets are already almost sold out so grab yours ASAP.
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE // How to Survive a Shark Attack with Brett Connellan
Local surfer, shark attack survivor, and storyteller Brett Connellan will be sharing his incredible experience of surviving a shark attack, along with advice and tips on how to stay safe in the water. This free event is ideal for adults and older teens
FUTURE PLANNING // Imagining climate solutions for the Illawarra
Good for the Gong and Yes 2 Renewables are hosting a hands-on workshop to explore climate challenges facing the Illawarra and what can be done about them at Number 99 in Port.
This is a chance to connect with peeps who care about our region’s future and brainstorm solutions that make a real, lasting impact. Discuss climate impacts, the role of renewable energy, and the benefits of community-driven action.
LAUGH OFF // The War on 2024: Annual Comedy Gala
Prepare to chuckle and cheer off the year that was with this comedy show at Wollongong Town Hall on the 5th.
Catch Charles Firth from The Chaser, James Schloeffel from The Shovel, Mark Humphries from ABCTV + 7 News, and Veronica Milsom from Mad as Hell + Triple J for a night full of sharp satire, sketches, cheeky antics, and the best headlines from The Chaser and The Shovel.
CELEBRATE CULTURE // Nan Tien Cultural Festival
This annual 9-day festival is all about celebrating the coming together of different cultures in the stunning surroundings of the Nan Tien Temple. Enjoy traditional dancing, martial arts demonstrations, freshly made vegetarian food, and arts & crafts activities. This is a real family-friendly event.
GET JIGGY // Never Ending 90s
Take it back to the days of overalls, scrunchies and ‘pumpin up the jam’ for one night only at TBH.
Prepare to raise the roof ‘cause we reckon this dance party is gonna be all that and bag of potato chips!
MOVIE NIGHT // Sunset Cinema
Another summer of outdoor film screenings is here… bring it on!
They’re starting off with ELF, followed by the all-time Christmas classics of Home Alone and Love Actually [We’ll never get over that Emma Thompson/Alan Rickman character betrayal… no matter how many times we watch it].
December will also bring new releases like Red One, Venom: The Last Dance, and Paddington in Peru.
Check out the full line-up for the whole season.
SCHOOL YARD FUN// Bally Twilight Festival
Balgownie Public School will be throwing a twilight festival for the community to enjoy.
Markets, food trucks, live music, games and even a performance from the choir. This is the kind of old-school [pun intended] fun we love to see.
BREATHE IN AND OUT // Lovefest Kiama
Set at The Pavilion in Kiama, with those stunning beach views, it’s gonna be a day filled with connection, dance, and celebration.
Expect a magical journey from sunshine to moonlight with yoga, breathwork, conscious dance, sound healing, live music and workshops. There’ll be Indigenous ceremonies, plant-based food, market stalls, and loads of family-friendly fun.
10,9,8… // Bring in the New Year in Style
There are loads of choice spots to say Sayonara to 2024 in the Illawarra.
The Co-Op in Gerringong will be sending out the year out with a line up of awesome acts and The Illawarra in Wollongong will be bringing back its Market Street Block party.
North Wollongong Hotel is well known for turning it out on NYE and this year will be no different with The Vanns and Bag Raiders making an appearance as well as other hot acts.
For something family-friendly both Kiama and Wollongong council will be filling the night with fantastic entertainment and fireworks displays.
Check out more NYE action here.
Woah December is stacking up to be a sleigh-full of fun!
While we hope you can enjoy it all, maybe don’t actually call off work for the whole month—just pack in the good times between the adulting!
And this list is just a sprinkle of all the magic we have happening around the Illawarra this month.
Head on over to our events directory for even more cheer, events, and good times!
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