Newcastle’s Sparkling Summer of Celebration!
- Liane Morris
- 8 hours ago
- 8 min read
The festive season in Newcastle is more than just tinsel and lights - it’s a time for connection, joy, and celebration. From the heart of the city to the sparkling Harbour Foreshore, City of Newcastle is rolling out its annual calendar of Christmas cheer and New Year festivities, offering something for everyone. Whether it’s wandering through a glowing Christmas precinct, snapping selfies with Santa, or dancing your way into 2026, the city is alive with energy, creativity, and community spirit.
The magic began in Wheeler Place, where the city’s iconic 11-metre Christmas tree was officially lit on Friday, 28 November. Shimmering with lights, ornaments, and festive flair, the tree promises to be a central beacon of holiday joy in the Civic precinct throughout the Christmas season. Crowds gathered from 5pm and experienced a night of entertainment and celebration, kicking off the festivities with free photos alongside Santa and his sleigh, while the roving Elves with Bells brought playful energy to the evening. Children delighted in the Jingle Bell craft station, posting letters to Santa on decorated cards and creating silver bell ribbon bracelets to take home. Locals and visitors indulged their sweet tooth with treats from LuLu’s Gelato Co. and Doughheads’ Christmas themed doughnuts, enjoying the festive precinct as they strolled through the lights and decorations.
Live performances brought the evening to life, from Christmas dance routines by the Ablaze Dance Academy to carolling choirs and a jazz band spinning seasonal favourites. The highlight of the night was the lighting of the Christmas tree by Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Charlotte McCabe, followed by a joyful finale of Jingle Bells, with everyone ringing their bells and singing along.
“Lighting our 11-metre Christmas tree in Wheeler Place was a truly magical moment,” said Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe. “The launch event really captured what our Christmas program is all about: bringing people together, celebrating our city and creating joyful moments that leave a lasting impression. Christmas in Newcastle is a time when our community shines, and it will be fantastic to see the celebrations continue across the festive season weekends.”
If you missed the official lighting of the tree, don’t despair. The festive fun continues throughout December, transforming Wheeler Place into a hub of seasonal activity with live music, Santa appearances and family-friendly joy on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons until December 14. The dazzling decorations provide plenty of selfie-worthy moments, including twinkling reindeer, oversized bells and Santa’s sleigh, perfect for DIY family and pet ‘pawtraits’ with Santa. From local choirs such as the Belair Public School Choir & Band, and the Hunter Singers to the Novatones and the National Music Academy, Newcastle’s talented performers provide a soundtrack to the season that is both heartfelt and uplifting. These free celebrations are accessible to everyone, embodying the spirit of community that Newcastle strives to foster.
Adding even more festive cheer to the precinct, City of Newcastle’s cultural venues are serving up a merry line-up of performances during December, with the Newcastle University Choir delivering a stirring performance of Handel’s Messiah at City Hall on 14 December, and the musical theatre production of Kinky Boots will provide an award-winning reason to visit the Civic Theatre from 18 to 21 December. In addition, the popular One Song Sing community performance event will return to Wheeler Place on Monday, 22 December, presented by the Civic Theatre and The Sum of the Parts. This year, it’s a “Last Christmas Mashup” of Last Christmas by Wham and Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish. Participants learn the song, in three-part harmony, in one hour. It's a free event, but registration is required – (https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/onesongsing2025)
Christmas at a Glance
Friday 5 December 5pm – 7pm Belair Public School Band & Choir
Sunday 7 December 4pm – 6pm Novatones
Friday 12 December 5pm – 7pm Evan Worgan, National Music Academy
Sunday 14 December 4pm – 6pm Hunter Singers
Monday 22 December 5.30pm – 6.40pm A Christmas One Song Sing
“Newcastle’s creative community adds so much richness to our festive celebrations. These cultural experiences create connection, invite people to explore our public spaces and showcase our incredible local talent that makes Newcastle such a special place to celebrate Christmas,” said Cr McCabe.
While the lights, music, and performances bring the city to life, Newcastle’s local businesses are also part of the festive story. The city encourages residents and visitors to explore its unique retail and dining options, with special promotions, discounts, and seasonal offers making shopping in the city centre an experience in itself. From quirky boutiques to artisan retailers, the Civic precinct and surrounding streets, including Darby Street and Hunter Street Mall, provide diverse options for gift shopping.
“Our Christmas program of activities celebrates the joy and togetherness of the season while shining a light on the amazing local retailers, cafes and restaurants that make our city so special,” Cr McCabe said.
“We’re encouraging everyone to come into the city, explore our unique shops, dining spots and free entertainment while supporting local traders and cultural venues.”
When the calendar flips to December 31, Newcastle transforms into the ultimate colour drenched party playground along the Harbour Foreshore, welcoming residents and visitors to a night of entertainment, creativity, and community. Running from 5pm to 9.15pm, the celebration promises something for everyone - families, friends, and partygoers of all ages. This inclusive, family-friendly event invites the Newcastle community to come together to farewell 2025 and welcome 2026 with joy, imagination and connection.
Produced by local creatives Fingers Crossed Creative and Canvas Events, the event is designed with distinct zones to cater to different styles of celebration – ensuring that no matter what you enjoy, there’s something here for you. From energetic play areas for children to relaxing picnic spots and vibrant entertainment hubs - whether you're looking to dance, dine, create, or simply unwind, there is a space for every type of reveller.
At the centre of the festivities is the Wish Exchange, a whimsical, immersive installation that invites guests to share their hopes and resolutions for the year ahead. Step into a colourful Wish Call Centre and Post Office, flanked by two vibrant photo-op phone booths and pick up the receiver to leave your wish or resolution after the tone. Your message will be transformed into text and displayed on a glowing LED wall behind the DJ stage, creating a shared wallpaper of dreams and intentions for 2026. This interactive experience combines playfulness with reflection, offering attendees a moment to pause, connect, and consider what they want from the year ahead - an intimate counterpoint to the energy of the celebrations unfolding all around them.
Zackari Watt from Fingers Crossed Creative has worked on five of the last eight New Year’s Eve events for City of Newcastle and is excited by this year’s Wish Exchange.
“Every year we do a wish-based interactive installation,” said Zackari. “In past years we’ve done a wish walk, a wish tree, a wish maze and a wish house. This year’s Wish Exchange takes this concept to a whole new level with wishes being displayed on the LED wall. It’s a really beautiful concept and experience – every year, people spend time reading the anonymous wishes of their community. Some of them are cute, some sentimental, some heartbreaking, some fun. It encourages reflection and helps people to feel a part of something bigger than themselves.”
The NYE Kids Zone is a summer-holiday inspired wonderland bursting with colour, movement and imagination, designed to delight children and families alike. Free for all attendees, this vibrant space offers a playful mix of activities that spark creativity and is designed to keep children engaged, entertained, and inspired through hands-on participation. The kids’ interactive workshops will culminate in small performances guaranteed to make Mum and Dad proud. Built with sustainability in mind, the Kids Zone is an eco-conscious playground that’s as fun as it is thoughtful.
“We’ve spread the Kids Zone out a bit more this year and added additional activities to reduce waiting times,” said Zackari. “Kids can dive into the fun with classic old-fashioned sideshow games that bring a nostalgic carnival vibe. Juggling, puppetry, and hula hoop workshops encourage new skills and expression through movement, while a toddler only jumping castle ensures our littlest guests have a safe and energetic space to bounce freely.”
Adding to the festive flair, face painting and temporary tattoos will transform young partygoers into glittering butterflies, superheroes, and everything in between. For those who love to craft, the “design your own NYE sunglasses” station offers a chance to look ahead to 2026 with personalised flair, transforming repurposed and thrifted sunnies into statement pieces.
For those who love the energy of music, comedy, and performance, the Live Stage at The Station is the place to be. Local acts will entertain with a stellar lineup of homegrown music, fringe cabaret, and comedy performances, showcasing Newcastle’s thriving creative community.
“We’ve stepped up the live entertainment at The Station this year, too,” said Zackari. “Last year the music was mostly acoustic performances, and this year there’ll be more diversity."
Across the site, three DJ stations - including a kids’ disco with a “Step Up & Shoot” selfie camera that projects your face on the LED board for everyone to see will keep the energy and fun high and the beats flowing, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Giant inflatables, including the ten-metre Newy NYE tunnel, create iconic photo opportunities and whimsical fun for all ages. Amid the excitement of New Year’s Eve, the event offers thoughtfully designed spaces for guests to unwind, connect and enjoy the evening at their own pace. Two open Picnic Zones provide grassy areas perfect for lounging with friends and family over a shared meal. For those seeking a quieter experience, the Quiet Zone offers a calm, seated space ideal for elderly or vulnerable community members. An Accessible Viewing Platform ensures that everyone can comfortably participate in the festivities, with inclusive design at its core. Meanwhile, Eat Streets are spread across three zones to reduce congestion and wait times, with The Station Eat Street featuring tables and chairs on a hard stand, making it easier for people with mobility needs to enjoy a delicious meal in comfort.
Sally Hill of Canvas Events works across both the Christmas and New Year events with an eye toward continuous improvement year on year.
“Both Zackari and I are really passionate about keeping our events local. All our food vendors, contractors and entertainment are all sourced locally,” said Sally.
“This is a local event, for and by locals.”
The evening culminates with a crescendo of eagerly anticipated fireworks lighting up the night sky at 9pm to the delight of both young and old.
“This year the fireworks display takes place on a barge from the harbour, providing viewers from both sides with easy sight lines to ensure visibility from the foreshore and Stockton all the way down to Horseshoe Beach,” said Sally.
“The barge is the best location for maximum viewing coverage and will offer a spectacular finale to the night. The event officially closes at 9.15pm.”
New Year’s Eve at a Glance
Event runs 5pm–9.15pm on the Harbour Foreshore
Wish Exchange: immersive phone booth and mailbox installation with LED message wall
Kids Zone: free carnival-style space with:
Sideshow games
Hula hooping, juggling, percussion workshops
Face painting and temporary tattoos
Toddler jumping castle
Kids stage for performances
NYE sunglasses craft station
Live Stage at The Station: local music, comedy and fringe cabaret
3 DJ stations, including kids’ disco with selfie camera
Newy NYE inflatable
2 Picnic Zones
Quiet Zone
Accessible Viewing Platform
Eat Streets: 3 food vendor areas, including mobility-friendly dining space
Fireworks
9pm
Duration 12 mins
Event closes at 9.15pm
This season, Newcastle sparkles with inclusivity, creativity, and cheer, reminding everyone that the city is not just a backdrop for celebration - it’s a place where connections are made, traditions are cherished, and the joy of the season is shared by all.
For the complete program of Christmas and New Year events, visit visitnewcastle.com.au/whats-on/christmas2025 and visitnewcastle.com.au/whats-on/NYE2025.
