What's On in December 21 & January 22

Christmas celebrations, New Years Eve and January school holidays, the Hunter is jam packed full of events.

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DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY 1 DECEMBER

• Rotunda Christmas Lights with Santa Wallsend Rotunda Park. Santa will be there to turn the lights on at 7pm.

THURSDAY 2 DECEMBER

• Cringe-worthy Christmas Photos at Charlestown Square. Bring your own sweater or choose from a selection of sweaters and props. Running from 2–23 Dec, check session times at www.charlestownsquare.com.au

• Big Dog Comedy at The Happy Wombat with Becky Lucas. 7pm-9pm

FRIDAY 3 DECEMBER

• Socialista Cali Girls The ultimate girls night out at Modus Brewery. Ticket includes canapes, 3hr beverage package, live music & entertainment. 7pm-10pm

SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER

• yapang Emerging Art Prize Finalist Exhibition at Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie. An exhibition of works by finalists in the inaugural yapang Emerging Art Prize. 4 Dec–20 Feb

• Windows into Wartime at Rathmines Heritage Centre. Produced by State Records NSW for the Centenary of Anzac, and to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the First World War. Gold coin donation. Open 10am–2pm Fri–Sun. 4 Dec–27 Feb.

• Truth of Fire: Tim Georgeson at Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie. An exhibition responding to the Australian bushfires of 2019/20 and the significance of First Nations knowledge and fire practices. 4 Dec–20 Feb

• APIA Good Times Tour at Civic Theatre OMGWTF Its Christmas! at The Galipoli Legion Club. A dynamite, late-night romp of burlesque, circus, drag, sideshow and magic! www.omgwtfshow.com.au

• 12 Days of WOW Fest at Civic Theatre. Hunter Drama's end of year student spectacular. 4-10 December.

• Christmas with Charles Dickens, Adamstown Uniting Church, at 2pm. Readings from Dickens' story, A Christmas Carol, with musical interludes–also live-streamed via internet for home viewing. Covid-safe seats and streaming must be booked. For booking details visit www.adamstownuca.org.au/arts or call the church office on 4957 1887.

SUNDAY 5 DECEMBER

• Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run Representing all that is merry, riding in to Wickham Park to provide local kids and families hope for a brighter future

THURSDAY 9 DECEMBER

• Wangi Power Station Reimagined at Wangi Library Creative Hub. A collection of works created by Masters of Architecture students from the University of Newcastle. Join the representatives from UON and Wangi community members for a conversation around the history of the power station, its significance to Lake Mac and its future. Tickets $5. More info at www.lakemac.com.au

FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER

• Dashville Return Weekend Bonanza at Dashville. Starting with a big concert on Friday night, follwed by Dashville's Christmas Party and Family Portrait Day on Saturday. Some great local live music will be featured on Saturday night. Tickets and more info at www.dashville.com.au 10+11 Dec.

• The TEN Tenors Australia’s premier vocal group at Civic Theatre.

• Echoes of Pink Floyd at City Hall, tickets via Civic Theatre.

• Christmas on John Street at Singleton. Street performers, market stalls and children’s entertainment will take over the pavement. There'll be a Santa visit and fireworks at Rose Point Park. 6–9pm.

SATURDAY 11 DECEMBER

• Capturing Nature - a touring exhibition from the Australian Museum at SEEN @ Swansea. These never-before-seen images dating from 1857 to 1893 have been printed from the Australian Museum's collection of glass plate negatives and are some of Australia's earliest natural history photographs. Open 10am–2pm. 11 Dec–12 Mar

• Lake Mac City Pro Junior Wildcard Trials. Lake Macquarie City welcomes this World Surf League event back to Redhead Beach.

• Fosterton Loop at Dungog. 22km bike ride starting and ending at Frank Robinson Park. $20 entry fee for adults, children FREE.

• Kids Christmas Party at ELMA's Cafe. Games, face painting, gift-giving. $20 per child (includes lunch). 12–2pm. Clyde St, Hamilton. Ph 0466 201 336

SUNDAY 12 DECEMBER

• Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point Park, 4pm– 9pm. A spectacular evening of entertainment counting down to Christmas.

• Clerici and de Borah Pianist Daniel de Borah with cellist Umberto Clerici play the music of Felix Mendelssohn and Frédéric Chopin at Newcastle Art Gallery. www.nag.org.au

• Hunter Events Wedding Fair at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resorts Hunter Valley. 11am–2pm

• Pedalfest Christmas Criterium at Dungog. Be a spectator at the Dungog bike race for serious riders. Commencing at 8am in front of the Tin Shed Brewery.

• Christmas Central Drive Thru at Central Church, Warners Bay. Hop in the car and take a trip through Arendelle, WhoVille, Santa’s Workshop and more. 6:30–9pm, 12–19 Dec.

THURSDAY 16 DECEMBER

• Live Music Lake Mac: Felicity Urqhart and Josh Cunningham at Rathmines Theatre, Nawayiba. Tickets are $40 per person, visit lakemac.com.au to book.

SATURDAY 18 DECEMBER

• Cryptmas in the Doll Haus at Gallipoli Legion Club. Variety night of burlesque, cabaret, circus, magic and sideshow acts. 7:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets available on eventbrite.com

WEDNESDAY 22 DECEMBER

• Elf: A Christmas Movie Under the Stars at Kahibah Sports. From 5pm

• Good King Wenceslas - A Christmas Musical at Civic Theatre. 22+23 December.

SATURDAY 25 DECEMBER

• Samaritan's Christmas Picnic Lunch at Singleton Showground

FRIDAY 31 DECEMBER

• A Fresh Start New Years Eve Concert Series at Dashville. A 2-night concert series running the evenings of 31 Dec+1 Jan.

• Live On The Lake: Thirsty Merc at Toronto Hotel.

JANUARY

SATURDAY 8 JANUARY

• Hunter Sailing League at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club. Teams from eight local clubs will contest in a competitive, fun, and spectator friendly event. 8+9 Jan.

TUESDAY 11 JANUARY

• Tim Minchin - Back at Civic Theatre. 11+12 Jan

THURSDAY 13 JANUARY

• Carl Barron at Civic Theatre. 13–23 Jan.

SATURDAY 15 JANUARY

• Grapevine Gathering at Roche Estate

• John Williamson "Winding Back"

• Celebrating 50 Years at Civic Theatre

THURSDAY 20 JANUARY

• The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond at Civic Theatre.

FRIDAY 21 JANUARY

• The Comedy Club at The Well Bar. Dinner & Show or Show Only tickets available. Dinner from 6pm, comedy show from 8pm.

SATURDAY 22 JANUARY

• Hunter Events Bar & BBQ Festival at Dalwood Estate. 22+23 Jan.

• Red Hot Summer Tour at Roche Estate. Tickets at www.redhotsummertour.com.au

• Whisky & Craft Spirits Festival at Babylon Newcastle. Australia's biggest whisky & craft spirit tasting event! 12:30pm–8:30pm

SATURDAY 29 JANUARY

• We Can Be Heroes - Bowie Orchestrated at Civic Theatre, 8pm

• Summersalt at Roche Estate, 1pm–10pm