25 Christmas, Holiday and New Year parties in Mackay and Whitsundays
Wondering where to celebrate this holiday season? We’ve listed the biggest and best parties coming up this Christmas and New Years across the Mackay and Whitsunday regions.
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Wondering where to go this holiday season? We’ve listed the biggest and best parties coming up this Christmas and New Years across the Mackay and Whitsunday regions.
From live music on the beach to neon raves and a variety of karaoke contests, check out your options to celebrate the end of 2023.
MACKAY
Hibiki Christmas Karaoke Competition
Friday, December 22
Mackay’s songbirds are being called to compete in karaoke bar Hibiki’s first ever Christmas singing competition.
Johnny from Star will be hosting the event with Mackay’s most talented competing for some mystery prizes.
The Facebook event says those “brave enough to enter” should message Hibiki 22 on their Facebook page to register.
Paint and Sip Christmas Wreath
Friday, December 22 at 6pm – 8pm
Celebrate the Christmas season and enjoy an evening painting your own Christmas wreath artwork at The Creative Art Studio.
Studio is BYO drinks and nibbles. All art supplies and guidance provided at Shop 1, 3 Ungerer St, North Mackay.
Habana Carols Under the Stars 2023
Saturday, December 23 at 7pm
One of the best outdoor carols in all of Mackay and Santa is sure to make an appearance.
Bring your chair, blanket, snacks, mozzie repellent, singing voices and friends to have some fun and get into the festive mood.
This is a wheelchair accessible free family event organised by the Habana and Districts Progress Association and supported by Mackay Regional Council’s Christmas Grants. Please note, this is a 100 per cent free night, there are no food or market stall vendors onsite.
Arcadia Bar’s Bad Santa Christmas Party
Saturday, December 23 at 9pm
It’s Arcadia Bar’s very first Annual Christmas Party featuring a special visit from Bad Santa, with a Santa Sack Gift for the first 100 people.
A Christmas themed drinks menu will be available with music by guest DJ Liron ft. Valo.
Magpie’s $20,000 Christmas Money Tree
Saturday, December 23
Magpie’s is giving away $20,000 cash in their Christmas Money Tree promotion. Simply eat, drink or play using your membership card throughout December for entries. The winners will be drawn over two massive weekends with Saturday December 23 still to go.
There is $10,000 cash to be won at draw 2 at 2-7pm Saturday December 23. Winners choose a gift from under the Christmas tree for cash.
Karaoke Under The Starts at Blacks Beach Tavern
Saturday, December 23 at 7:30pm – 11:30pm
Blacks Beach Tavern is hosting its Karaoke Under The Stars as a fancy dress Christmas party.
The courtesy bus is available for patrons to get home safe.
$1000 Karaoke Grand Final NYE at Souths Suburban Bowls Club
Sunday, December 31
Suburban Bowls Club and Karaoke Under the stars are hosting their annual NYE $1000 Karaoke Contest.
Twelve weeks of competition have lead up to 12 singers competing in the Grand Final on New Year’s Eve
To register your interest, please email: bowls@southsmackay.com.au or send a private message.
New Year’s Eve River Party at Blue Water Quay
Sunday, December 31 at 6pm – 9pm
The ever-popular NYE River Party brought to you by the Mackay Regional Council is back with a host of musical entertainment including Jonte Tupaea, Kate Lockyer, and Matt Tandy.
There will be non-stop entertainment for the whole family featuring amusement rides, face painting, food vendors, local musicians, as well as two exciting kids performances from special guests.
The NYE River Party will be topped off with the 9pm Muscle Garden fireworks display. Don’t forget to head back to Bluewater Quay and River Wharves for the midnight fireworks as we celebrate the start of 2024.
Sarina New Year’s Eve Bullride
Sunday, December 31 at 3pm
Sarina bootscooters are gathering on New Years for their annual bull riding event, with the “toughest sport on dirt” supplemented by kids entertainment, food stalls, and camping.
The show starts at 5pm and fireworks are also planned for 9pm and 12pm.
Sarina’s Emergency Services Lolly Drop Parade
Sunday, December 31 at 5.30pm
Sarina’s fifth annual Emergency Services Lolly Drop Parade is being led by trucks from the Sarina Fire Station to share some holiday sweets and raise money for first responders.
Listen out for sirens and music or check the Facebook page for a picture of the parade’s planned route.
New Year’s Eve at Harrup Park
Sunday, December 31 at 6pm
Come and celebrate the New Year at Harrup Park in the Garden Bar where this year’s theme is Glitz and Glam.
Enjoy live music by Mango Junction from 8pm-12am and capture memorable moments with our photo booth.
A guaranteed $3000 in cash is planned to be given away.
NYE Luau Party at Seabreeze Hotel
Sunday, December 31
Dust off those Hawaiian shirts and hula skirts for an epic night filled with laughter, dancing and fantastic prizes.
Tash & The Almighty will be performing on Terrace from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and then Radio Clones at the Bar from 8.30pm to 12.30am.
Don’t forget to embrace the tropical theme with your best Hawaiian attire as the best-dressed and the best dance moves could be your ticket to winning a prize,
A specially crafted Hawaiian-themed menu will help you get ready to hula into 2024 in style.
Twerk Comp and Karaoke Under The Stars Beach Party NYE Theme Night at McGuires Hotel
Sunday, December 31
McGuires is hosting a ‘Beach Party’ with first 200 people getting lei’d on arrival as well as a $300 Twerk Comp so bring your cheering squad to win.
A packed line-up includes DJ Mana, DJ Venasio, DJ Bala Boii and 2 Slix, with karaoke also on offer at the Electric Dreams Karaoke Lounge.
Sh! t Sh! rt Party NYE 2023 at Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club
Sunday, December 31 at 6pm
Sh! t Sh! rt Party, a New Year’s Eve party at The Bowlsie, is going to be an event of epic proportions with rides, sweets, and drinks.
Deja-Vu is performing live on stage from 8pm, unlimited ride armbands for just $25pp, and a $5000 cash giveaway
NYE Back to the 80s and 90s Karaoke Party at O’Shea’s Hotel
Sunday, December 31
O’Shea’s Hotel in Walkerston is hosting its own Karaoke Under the Stars and celebrating the best of the 80s and 90s.
Come in your best fancy dress and sing the last night of 2023 away.
Gallery’s 2024 New Years Celebration Disco ‘Flares and Hippies’
Sunday, December 31
The Gallery Lounge And Bar 2024 New Years Party Celebration ‘Flares And Hippies’ 70s Disco Party with DJ playing all the biggest, greatest and latest bangers of all time to keep you grooving and pumping all night.
Come dressed in your grooviest and outstanding colourful outfits with “flare”.
Free Entry before 10pm.
WHITSUNDAYS
SOS A Tribute to ABBA Christmas Concert
Friday, December 22 at 7pm and Saturday, December 23 at 2pm
Performing greatest hits from the Swedish supergroup mixed with a selection of the hottest disco tracks from the 70s, SOS creates a show that takes audiences on a wild ride back to the party decade where ABBA ruled the dance floor.
The music of ABBA lives on and on and on with SOS.
2 FREE shows Friday night December 22 from 7pm – 10pm and Saturday afternoon December 23 from 2pm – 5.30pm.
Paddy’s Ministry of Cheese Boxing Day Special
Tuesday, December 26 at 9pm
Join us at Paddy’s Shenanigans for a Boxing Day bash at the one and only Ministry of Cheese with live music by Mikey Duffman.
Channel the luck of the Irish with our special ‘Kiss the Blarney Stone’ session from 9-11pm until DJ Marky Mark takes over to spin the cheesiest hits and timeless classics to keep the dance floor alive.
Airlie’s Got Talent at Boatys Airlie Beach
Wednesday, December 27 at 8pm
Come show the whole of Airlie Beach your singing talent and tear the roof with a power ballad at Boatys.
MOTOWN at Airlie Beach Hotel
Wednesday, December 27 at 2pm and Thursday, December 28 at 2pm
Don’t miss this nine piece powerhouse band featuring internationally renowned singers and musicians who faithfully recreate the dynamic live performances of: The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas, The Four Tops, Fontella Bass, The Jackson Five, Junior Walker and many more Motown Legends.
Check out the Facebook page to make your booking for this free event.
Magnums 5-Day New Years Festival
Thursday, December 28 to Sunday, December 31
Magnums’ five day NYE weekend is ready to give you the time of your life.
Celebrate 2024 with some amazing acts including very special guests Havana Brown and Breadgang, as well as some of your favourite local singers.
GEED UP at Airlie Beach Hotel
Friday, December 29 at 2pm; Saturday, December 30 at 2pm; and Sunday, December 31 at 2pm
Great vocals, impressive dance moves, all-time classic songs, a whole lot of harmless banter and not taking things too seriously, is what makes up the Geed Up Music group.
Almost 20-years-ago, three young New Zealand guys formed a casual singing group on the Gold Coast, and quickly became a highly sort after entertaining group.
Catch the boys performing three special shows including NYE warm up party 2pm – 5.30pm, absolutely free.
Pocket Sessions New Years Bash
Sunday, December 31 at 12pm
This unofficial, non ticketed event in Mount Charlton has no paid acts, instead come jam with local musicians in Pocket Sessions style.
Time for some jam sessions, bands, then progress into DJs and some doof tunes through the night while we kick back and enjoy ourselves however we see fit, come out and camp, and share the magic once again.
Northerlies NYE Festival
Sunday, December 31
Northerlies’ annual NYE party is back and better than ever with a main stage set up on the sand with views of the Whitsunday Islands, as well as a silent disco across the lawn, two firework shows, food trucks, loads of free buses and heaps of bars.
A packed line-up has Fat Picnic headlining alongside Tanya George, Sky Eater, Pluto Tango and more.
Tickets will go quick, with adult door tickets priced at $99 and pre-sale for $89, kids tickets for $49 with children under six getting in for free.
Paddy’s NYE Neon Party at Paddy’s Shenanigans
Sunday, December 31 at 7pm
Gear up for an epic New Year’s Eve at Paddy’s Neon NYE Party with entry for just $15 at the door – your ticket to an unforgettable night.
Let the beats move you with live tunes by Tim Conlon and groove to the mixes of DJs Sugar Monkey Posse & Timmy Rekt.
Get your glow on with free neon face painting by Cliolistic, starting at 8.30pm, and come dressed in your brightest neon threads.
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