Sydney Santa Spectacular Festival is back, this time at Blacktown Showgrounds

It may not be a white Christmas here in Australia, but residents across western Sydney can still enjoy the magic of the North Pole at this year’s Santa Spectacular Festival.

It may not be a white Christmas, but residents across western Sydney can still enjoy the magic of the North Pole at this year’s Santa Spectacular Festival.

After a five-year break, one of Australia’s biggest Christmas festivals has returned and, for the first time ever, is at the Blacktown Showgrounds until Boxing Day.

For under $50, you get three hours of unlimited fun on the many rides at the festival.

These include smashing into your friends and family on the dodgem cars, flying around on the swinging chairs, spinning around until you’re sick with the tea cups, or a nice relaxing jaunt on the carousel.

Unlimited rides free of charge for everyone to enjoy. Picture: Tileah Dobson

Parents and kids had a blast on the many rides at the festival. Picture: Tileah Dobson

And if rides aren’t your thing, wander through the Santa Land pavilion and get a picture with the man in the red suit himself.

Or enjoy the Instagram-worthy white Christmas enchanted forest, complete with some mistletoe for some magical kisses.

Previously held in Penrith for many years, owner and director Jade Evans confirmed Blacktown was now the festival’s new home.

“This will be the new hub and the new heart of the Sydney Santa Spectacular, as long as we’re welcomed,” Mrs Evans said.

Jade Evans, the founder and director of Sydney Santa Spectacular. Picture: Tileah Dobson

“We want to keep bringing this event back and make it bigger and bigger.

“The more support we get, the more rides, more Christmas and we’ll have to get a bigger circus tent.”

Mrs Evans remained conscious of the current high cost-of-living crisis when she put together the ticket prices, wanting to ensure families could still afford it.

“I’ve got six kids, so I understand the cost to go to an event,” she said.

“There’s an amazing amount of entertainment (at the festival) all included in your one ticket.

“So when you come in, you can go see the circus, you can go on the rides, go through the magical Santa Land. There’s nothing like this event in Australia.”

Blacktown City mayor Brad Bunting was tickled pink to welcome the festival to Blacktown.

He encouraged all residents to attend the event.

Blacktown City mayor Brad Bunting at the festival's grand opening. Picture: Tileah Dobson

“It’s fantastic. I’m glad Santa’s come to town and all the families in Blacktown can come along and enjoy this absolutely fantastic day out,” he said.

“It’s always a plan to make sure we have good stuff here in Blacktown and we’re hoping they stay here in Blacktown for a long time.”

The festival will be running between 11am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 9pm on weekends until Boxing Day.