Central Coast’s ultimate guide to Christmas events and celebrations
December 1 is upon us – so what are we doing this Christmas? Here’s your ultimate guide to what’s on across the Central Coast this festive season.
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Christmas and New Year across the Central Coast may look a little different this year but there’s still plenty on.
The Christmas markets, carnivals and carols, with a difference, are back while Central Coast Council has revealed its calendar of festive events.
While some of the usual coast events have been chopped due to the ongoing financial crisis, the council has concentrated on hosting free events in local town centres including The Entrance, Gosford, Terrigal, Toukley, Wyong and Woy Woy.
“Christmas on the Coast activities will bring festive joy to our community and encourage locals and visitors to spend time enjoying the businesses that surround town centres,” Council’s administrator Rik Hart said.
“I encourage the local community to take part in festive celebrations and support local businesses.”
But it’s not just council events, with many people keen to celebrate what has been another challenging year.
Here’s a guide to what’s on
The Entrance Carnival – from December 4
The Entrance Carnival is an incredibly popular drawcard for the coast.
The carnival will reopen on the first weekend of December and then open it’s full Xmas/New Year carnival on December 16.
The Memorial Park event features all the favourites from the Pavier Grand Wheel, Speed and Dodgems plus other rides catering for the whole family.
Don’t forget a Xmas Tree – Dec 4/5 and 11/12
The annual Rotary Christmas tree sales have not been affected and will be held on the weekends of December 4-5 and 11-12.
Head down to one of eight Central Coast locations and pick out the perfect tree for your home.
– Primewest Lisarow Plaza, Parsons Rd, Lisarow
– Rotary Park, Terrigal Dr, Terrigal
– Bunnings, corner of Chelmsford Rd and Pacific Highway, Lake Haven
– Anaconda Parking lot, West Gosford
– Green Point Christmas College
– Bateau Bay Golf Range, The Entrance Rd
– Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
– Railway Commuter Carpark, Woy Woy
A Night of Enticement Under the Stars – December 4
Coast Opera Australia is hosting A Night of Enticement Under the Stars.
The event includes an evening of fine dining and music on the pitch at Central Coast Stadium.
Performances on the night will include Tenor Tomas Dalton, Baritone Luke Gabbedy, Mezzo Soprano Viktoria Bolonina and Soprano Camilla Wright.
Tickets now on sale here, with all proceeds from the event going to Coast Opera Australia
The Christmas Fair in Mr Penang Parklands – December 5
Hart Events is bringing back The Central Coast Christmas Fair for its 14th year.
The markets will be held on Sunday December 5 at Mt Penang Parklands.
There will be 160 stalls, music, amazing food, kids zone, rides and more.
Entertainment kicks off at 9am with Brandon Duff, followed by Ella Powell Music, Elaskia, ASHA and Emerald Priestman.
Gold coin entry as well as free parking.
Home Delivered Xmas Carols – from December 8
Star 104.5’s Central Coast Carols are taking a different format again this year as they are “Ho Ho Home Delivered”.
The popular radio station ran the home delivered event last year, as opposed to the huge event usually held at Central Coast Stadium, due to the Covid pandemic.
“Due to the success of the event, we’re bringing back Carols Ho Ho Home Delivered in collaboration with Brian Hilton Motor Group and Cancer Council NSW to raise some much needed funds for cancer research,” the station says.
“Between Wednesday, December 8, and Thursday, December 23, the holly jolly Road Stars and their band of merry local musicians will be visiting homes across the Central Coast to sing carols and spread a little bit of Christmas joy across the burbs”.
For more information or to book a visit, visit the Star 104.5 website.
Gosford Waterfront Family Carnival – from December 10
The carnival is set to return to Gosford City Park from December 10 to January 26, operating nightly from 6pm – 10.30pm.
“The glittering lights, the thrilling rides, and the promise of new memories are just a few reasons that thousands are attracted to the Gosford Waterfront Carnival each summer,” the operators say.
“Whatever your reason, there’s a lot of fun in store. Get excited for some of New South Wales best skill games, outstanding food, entertainment, and the best rides in the world.”
Ride wristbands can be purchased online here.
French Country Market, December 11
The annual French Country Market at Chertsey Primary School is on December 11 from 9am to 2pm.
The Springfield event includes “all things French, Country, and Vintage”.
There will be delicious food, music, collectibles, furniture, fashion, flowers, coffee and cake.
$2 entry fee for adults only.
Christmas Markets, Wyong Race Club – December 12
Santa’s sleigh will heading to Wyong Race Club for his very first visit to Markets 2259 – the Christmas edition.
The markets will run from 9am and include fresh produce, live music, kids zone, show and shine, fire truck display and food.
Saddles Christmas Fair
Gourmet eatery and bakehouse Saddles in Mt White has also added to the line up of events.
Saddles is set to host a Christmas Fair on December 18 from 10am to 3pm.
The Fair will include a day of market stalls, live music, local farmers and plenty of family fun. There will be an appearance from Santa from 10am to 12pm along with a Christmas Choir from 12pm to 2pm.
Wyong Town Park – December 20
Bouncing Stilt Christmas Elves and Christmas Photobooth
10am – 2pm
Toukley Village Green – December 21
Roving Stilt Duo: Circus Christmas Elves and Christmas Photobooth
10am – 2pm
Kibble Park Gosford – December 22
Roving Duo Christmas Candy Canes
10am – 12pm
Christmas Photobooth
10am – 2pm
Woy Woy Oval Forecourt – December 22
Roving Duo Christmas Candy Canes
1pm – 3.00pm
Memorial Park, The Entrance – December 23
Top Shelf Elf and Mrs Claus and Christmas Photobooth
10am – 2pm
Terrigal Beach Memorial – December – 24
Bouncing Stilt Christmas Elves and Christmas Photobooth
10am – 2pm
Central Coast Aqua Park
Central Coast Aqua Park returns to the Gosford waterfront on December 4.
The Aqua Park is a popular summer with an inflatable obstacle course for both kids and adults. There’s also party packages and all day passes available.
The park has advised that it will be returning with “capacity controls”.
“Following Government and Health Guidelines, we will be operating with new procedures and capacity controls in place to adhere to all social distancing guidelines,” the company has stated.
This will include temperature checks, limited capacity along with other Covid regulations.
More information here.
Earlier
Christmas and New Year festivities across the Central Coast have taken a hit this year between the ongoing pandemic and the financial crisis engulfing Central Coast Council.
Major events including the Gosford fireworks have been chopped out of the yearly calendar while others have taken on a different format to adhere to Covid regulations.
WHAT’S NOT ON
The popular New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Gosford Waterfront have been cancelled permanently.
As the ongoing financial crisis of Central Coast Council continued to unfold this year, the council revealed some of its major events would be permanently removed.
At a council meeting in March when budget cuts were announced, council’s director of community and recreation services Julie Vaughan outlined all the events to be cancelled including New Year’s Eve at Gosford, Australia Day at The Entrance, Australia Day Eve at Toukley, Winter at Gosford and The Entrance and Gosford Christmas Parade.
Cancellations also included various festivals along with a 50 per cent cut in school holiday activities.
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