A very Top End Christmas calendar
From art markets to jet ski shows, here’s what’s on to celebrate the silly season across the Territory this week
With Christmas around the corner, festive season events are ramping up across the Northern Territory with something for just about everyone.
From waterfront light displays to art fairs and even a chance to meet the big man himself, here’s your guide to the first week of festivities in the Territory.
This guide will be updated each week.
If you have a festive season event you would like included, email news@ntnews.com.au
Saturday, 25 November
LIQUID LIGHT SALTWATER SPECTACULAR, DARWIN WATERFRONT - 7.30pm
Liquid Light will transform the Darwin Waterfront recreation lagoon into a showcase of water, light and sound, with multiple free performances.
The multi-media experience includes laser projection, water fountains, flames and animations, programmed to an energetic soundtrack.
Saltwater Spectacular, will commence at 7.30pm on November 25 and will run three times each night until December 10.
CASUARINA CINEMAS CHRISTMAS PARTY – 8.30AM – 12PM
Casuarina Cinemas are hosting a festive day of fun for the whole family with face painting, Fun Bus activities, giveaways and a special visit from Santa before screenings of Trolls Band Together at 10.15am and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Songbird and Snakes at 11.15am. All online tickets have been booked with limited tickets available at the door on a first in best dressed basis.
GREEN ANT CHRISTMAS ART FAIR, ROYAL DARWIN SHOWGROUNDS – 9AM-4PM
Formerly the Marrara Christmas Craft Fair, the beloved market returns to host more than 140 local artists selling jewellery, clothing, toys, art, body products and more. The two-day event will also have food stalls and face painting available. Tickets start at $4 for adults with free entry for children.
SANTA’S ARRIVING AT COOLALINGA CENTRAL – 9.30-12.30PM
Santa will be arriving at Coolalinga Central in a Top End Fishing Boat in true Territory style for a morning of Christmas activities including craft workshops, party games, face painting, a
scavenger hunt and Fairy Jill Christmas Disco.
RURAL CANDLES BY CANDLELIGHT, BEES CREEK PRIMARY SCHOOL – 5.30PM
Rural Candles by Candlelight is back at Bees Creek Primary School. The free event will be held undercover with a sausage sizzle and drinks available for purchase.
THE NUTCRACKER, ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE – 6.30PM
This enchanting production tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker on Christmas Eve. When the clock strikes midnight, Clara is transported to a world where she encounters the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King, and the Nutcracker Prince. Join the Duprada Dance Company and Australian Dance Academy as they bring this classic Christmas tale to life for a night of joy and wonder. Tickets are available for purchase at: araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au
SANTA’S VILLAGE, DARWIN GALLERIA – 9.30PM-1PM
Experience the wonder of a Darwin Christmas at Santa’s Village where you can get up close and personal with the big man in red for a free photo. The City of Darwin’s Fun Bus will also be there with interactive activities available for kids.
Sunday, 26 November
SANTA FUN RUN AND WALK - 6.30AM - 9.30AM
Join the jolliest fun run event of the year at the annual Variety the Children’s Charity Santa fun run and walk.
The 2km family fun run will be held at the Darwin Waterfrotn and registration includes a Santa suit to help you look the part.
Registration from 6.30am and the fun starts at 7.30am.
GREEN ANT CHRISTMAS ART FAIR, ROYAL DARWIN SHOWGROUNDS – 9AM-4PM
Formerly the Marrara Christmas Craft Fair, the beloved market returns to host more than 140 local artist’s selling jewellery, clothing, toys, art, body products and more. The two-day event will also have food stalls and face painting available. Tickets start at $4 for adults with free entry for children.
Friday, 1 December
SANTA’S VILLAGE, DARWIN GALLERIA – 9.30PM-1PM
Experience the wonder of a Darwin Christmas at Santa’s Village where you can get up close and personal with the big man in red for a free photo. The City of Darwin’s Fun Bus will also be there with interactive activities available for kids.
CHRISTMAS LEGO, CASUARINA LIBRARY – 3.30-4.30PM
This free, all ages event is a chance to unleash your creativity and build your own Christmas LEGO masterpiece to display at the library during the silly season. All LEGO will be provided with children 10 years and under to be accompanied by an adult.
JET SKIING SANTA, STOKES HILL WHARF – 5.30-7PM
Watch as Santa trades his sleigh for a Jet Ski for a special show at Stokes Hill Wharf every Friday 1, 8 and 15 December. Stick around after the show to say hello and put in any last minute Christmas requests.
Saturday, 2 December
SANTA’S VILLAGE, DARWIN GALLERIA – 9.30PM-1PM
Experience the wonder of a Darwin Christmas at Santa’s Village where you can get up close and personal with the big man in red for a free photo. The City of Darwin’s Fun Bus will also be there with interactive activities available for kids.
CHRISTMAS FAMILY STORY TIME, DARWIN CITY LIBRARY – 10-10.30AM
This all ages story time session includes Christmas songs, rhymes and stories the whole family can enjoy. Tickets will be available at the Library Customer Service area 30 minutes prior to the event starting and limited to one ticket per family.
SANTA’S SELFIE STUDIO, OASIS SHOPPING VILLAGE – 10AM-2PM
Whether it’s a phone or professional camera, gather your loved ones and capture lasting memories at Santa’s Selfie Studio. Keep an eye out for Santa’s wandering elf and Santa himself who may have a gift or two for his happy snappers.
DARWIN FREESPIRIT RESORT CHRISTMAS PARTY, ELEMENTS POOLSIDE BAR & BISTRO – 2PM
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Come down to the Elements Poolside Bar & Bistro for a free Christmas party with live music, carols, crafts and a water jumping castle. Of course no party would be complete without a visit from Santa who will be dropping in to spread some Christmas cheer. To book a table, call 8935 0888 or email elements@darwinfreespiritresort.com.au
SANTA LIVE AT THE SHACK, WATERFRONT – 5.30-7PM
When he’s not busy checking who’s naughty and nice, you can find Santa down at the Waterfront every Saturday 2, 9 and 16 December. He will be joined by Top End Critters who are bringing along some Territory animals to take unique Christmas photos.
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