Lake Mac is getting in the festive spirit this year, with carols, Christmas markets, the Nutcracker remixed and much more!
Here is what’s on in the lead up to Christmas this year.
Sing for joy:
Lake Mac Carols, 1 December, Speers Point Park
Lake Macquarie City Council will once again present a spectacular evening of entertainment at the Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point Park. The free event will feature kids activities along with food trucks, roving entertainment and a jam-packed main stage program including a special visit from Santa!
Lake Mac Carols are offering the option to purchase a pre-booked park to take the hassle out of finding a spot to leave your car. Book your parking space at Walters Park, (Green Car Park) or Macquarie Field, (Red Car Park) both locations within convenient walking distance of the Lake Mac Carols event, for only $10 per car.
Carols at the Podium, 8 December, Warners Bay Rotunda and Foreshore Reserve
Bring your friends, family and your picnic to share at Carols in the podium. Enjoy entertainment from 5pm and if you're lucky, you may spot Santa!
Wangi Lions Carols on Dobell, 8 December, Dobell Park Wangi Wangi
A free community event is being held in Dobell Park Wangi Wangi from 5pm on Sunday 8 December at Dobell Park. The evening features a programme of entertainment by local school children, local bands and soloists, the Newcastle Army Band, and the Stilling Street Singers. There’s a BBQ, coffee truck, jumping castle and face painting for the kids and a special visit by Santa on a vintage fire truck.
Twilight Christmas Festival, 8 December, Avondale School
Enjoy an evening of food trucks, market stalls, petting zoo, carnival rides, and fireworks, plus music performances by the student ensembles. Admission is free!
Caves Coastal’s Christmas Carols, 14 December, Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows
Caves Coastal’s Christmas Carols is a festive celebration of the holiday season, bringing together live carols, delicious holiday treats, and seasonal drinks by the beach. Enjoy a family-friendly evening with talented performers, and fun activities.
Carols by the Lake, 15 December, Thomas H Halton Park
Sing along to carols overlooking beautiful Lake Macquarie! There will be local community stalls, free kid's activities, a sausage sizzle, food trucks, child-friendly entertainment, plus so much more! Bring your family and friends, a picnic mat and your best singing voice.
Music in the Podium Christmas Tunes, 20 December, Warners Bay Rotunda and Foreshore Reserve
Music in the Podium is the perfect setting to unwind on a Friday evening as the sun sets across the lake while you catch up with friends and family, listening to a fantastic range of Christmas Tunes!
The Nutcracker Remixed, 20, 21 & 22 December, MAP mima
The performance of the Nutcracker has been a Christmas tradition for cities the world over, and it's time to bring that tradition to Lake Macquarie. The Nutcracker Remixed has a twist, the story is told with modern Christmas songs, comedic chipmunks as narrators and loads of laughs, upbeat performances and Christmas cheer.
Give a gift with meaning:
MAC yapang shop
Looking for a unique gift for your loved one for Christmas? Shop MAC stocks a range of artisan made, ethically sourced products by local and national makers, including handcrafted jewellery, glassware, ceramics, bags, cards, novelty items, textile accessories and more. Throughout December Museum of Art and Culture yapang will also be offering free gift wrapping for purchases of over $50.
Lake Macquarie Adventures for Kids Book 
Inspire your kids or family with the new Lake Mac adventure book! This new children’s book encourages families to get out and explore the lake and what it has to offer. Each of the book’s double-page spreads features a different part of Lake Mac, from Rathmines Park to Swansea Channel, and from Redhead Beach to the Watagan Mountains. The book is available in hardcover ($30) and softcover ($20) from Lake Mac Libraries branches and the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang. It will also be sold at this year’s Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point on 1 December.
Christmas Markets:
Enjoy a day or evening of shopping at local market stalls, food trucks and Christmas spirit at a markets across Lake Macquarie!
- Lake Macquarie Twilight Market, 26 November, Warners Bay Foreshore
- Twilight Made & Found Market, 6 December, Webb Park Redhead
- Shop & Feast Markets, 7 December, Morisset Showground
- Pelican Foreshore Markets, 7 December, Pelican Foreshore
- Pelican Foreshore Twilight Markets, 14 December, Pelican Foreshore
- Wyee Markets, 14 December, Wyee Community Hall
- Feast Fest, 14 December, Blacksmiths Beach
- Toronto Lions Club Sunday Markets, 15 December, Toronto Lions Park
- Homegrown Christmas Market Day, 15 December, Speers Point Park
- Warners Bay Markets, Sunday 15 December, Warners Bay Foreshore Reserve
Explore, Discover & join in on the fun:
Sail Lake Macquarie
Book your family and friends in for a private yacht charter on Lake Macquarie this holiday season. Perfect for Christmas parties and get-togethers, bookings include food and drinks and up to 12 guests.
Coast XP
See Lake Macquarie from a new perspective this summer, on a Lake Cruise and Nature Walk with CoastXP. Book a scheduled trip with like-minded travellers or arrange a private guided experiences for you and up to 12 of your family and friends.
Belmont 16s’
Enjoy Lakeside dining with a gourmet Christmas feast at Belmont 16s and ditch the hassle of cooking and clean up! Get your tickets here.
Babbingtons Restaurant & Bar – The Apollo International
Take the stress out of preparing lunch so you can sit back, relax and enjoy time with your loved ones this Christmas Day. Enjoy a 6-course Christmas lunch with all of the traditional favourites in the relaxed setting of Apollo International.
Tickets: $180 (adult)