Lake Mac is the place to celebrate Christmas with a bumper season of festive events and holiday activities taking place across the city.
What better way to herald the season than hark back to classic Christmas carols and sing your heart out in an open-air extravaganza at Speers Point Park on 10 December.
The iconic free annual event will feature NBN News presenters Natasha Beyersdorf and Gavin Morris as MCs, a Domaine Homes Kids Zone with a range of youth activities, food trucks, roving entertainment and a jam-packed main stage program including a special visit from Santa himself thanks to the crew at Empire Marina.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said thousands were expected to attend the perpetually popular evening.
“Lake Mac Carols is one of our biggest annual events. We’re excited to celebrate with the community and support and promote the variety of holiday activities happening around the lake this festive season,” she said.
On the western side of the lake community can join the choir at Carols on Dobell at Wangi Wangi on 10 December, while on eastern side residents and visitors can enjoy a song and picnic at Carols by the Lake at Croudace Bay on 17 December or the inaugural Caves Christmas Carols on 16 December.
If a sing-along isn’t your cup of eggnog, watch the experts enshrine the Christmas spirit with a twist in a performance of ‘The Nutcracker Remixed’ on 16 and 17 December at the Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP), mima.
Those seeking a bespoke Christmas gift can head along to the Museum of Art Culture, yapang, for the Off the Wall exhibition, which has local art for sale from more than 60 artists.
There’s also the Pelican Foreshore Christmas markets on 16 December where more than 100 local artists and producers will be selling their wares.
If you’re looking to embrace the gift of giving, the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal kicks off on 30 November, accepting donations to go to those less fortunate.
“Christmas is a special occasion, but for those doing it tough it can be a stressful and difficult time of year,” Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said.
“Donating a gift can provide so much joy for someone in need, so I encourage anyone with the means to consider contributing to this year’s appeal.”
Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point Park is offering pre-paid parking this year.
There are 600 spaces available for $5 each which need to booked online, on a first come first served basis.
