'Tis the Season!
It's the most wonderful time of the year, as the Top End celebrates Christmas and the New Year. Here are some fun activities to do this silly season!
Festive fun!
Christmas at Darwin Waterfront
Round up the little ones and head along to the Darwin Waterfront, where a magical Christmas Wonderland awaits. Every night of December, the parklands are lit up – quite literally – like a Christmas tree. Marvel at the gingerbread man’s house, giant pine trees, giant bauble and, of course, Santa’s sleigh.
Santa also makes a special appearance every Saturday. Snap a photo with the jolly man in red and collect a sweet Christmas treat!
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Waterfront Christmas Wonderland |
Santa Visits the Waterfront |
City of Darwin Carols by Candlelight
It’s time to gather the kids and head to carols for a night of festive cheer. Light a candle and sing along for the 44th annual Carols by Candlelight. Pack a picnic and get set to belt out a festive tune or two.
SUN 1 DEC, 4.30PM | GEORGE BROWN BOTANIC GARDENS | GOLD COIN DONATION
facebook.com/carolsbycandlelightdarwin
Tennant Creek Christmas Tree
This free community event has everything to keep the little ones entertained – face painting, a jumping castle and, of course,
a visit from Santa. All little ones under 10 receive a special gift from the big man himself.
SAT 7 DEC, 5-8PM | PURKISS RESERVE | FREE
facebook.com/tennant-creek-childrens-christmas-tree
Top End Collective Christmas Market
Support local this Christmas with small businesses and community groups sharing their Christmas goodies at this special festive market. There’s plenty to choose from for the whole family.
SUN 8 DEC, 9AM-1PM | JAPE HOMEMAKER VILLAGE | FREE
facebook.com/top-end-collective
Christmas Carols by the Sea
What’s hotter than Christmas in Darwin? Not much! So soothe your soul and cool off with some Christmas carols at Nightcliff Pool and the Darwin City Brass Band.
SUN 22 DEC, 6PM | NIGHTCLIFF POOL | FREE
darwin.nt.gov.au
Light Up Christmas
Are you on the hunt for Christmas lights? Join the festive fun at this winter wonderland experience with snow, nativity scene, petting zoo plus Santa’s workshop.
SUN 22 – TUE 24 DEC, 7PM | C3 CHURCH DARWIN | FREE
facebook.com/light-up-christmas-darwin
Night Before Christmas Charity Pub Crawl
If you find yourself in Darwin without friends or family this Chrissy, enjoy the company of some new pals on this festive pub crawl through six of D-Town’s finest establishments. Funds raised go towards furry friends at PAWS Darwin – that’s what we call Christmas with a cause!
TUE 24 DEC, 4-10PM | VARIOUS LOCATIONS | $60
facebook.com/darwinpubcrawls
Christmas Day Dining
Indulge this Christmas and celebrate at Mindil Beach Casino Resort’s restaurants, with a variety of dining offers to choose from. All children 12 and under will receive a special gift from Santa!
WED 25 DEC, 6AM-10PM | MINDIL BEACH CASINO RESORT | $20-$180
mindilbeachcasinoresort.com.au
New Year's Eve
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... Happy New Year!
New Year’s Eve at Darwin Waterfront
A soirée of free family friendly festivities kick off 2020 with a bang! Hosted by Amy Hetherington, the line-up includes a concert by Aussie icon Daryl Braithwaite, an Australian Pink Tribute Show, the Nickelodeon SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom Beach Party, roving entertainment, food stalls and two fireworks extravaganzas – one at 9pm for the little ones and one at midnight. Boom!
TUE 31 DEC, 4PM | DARWIN WATERFRONT | FREE
waterfront.nt.gov.au
Fiesta & Rock
Start your night – and year – right with a Mexican fiesta dinner. Finish it off by dancing the night away to the tunes of Dr Elephant.
TUE 31 DEC, 7PM | THE CAV | $20 AFTER 10PM
facebook.com/thecavdarwin
New Year’s Eve with DJ KC
DJ KC Bishop is back to rock The Memo and ring in the New Year.
TUE 31 DEC, 8PM | TENNANT CREEK MEMORIAL CLUB | FREE
facebook.com/djkcbishop
Sweethearts NYE Party
Mindil Beach Casino Resort brings the nostalgic vibes this New Year's Eve, with the return of a Darwin favourite. Click here to read the online feature!
TUE 31 DEC, 9PM | MINDIL BEACH CASINO RESORT | $55.50 PRE-SALE, $66.50 DOOR
mindilbeachcasinoresort.com.au
Butterfingers NYE
Brisbane hip hop outfit Butterfingers has been toiling away recording a new album this year – but before they release it next year, they’re making tracks to the Top End to bring in 2020. Supported by Roy Mackonkey, Bloody Marys, Danger Den and Zaza Raiz (DJ).
We had a yarn with front man Eddie (Evil Eddie) Jacobson about the upcoming album and their New Year’s Eve show at Darwin Railway Club – click here to read the online feature!
TUE 31 DEC, 7PM | DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB | $65-$70
facebook.com/darwinrailwayclub
