There is so much to see and do, particularly if you have visiting friends or relatives and want to show them some fabulous Novocastrian hospitality.

For starters, shoppers will enjoy free parking in our King Street car park on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 4.30pm every weekend in December.

So find a free park for the day and check out all the city has to offer - most of it within walking distance.

While you're making your list and checking it twice, you may find yourself needing brekkie, lunch or afternoon tea, so visit one of our many fantastic restaurants and cafes along Hunter Street, Darby Street or in the Honeysuckle precinct.

If you need to get out of the heat, visit Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Museum or Newcastle Region Library, or rock up for one of the many workshops, activities or storytimes that will be on during the summer school holidays. See newcastle.nsw.gov.au, for details.

Newcastle Art Gallery is showcasing 36 outstanding paintings from its collection in the Painting Memory: From the collection exhibition, which is on until 28 January. Until 18 February, you can also view internationally known Australian artist Tim Maguire's paintings and prints  in the exhibition Everything Changes: Tim Maguire 2002-2017.