Newcastle and Lake Macquarie residents looking to jump into the festive season are being spoiled for choice with the number and variety of community Christmas events scheduled for December.
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Christmas Under the Stars
King Edward Park is set to come alive on Saturday, December 7 for Newcastle's annual Christmas event but this year's will have an all new format.
Newcastle Permanent's Christmas Under the Stars will showcase some of the Hunter's finest performers, combined with the popular Cinema Under the Stars format, for a night full of Christmas carols, cheer, and a crowd-favourite festive movie.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Bernadette Inglis said the organisation is excited to deliver the new event which combines two of their most popular community sponsorship initiatives.
"Christmas music and carols will start from 5.30pm, and when the sun goes down our huge inflatable screen will light up for a special outdoor screening of the Christmas family favourite, Elf, starring Will Ferrell," she said.
"We know how much our community loves our Cinema Under the Stars events, and we're excited to create an exciting new experience this Christmas.
"As a customer-owned organisation, contributing to our community is core to our purpose and this event is just one of the many ways we're giving back to the communities that support us.
"We're also thrilled to support The Salvation Army's annual Christmas Toy Drive through this event and encourage locals to bring a toy or gift voucher for those in need this Christmas."
The City of Newcastle and Newcastle Herald have partnered with Newcastle Permanent to deliver this event which offers a free night of entertainment for all ages.
Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes said Christmas isn't Christmas without a festive movie, and what better way to enjoy than under the stars at King Edward Park.
"City of Newcastle is proud to back what is sure to become a family favourite event with a $10,000 sponsorship," she said.
Newcastle Herald editor Heath Harrison said the Herald had been presenting a carols event in King Edward Park for close to four decades.
"It's a Christmas tradition in Newcastle, the Herald's annual gift to the city," he said. "I'm sure it will be a great night for families in our community."
The event starts at 5.30pm with local talent and special appearances from Santa and Newcastle Permanent's much-loved community mascot, Herbie.
Locals are encouraged to get in early to secure a spot and soak up the festive atmosphere with thousands expected for this inaugural event.
A free shuttle bus will be operating from 4pm from Bar Beach car park and Bolton Street Car Park. For information on the event visit newcastlepermanent.com.au/christmas or www.facebook.com/newcastlepermanent.
What: Christmas Under the Stars (Christmas music, carols and screening of Elf)
When: Saturday, 7 December, from 5.30pm
Where: King Edward Park
Lake Mac Carols
Thousands of festive revellers are expected to pack Speers Point Park on December 8 for the 2019 edition of Lake Mac Carols.
The family favourite event will feature The Voice finalists Lara D and Sarah De Bono, Golden Guitar-winner Troy Kemp, the Pacific Harmony Choir and children's entertainers Little Scallywagz.
This year's carols, hosted by Lake Macquarie City Council, will run from 6pm, with a special appearance by Santa and a fireworks finale at 9pm. Radio 2HD host Richard King will emcee the event.
Homegrown Markets, responsible for successful market days at The Station in Newcastle, will be at Speers Point Park from 4-8pm on the day.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said food trucks would also operate throughout the evening, which has long been a fixture on the Hunter Region's Christmas calendar.
Visitors can also take along their own picnics.
"Christmas is a special time of year for many families, and Lake Mac Carols really captures and celebrates that festive atmosphere," Cr Fraser said.
"We're looking forward to another fantastic evening of family-friendly fun, music and fireworks."
Limited parking will be available at the venue, with further free off-street parking nearby off Lakeview Street in Speers Point.
Lambton Park Carols
Lambton Park Carols is an independently run Christmas celebration brought to the community by Hunter Bible Church and Unichurch, Newcastle.
Pack a picnic, grab your friends and family and head to Lambton Park on Sunday, December 15 to enjoy carols and fireworks.
- 5pm - Food trucks, rides and amusements
- 7pm - Christmas carols from the main stage
- 9pm - Crest Financial Services firework display
Carols by the Beach
Join the Merewether and Newcastle community in gathering beachside at Empire Park (Memorial Drive, Bar Beach) for Carols by the Beach, an evening of vibrant summer festivities, on December 22.
There will be live carols to sing along to, fun activities for kids from 6pm, a dazzling fireworks display at 9pm and a visit from Santa.
Take a rug, food and glow sticks and enjoy a couple of hours of lively Christmas fun with your neighbours. The venue also has amenities, security and first aid onsite.
Have a community Christmas event you want to add to our list? Email all the details to The Star at thestarnews@newcastlestar.com.au