It’s coming up to that time of year again! Before you start to panic at the thought of entertaining your family, relatives and friends, as well as dealing with the catering and present buying (and wrapping), take a breath and relax, as the Central Coast has plenty of events for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
Festive Delights
On 5 December you can bring your children along to have breakfast with Santa Claus at Westfield Tuggerah, with tickets going on sale from 5 November. There are only two sessions available, so book early to avoid disappointment. All proceeds will go to the local charity Camp Breakaway, so it’s a good cause!
If you prefer your festivities with an international flavour, then head across to Mt Penang Gardens Kariong on 6 December for a unique outdoor Christmas food and gift shopping experience. There will be over 150 stalls serving up everything from local seasonal produce to overseas foods. Whilst you are there, you can also pick up your Christmas tree and learn how to make your own tree decorations.
For the ultimate grown up experience, book yourself and your partner into the Grand Ballroom at Crown Plaza Terrigal on 18 December. Treat yourself by arriving in style in a limousine, have pre-dinner drinks at the Hawkesbury Lobby, then sit down to a fabulous festive meal. You can then dance the night away or just sit and listen whilst a live band entertains you throughout the night, as you enjoy Terrigal’s Biggest Christmas Party.
Music and Entertainment
For a night to remember, why not pack up your picnic gear and head out to the Mingara Regional Athletics Centre to enjoy Christmas Under the Stars on 20 December? If you don’t feel like preparing your food, there will be food vendors on site during the evening, as you and your family sit and listen to Gina Jeffrey’s The Minions and Nathan Foley, along with a number of local artists.
Christmas Carols
On the night before Christmas you can head off to The Entrance for a special family feast of entertainment gathering on the foreshore to sing some of your favourite Christmas carols. With the cost of Christmas stretching the family budget it is good to know that there is no entrance fee for this fun night out. Fireworks at 9pm round off a great evening of children’s shows, market stalls, Santa and Mrs Claus, as well as amusement rides.
Sporting Events
December will see the Central Coast Mariners’ season well underway, so if you have had your fill of good food and festive merriment, head down to the Central Coast Stadium. Brass bands and cannon blasts will blow away the Christmas cobwebs with home games on 3, 20 and 31 December.
Alternatively, you could also take part in the weekly Mt Penang Parkrun – not only is it a free 5km timed run that takes place every Saturday through December until Boxing Day on the 26th, but it will help get rid of any excess Christmas baggage too, keeping you fit and healthy and ready to celebrate the arrival of 2016.