Christmas in Darwin 2022 - Christmas Carols, Santa photos plus more

Christmas in Darwin 2022, is well and truly coming alive! There is so much festive fun happening around the place over the next few weeks! It is hard to sometimes find and locate all the different events and Christmas happenings so we have rounded them all up for you in one place. Where to get your Santa photos, Christmas Carols, Christmas light displays and much more! Also don’t forget to stay tuned for our much anticipated School holidays blog which will have some events and places doing Christmas crafts and other activities for the kids! Also check out our website directory to support local businesses this Christmas!

Christmas Carols

Carols in the Smith Street Mall – Fridays

Listen to the Carols in the Mall each Friday (2nd, 9th and 16th December) from 5pm to 6pm

City of Darwin Carols by Candlelight – Sunday 4th December

City of Darwin Carols by Candlelight is on again Sunday 4th of December at Darwin Amphitheatre , gates open from 4.30pm and concert starts at 6.30pm. Entry is $5 for a family of 5. Book your tickets here. This is a family friendly event so it is asked that you leave your smokes and alcohol at home.

Christmas Carols at the Darwin Waterfront – Friday 9th December

Bring a picnic blanket, sit back and listen to the Christmas tunes from Arafura Wind Ensemble. From 6pm to 7pm on Friday evening.

Carols at the Leanyer Waterpark – Saturday 10th December

Celebrate the festive season in true Darwin style at this family friendly community event. There will be kids activities, food vans and a sausage sizzle, plus enjoy the Christmas Carols. Bring your own chair or rug. Activities start from 5:30pm, carols from 6:30pm. Candles will be available to purchase by donations, donations supporting Foodbank.

Christmas Carols – Sunday 18th December

Lessons and Carols will be held at the Darwin Uniting Memorial Church (78 Smith Street Darwin City) on Sunday 18th from 9:30am, singing led by members of Vocalective.

Nightcliff Foreshore Carols by the Sea – Friday 23rd December

Listen to Arafura Wind Ensemble and special guests as they bring the spirit of Christmas to life through carols for a a magical night on the Nightcliff foreshore. Don’t forget to pack a picnic rug and your best singing voice. Find us in front of Nightcliff pool 6:30pm to 8pm.

Christmas in Darwin 2022 – Events for families

Tropical Christmas at Darwin Waterfront

The Darwin Waterfront have their magical Christmas lights displays on now. Wander the parklands and take photos of the Waterfronts tallest Christmas tall, and larger than life Christmas decorations.

Santa Live at the Surf Shack

Santa’s swapped his boots for thongs and is taking a break from the chilly North Pole at Darwin Waterfront. Snap a selfie with Santa at the Surf Shack and view Darwin’s tallest Christmas tree. Santa will be at the surf shack every Thursday and Saturdays 5:30pm to 8pm for pics!

Cas Christmas Express Train

Catch a FREE train ride for kids around the centre and say choo choo choo!

Step aboard the magical Christmas train and be transported to a holiday wonderland.

Operating from 10am – 1pm as per below dates:

Fri/Sat/Sun – 2/3/4 December
Fri/Sat/Sun – 9/10/11 December
Fri/Sat/Sun – 16/17/18 December
Mon – Sat – 19 – 24 December

The jolly man in red has officially arrived at Casuarina Square. Book Santa Photography, Pet Photos and Sensitive Santa online. Click here to book now

Christmas Movies at Darwin Waterfront

Movie at Darwin Waterfront lawns – Thursday 8th December

Watch ‘The Grinch’ at the Waterfront this Christmas season from 7pm. Bring a chair or rug and relax on the lawns with your family.

Movie at Stokes Hill Wharf – Sunday 11th December

Watch the ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ at the famous Stokes Hill Wharf and enjoy some delicious food from the local eateries. From 7pm on Sunday.

Movie in the Wave Lagoon – Thursday 15th December

Watch the ‘Elf’ from the cool wave lagoon. Grab a floatie and relax. From 7pm on Thursday. A valid wave pool ticket is required to enter the movie. Buy yours online here or at the Wave lagoon kiosk.

Christmas Pool Party at Darwin Waterfront – Tuesday 20th December

Splash and dance at the Darwin Waterfront wave lagoon. Dance to groovy Christmas tunes, enjoy kids activities and keep your eyes peeled for the jolly man himself. The Pool party kicks off from 9am till midday on Tuesday 20th December! A valid wave pool ticket is required for entry into pool party – why not get a Waterfront membership for unlimited yearly access! – more info here

Santa’s Village – from Friday 2nd December

Pop into Santa’s village, corner of Smith Street Mall and Raintree Park to drop off your wish list directly to Santa. Village hours vary, with the introduction of Twilight edition (every Friday 3:30pm – 4:30pm & 5pm – 6:30pm). Visit the event page for more information about opening hours.

Lauren Moss’ Christmas at Casuarina Village – Saturday 3rd December

Santa will be visiting Casuarina Village for 1 day only from 10am till midday. Please join this free family event hosted by Lauren Moss, Member for Casuarina. Come along to meet Santa and have your photo taken with Santa on your camera or smart phone. There will be face painting, a Christmas craft station and of course a special delivery post box that ensures your letter lands safely in Santa’s hands. Lauren is sharing in the Christmas spirit with a FREE cuppa from Queenys Snack Bar, and don’t forget to grab your special Christmas activity booklet!

Christmas Family Fun Day – Sunday 4th December

Santa & his friends are coming to Bakewell Shopping Centre! Join us for a day of magical Christmas Fun, Sunday 4 December from 10am till 12pm! Meet Santa and his elf and snap a selfie at the Santa Selfie Station, plus there’s heaps of family fun with free face painting & balloon art by Yenz Entertainment and Christmas treats for the kids.

Christmas Nativity Play – Friday 9th December

Join the students of Holy Sprit primary school retell the Christmas story. The play commences at 1:30pm at Holy Spirit Church (11 Strele Crescent Casuarina). All welcome.

Karama Family Fun Fair – Saturday 10th December

Enjoy the magic of Christmas as it travels across Darwin! Join City of Darwin for their annual Karama Family Fun Fair from 2pm to 5pm on the 10th of December.

With face painting, a reptile petting zoo, roving entertainment, and a visit from Santa there is sure to be something for everyone. This event is proudly supported by Ngaree Ah Kit, Member for Karama. Find a City of Darwin staff member to receive your copy of the treasure map and get your stamp on Santa’s Treasure Map.

Kids Christmas Party – Darwin Sailing Club – Saturday 10th December

Join in the free family event from 4pm at Darwin Sailing Club. Kids entertainment including: Waterslide Jumping Castle, Christmas Crafts, Santa Visit (arriving at 4:30)

Parents: Please deliver a present to the club office for Santa to give to your child before COB 09.12.2022. Members and Visitors welcome.

Santa & Prawn jet ski show at Stokes Hill Wharf – Sunday 11th and 18th December

Santa has ditched the sleigh and opted for a very Darwin mode of transportation.

Watch Santa and the Christmas prawns put on a fun jetski show at Stokes Hill Wharf show from 6pm.

Christmas Crafts at Darwin Waterfront – Saturday 17th December onwards

Keep your little ones busy this silly season with free Kids Christmas Crafts at the Darwin Waterfront. Add extra glitter and sparkle with a different craft each morning. On daily from 9am to 11am from Saturday 17th to Thursday 22nd December.

Waterfront Woofmas – Sunday 4th, 11th and 18th December

Grab your favourite four-legged friend and join the tail wagging fun at the Waterfront.

Snap a pet happy selfie with Santa at the Surf Shack, pick up a last-minute gift for your furry best friend and have a very merry Woofmas with extra pet themed activities from 9am to 11am on Sunday. Pets must be on a leash.

Casuarina Christmas Party – Saturday 17th December

This year were hosting our Casuarina Christmas party at BCC Cinemas Casuarina.

There will be face painting, a reptile petting zoo and circus activities to enjoy before you head into your free movie session. Secure your movie ticket/s in advance here

*Tickets not collected 5 mins after the scheduled start time of the film, will be released. Tickets not exchangeable. Maximum of 4 tickets are available per booking.

This event is proudly supported by Casuarina Square. Find a City of Darwin staff member to receive your copy of the treasure map and get your stamp.

Palmerston’s Christmas Wonderland – from Saturday 17th December

Celebrate the festive season as Palmerston’s Christmas Wonderland returns to Goyder Square; offering eight nights of magical entertainment. Kids, and adults alike, can enjoy a range of interactive activities; watch the iconic lighting of the Tree, see spectacular light installations, ride the popular Express Train, catch falling snow and take a visit to 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 to meet the man himself along with his magical elves and reindeers.

Festivities will open on Saturday 17 December and close on Saturday 24 December, 5pm to 9.30pm each evening.

Santa’s Pool Party – Saturday 17th December

Dive into the festive fun at INFINITY pool at Mindil Beach Casino Resort. Santa’s Pool Party gets underway from midday until 7pm. Special guest appearance from Santa himself! DJ’s all day long

Entry is free. Get there early to secure a sun lounger, bring your festive bathers and banish that resting Grinch face!

Christmas Plaster painting workshop – Monday 19th December

Join Plaster Fun NT at their new Pop up shop at Oasis Shopping Village for their Christmas Plaster painting workshop. Each session will go for an hour. You will get to choose from our large or medium plasters, a plaster box and ornament. All paint, sticky jewels and glitter is included. Parents, feel free to grab a coffee or wander the shops while the workshop is on. There will be 3 plaster boxes to choose from, 6 medium/large plasters to choose from, 6 ornaments to choose from. Book your spot here

Nightcliff Foreshore Santa Fun on Wheels -Friday 23rd December

Jump on your bike, scooter, skates, unicycle or trike and join City of Darwin for an all-ages Santa Fun on Wheels event. The ride starts and finishes at Nightcliff Pool, travelling via the foreshore to Rapid Creek bridge and back. Also free entry to Nightcliff pool between 3pm – 8:30pm.

Start and finish at the Nightcliff Pool. Stick around as the Christmas spirit will continue to the Carols by the Sea event starting at 6:30pm. Online registration is required for the Fun Ride – here

Darwin and Palmerston lights – Christmas in Darwin 2022

It is always fun at this time of year to take the kids for a drive around the suburbs and check out houses that have Christmas lights and decorations up. I find this Facebook group is great to find locations and places of light displays.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog and it helped you plan your Christmas in Darwin 2022 with some festive fun for your family. Please leave a comment if you find any other activities or Christmas happenings!

Connect with Darwin Family Life via our Website, Facebook page, Closed Parents Facebook Group and Instagram

Christmas in Darwin 2022 – Christmas Carols, Santa photos plus more