Are you ready for a Darwin Christmas 2023? and Darwin December and January School holidays 2023-24 break is almost here too! School holidays will start on Friday 15th December (for Darwin public schools, private and independent school holidays may be slightly different – please check with your school). Students will return to school for Term 1 2024 on Tuesday 30th January (public schools).
Darwin Family Life has rounded up some of the fantastic options that are free (or affordable) activities to do with your kids this Darwin Christmas 2023 and the December January School holidays.
Christmas at Darwin Waterfront!
Darwin Christmas 2023 Pool Party – Monday 18th December
Splash and dance at the Darwin Waterfront Wave Lagoon Monday, 18 December. Dance to groovy Christmas Beats, enjoy kids’ activities and keep your eyes peeled for the jolly-man himself!
A valid wave pool ticket is required to enter the Christmas Pool Party. CLICK HERE to book your ticket.
Monday 18 December | 10am – 1pm | 5 – 17 years old | Wave Lagoon
For the full Waterfront Christmas program head here
Kids Holiday Sewing Club – 18th and 20th December
Get your kids into the festive spirit with the Holiday Sewing Club at Darwin Adult Short Courses! This Christmas-themed sewing class is perfect for children ages 10 and up (but please contact them if you have a keen younger child as we may still be able to accept them!) and includes materials and tools for the class. Kids will have the opportunity to make two different projects, one larger and one smaller, with the guidance of our professional instructor, Christine. Don’t celebrate Christmas? No problem! Our projects can be adjusted to fit any holiday or non-holiday theme. Sign up now for this unforgettable and creative experience that will equip your child with the basic skills they need to pursue sewing as a life-long interest! Held at Darwin Adult Short Courses from 10am to 12pm. Book in here
Kids’ Laser-Cut Christmas Craft – 18th, 19th and 20th December
Get your kids into the festive spirit with our Kids’ Laser-Cut Christmas Craft class, taught by the talented Sergei at Darwin Adult Short Courses. This 3-hour session will teach your children the basics of laser-cut art with a festive theme*. They’ll leave class with several small items or gifts for themselves or others. Book into as many sessions as you’d like, and give your kids the opportunity to unleash their creativity this holiday season. *We understand that some families do not observe Christmas, so children will be provided with alternative options as needed. Book in here
School holidays Pilates with Anna – 18th, 19th and 20th December
Looking for a fun and engaging way to get your kids moving? Look no further than Darwin Adult Short Course’s Pilates for Kids with Anna! Children aged 6 and up can enjoy 45 minutes of Pilates with a friendly and experienced tutor. Anna will guide your kids through fun and functional movements that will help them build strength and flexibility. Book as many sessions as you want and come dressed in athletic clothes with a towel, water bottle and socks. Sessions will be held indoors, unless the weather is cool enough for an outdoor class. Sign up today and let’s get moving! Mats, blocks, bands and other necessary equipment will be provided in each class. From 4pm at Darwin Adult Short Courses in Ludmilla. Book in here
Santa live at the Shack – countdown to XMAS!
Only 5 days until Christmas! If you haven’t told Santa what’s on your wish list you can head to the Surf Shack at the Darwin Waterfront and make sure you’re on the nice list from 6.30pm – 8pm and say hello to the Jolly-man himself. Santa will be at the Shack 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23 December | 6.30m – 8pm | Waterfront
19th Dec – Auslan Storytime
20th Dec – DIY Christmas Decorations
21st Dec – Card Making
Darwin Christmas 2023 Scavenger Hunt
Attention all Darwin residents: Santa has lost his reindeer and needs the kids help to find them! To celebrate this year’s festive season, City of Darwin has partnered with Storytowns Audio Tours to bring you an immersive podcast-style Christmas Scavenger Hunt. Featuring audio clues from Santa himself, kids and families can take an adventure through Darwin suburbs as they follow Santa’s clues, looking for his lost reindeer at local sites and businesses. Listen to the clues and explore where you think the reindeer will be. Join in the fun to win some prizes! Find out how to join the Scavenger Hunt here
City of Darwin libraries events
Christmas Family Story time – 10am-10:30am at Casuarina library on 9th and 16th December (limited numbers for these events. Tickets available 30mins prior to event).
Story time with Santa
New Years at Darwin Waterfront – 31st December
January School Holidays 2024
Top End Multi Sports – January School holidays program
TEMS have their popular sports holiday program back for one week in January holidays break. For the best holiday fun, book your kids into their holiday program where they have a variety of sports and activities to keep your kids entertained! Whether your kid is a beginner or expert player, their school holiday program provides for all levels of ability. They can expect lots of fun, learn a skill and much more.
Program consists of: Soccer, tennis, volleyball, swimming, movie time and more. Daily activities have flexibility to suit children. For ages 5+ 8am to 4pm (half days and earlier starts available on request)
Monday 22nd to Thursday 25th January (week 1), Cost is $240 for 4 days or $75 per day
Enrolments are now open and filling up fast! For more information and to enrol, click here.
Music School Holiday Program – January
Alphonsus Music Studio are excited to be able to offer various musical programs for children from 0 to 12 years old these upcoming January holidays.
‘Own a Pony’ School Holiday program at Bees Creek Horse Riding! Including everything horsey! Horsemanship – grooming feeding horse care, quizes, craft and riding lessons. No experience necessary, suitable for ages 7 to 13yrs.
Dates: Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th January – 8am to 3pm each day.
Cost is $220 per day
Places are limited – to book contact Kate: beescreekhorseriding@outlook.com or 0478 115 814
FREEZE Skate – 10th January
This FREE skating session is exclusively for teenagers. Bring your friends! Bookings essential as places are limited. Ages 12-20 only from 5:30-7pm at Darwin Ice Skating Centre. Snack will be provided. Don’t forget your socks!! Registrations will open early January – no advanced registrations available. More info here
Clubhouse Territory – All abilities fun day – 18th January
Lego Club in January
Create your own Christmas LEGO masterpiece and display them in our library for everyone to see. 12th January 3:30-4:30pm at Casuarina Library and 17th January 10:30-11:30am at Nightcliff Library.
For all ages. Children 10 years and under are to be accompanied by an adult. No need to book, just come along. LEGO supplied.
Geektacular 2024 – 20th January
MEET | CONNECT | PLAY Geektacular is returning in 2024 with all the usual FREE geeky fun, created by fans for fans!
Created by young people for young people, Geektacular is a space to experience and celebrate YOU! This 100% free event includes: A minimarket of local young creatives, Cosplay competition, The GG Social Club Board Games Arena, Dungeons & Dragons, Stepping Stones art exhibition, Next Tier Gaming & Esports, Art workshops, Manga + graphic novel reading zone, Karaoke
– Cooking workshops and so much MORE! Geektacular is recommended for young people 15-25 years of age and will be held on Saturday 20th January, 2-6pm at Casuarina Library (17 Bradshaw Terrace, Casuarina) STAY TUNED to the LAUNCH Darwin Instagram & Facebook for updates.
Leanyer Recreation Park
City of Darwin – January program
From DIY playdough, movies, sports, Fun in the Park activities and so much more. Check out their full program and dates here
Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory – Lego Minifigures hunt
LEGO® minifigures are taking over MAGNT so be on the lookout as you explore the galleries and peer into exhibition cases. Can you find some? Can you find them all? Challenge yourself and your friends to a LEGO® count and see who can spot the most! Don’t forget to capture your discoveries with photos and share your findings using the hashtag #MAGNTlegohunt.
This is a free activity for families and children of all ages across the December and January school holidays. Suitable for all ages | Free | Children under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Musuem is located at 19 Conacher St. Entry to the MAGNT is free and they are open Tuesday to Saturday 10am till 4pm and Sundays open 10am till 5pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Office of Youth Affairs
Playshack Palmerston
Why not head into the Playshack located in the Hub complex Palmerston (Shop 7, 3 Maluka Drive). Let the kids run and burn their energy on the massive indoor playground and you can enjoy a coffee or drink and a snacks available for purchase. Their hours during school holidays will be 8.30 am till 2 pm Monday – Friday, plus the usual weekend times of Saturday 9 am till 2pm and Sunday 10 am till 4 pm. Entry is only $9.90 per child and bubs under 1 are free with an older sibling (or $3). Please remember your socks!
Palmerston Water Park
The SHAK Youth Hub – at Sanderson Middle School
A drop in youth space for all young people with no registration required, a variety of activities, food and transportation home provided. Food and transport home provided. From 12pm most days of the school holidays till late. For 10-17yr olds. Sanderson Middle School is located at 60 Matthews Road Malak. View more details here
Palmerston Recreation Centre/Palmerston Youth Centre/Yspace
Drop in space for youth. Variety of activities include basketball and fun. Food will be provided. Transportation will be provided by Larrakia Nation. More details on activities here
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog and have a great Darwin Christmas 2023 and a safe and fun December and January School holidays.
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