Darwin December and January School holidays 2025-26

Are you ready for our Darwin December and January School holidays 2025-26? We have SIX weeks in total! (for Darwin public schools, private and independent school holidays may be slightly different – please check with your school). Holidays start Friday 12th December and students will return to school for Term 1 2026 on Thursday 29th 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 these December/January School holidays. Note – keep an eye on this blog – more activities and events may be added as they are released!

December January School holidays 2025-26

Christmas at Darwin Waterfront

Celebrate the magic of Christmas at the Darwin Waterfront with a brand-new large-scale Christmas Light Trail and a packed program of festive events. Every night there is various performances, the Christmas express train for kids to ride and wander the amazing collection of new decorations. Eleven dazzling new decorations will join the Waterfront’s existing collection, creating a spectacular 1km trail that winds throughout the precinct. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:30pm in lead up to Christmas catch Santa and face painting by Fairy Jill’s team.

Check out the full Christmas program of events and happenings here!

Dungeons and Dragons – Thursday 11th December

Step into the world of Dungeons & Dragons — where imagination leads the way! Join in for the “Lost Mine of Phandelver”, an epic introductory campaign for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Together, you’ll solve puzzles, face magical creatures, and discover the power of teamwork and creativity. No experience needed — just bring your sense of adventure! Happening at City of Palmerston Library – Thursday 11th December at 3:3o to 4:30pm – suitable for ages 12-19.

Youth Drop-in Sports – Christmas Activities & Basketball from Thursday 11 December

Fun FREE holiday program: Basketball, games, and creative Christmas crafts for young people. Held at Palmerston Recreation Centre weekdays from Thursday 11th to Thursday 18th December 3pm to 5pm. Suitable for 10-18yrs old. Free and no registration required.

Casuarina Christmas Pool Party – Saturday 13th December

Get ready to make a splash this festive season at the Casuarina Christmas Pool Party with FREE entry into the pool and a FREE BBQ! The first 50 parents will also receive a free coffee! Meet Santa Claus in person, snap a photo, Kids can enjoy interactive adventures with the Fun Bus team, explore hands-on Fun in the Parks activities, and delight in the petting zoo, meeting some of their favourite furry friends. The celebration continues with lively DJ beats, a charming Baby Ballerinas performance, and plenty of festive games, including a Rock, Paper, Scissors competition with prizes to be won. Happening at Casuarina Pool – 8:30am to 12pm on Saturday 13th December.

Darwin adult short courses kids pottery December 2025

Kids pottery course – 15th and 16th December

Darwin Adult Short courses are holding kids pottery course over two days – 15th and 16th of December. Offering a fun, creative Hand Building with Clay mini course. Make masks, sculptures, creatures, volcanoes! Let your imagination run WILD! Led by their dedicated and experienced pottery tutor, Gerald, this two-session mini course is for children ages 8 and up. With a small class size of only 8 students, your child will receive personalized attention and guidance as they learn the basics of hand building with clay, creating something from their imagination and then decorating it. All materials supplied. More information and to book head here

Take it to the Streets – Darwin Youth Activities – Tuesday 16th December (plus other dates in January!)

3×3 FIBA basketball games, activities, music, free food and weekly prizes – run by professionals! Held at Marrara Indoor Stadium by Made Concepts from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday 16th December and other dates in January. Suitable for kids aged 6-18yrs. Free event but register here

Christmas Craft + movies week – Monday 15th to Friday 19th

City of Palmerston Library are hosting free daily Christmas craft activities or a Christmas Movie from 10am to 11:30am. It’s a festive, fun-filled week where creativity meets holiday cheer. They’ve got everything you need to get into the holiday spirit. Bring the whole family and enjoy some cosy, creative time together. Suitable for ages 5-12 years. Bookings required for groups of 5 or more. All materials are provided.

Kids cooking classes – various dates in December and January

Looking for fun and creative cooking for kids? Look no further than Darwin Adult Short Course’s Fun Cooking Classes for Kids, ideal for children ages 8 and up. With a small class sizes, students, your child will learn how to make creative and easy food you will love! All materials supplied but students should bring a container for the food they want to take home and an apron to wear in the kitchen. There is various dates and courses to choose from, Pizza/bread/doughnuts, pasta and sauces, sushi, decorated cakes and cookies, magic cake, chicken recipes and Anzac cookies! For more information and to book head here

Reel connections fishing club – run various dates

A social fishing club that allows young people to connect outdoors, learn new skills, explore pathways and have fun! Aimed at kids aged 10-17yrs. Free activity and snacks provided. Various dates (11th Dec, 8th Jan & 22nd Jan) and locations. Call or email to register 0402514172 or programs@pathfindersnt.com.au

FREE-ze Skate – Thursday 18th December

This FREE skating session is exclusively for teenagers. Bring your friends! Bookings essential as places are limited. EXCLUSIVE Ages 12-20 only from 5:30-7pm at Darwin Ice Skating Centre. Snacks will be provided. Don’t forget your socks!! Registration is essential for this FREE event as spaces are limited. Registrations will open 9am Thursday 11th December – no advanced registrations available. More info and book here *your tackiest festive garb is encouraged

Free Screening – Avatar Fire and Ash – Friday 2nd January

BCC Casuarina is hosting a free Screening of film Avatar Fire and Ash on Friday 2nd January at 3:45pm. Includes a small combo per person Pre registrations is a must here

Intro to Music lessons – Various dates in January

Enrol in Musicking Maestros diverse offerings of Introductory Instrumental Programs for 2026 at their studio located in Berrimah. From Group Keyboard classes, guitar, violin, voice, drum and brand new early childhood music program. Enrolments and Expressions of interest are now open!

Early Bird Special: Enrol by 15 December 2025 to enjoy special rate at $99 for all 3 lessons. Enter Coupon Code ‘EarlyBird99’ at checkout. For more information and bookings head here

Dungeon Masters – how to DnD – Sunday 4th and 11th January

Level up from player to Dungeon Master! Suitable for anyone with a working knowledge of D&D or other tabletop RPGs, recommended for ages 12-25. This Free event is being held at Casuarina library from 1pm to 4pm on both 4th and 11th January. Build your game master skills over two sessions then join other adventurers around the D&D tables at Geektacular on Saturday 17 January at Casuarina Library. For more info and to book head here

Kids Art classes – various dates in January

Expressionism art workshops for children: Series of 4 x 3hr workshops which can be booked individually or as a series of all 4. Happening at Darwin Adult Short Courses on Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th, Friday 9th and Saturday 10th January from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Suitable for Ages 6 to 13 years Workshop series will include: 1. “The Scream” 2. Eco art 3. Self portraits in the style of famous artists 4. Fabric collage. For more information and to book head here

Get that Job! Intro to Espresso – Wednesday 7th January

Learn basic barista skills such as how to extract the perfect espresso, texture milk, and build confidence behind the machine with this introductory course at Brew Dreams Coffee Training. ** Currently booked out** join the waitlist here

Recording Studio Experience – From Monday 12th to Friday 16th January

Join in the library’s recording studio for an immersive experience with a professional music producer/audio engineer. These structured sessions give young people the chance to book a time slot, explore the recording process, and learn the essentials of music production — from songwriting, vocal recording, and instrument tracking, through to sampling, podcast creation, mixing and mastering. Open to all young people aged 12–25. Participants can book a session to record music, pod cast, or any other creative audio project. What is provided – Access to professional microphones, mixing tools, and sound editing software (Pro Tools, Logic Pro) Support from a music producer/audio engineer and library staff throughout the session. What to bring: Participants will need to provide their own instruments. These sessions are totally FREE but bookings are essential, sessions run 9am to 5pm. To book email recordingstudio@palmerston.nt.gov.au or call 8935 9999

GEEKTACULAR – Saturday 17th January

Geektacular is a space to experience and celebrate YOU! Happening at Casuarina Library on Sunday 17th January from 2pm to 6pm. This 100% free, by-fans, for-fansevent includes: A minimarket of local young creatives, Cosplay competition,Tabletop games, Dungeons & Dragons, Art exhibition, Gaming, Karaoke, And so much MORE! Geektacular is recommended for young people 15-25 years of age.

Fashion Skills course for kids – Tuesday 20th to Friday 23rd January

Step into the world of fashion these school holidays with Darwin Adult Short course – 4‑Day Fashion Skills Workshop — designed for creative kids aged 12+ who already know their way around a sewing machine. This workshop is all about creativity, confidence, and self‑expression. Whether you dream of a career in fashion or just love making things, you’ll walk away with new skills, a handmade garment, and the thrill of seeing your design shine on the runway. Hosted at Darwin Adult Short courses for 2.5hrs each of the days. For more info and to book head here

Feel Good Factory: FREE Come & Try Circus – Tuesday 20th January

Ever wanted to test drive a circus workshop at Corrugated Iron? Now is your chance! In this action-packed workshop, you’ll get hands-on with a wide variety of circus skills, including juggling, acrobatics, balancing and even more. Led by Corrugated Iron’s Head Circus Trainer, Nikki Jeffries, this workshop is open to all skill levels, even if it’s your very first-time giving circus a go! Suitable for ages 7-12 years. More details and enrol here

Feel good factory – Hip Hop & Breakdance Workshops – Wednesday 21st January

Ever wanted to learn hip-hop dance? Enjoy the January school holidays with a high-energy street dance workshop led by B-Girl Nat and B-Boy Ricky! Learn to groove, pop, lock and break it down. All skill levels welcome. Snacks are provided! Free event. Suitable for ages 7-17 years. Held at Palmerston Recreation Centre, Community Room 2. More details and enrol here

FREE-ze Skate – Thursday 22nd January

This FREE skating session is exclusively for teenagers. Bring your friends! Bookings essential as places are limited. EXCLUSIVE Ages 12-20 only from 5:30-7pm at Darwin Ice Skating Centre. Snacks will be provided. Don’t forget your socks!! Registration is essential for this FREE event as spaces are limited. Registrations will open 9am Thursday 15th January – no advanced registrations available. More info and book here

Get that job – first aid course launch – Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd Jan

This FREE two-day first aid course from 9am to 1pm is being delivered by Surf Life Saving Northern Territory, with support through NTG’s Darwin Youth Activity Grants. Both days must be attended to gain qualification. For ages 13-25 held at Surf Life Saving NT – 16 De Latour St, Coconut Grove. Registrations are essential and places are limited – book here

CLUB CORRO-AOKE – Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd January

Ever wanted to tap into your inner rock star or try karaoke in the most inclusive club in Darwin? Then this FREE workshop is for you! Join in at Club Corro-aoke where you will learn how to sing with confidence to your favourite karaoke tunes with Benhur Helwend and Natalie Leysley. You will: Have fun with friends, Learn vocal mic techniques, Create simple choreography, Play with fashion and costuming. Snacks provided. Suitable for ages 10-17 years – times and venue details and enrol here

City of Palmerston Library

Join the Palmerston library these January school holiday for a range of free activities to keep children entertained. All sessions are free and suitable for ages 5-12 years, daily from 10am to 11am. The January Holiday program will be running from Monday 5th to Friday 23rd January, daily. There is a variety of activities daily from movies, crafts, various workshops. Check out all the details on their fb page events here

Leanyer Recreation Park

Another great option to keep the kids busy and cool these Darwin December and January School holidays is to visit Leanyer Recreation park. It is a FREE water recreation park located at 215 Vanderlin Drive Leanyer. The Park consists of dry and wet recreational areas. The wet area includes a swimming lagoon (shallow in many areas – great for toddlers and young children), three massive water slides for the older kids. There are large, grassed areas for play, BBQ’s, a dry playground, skate park and basketball courts. The Park has lots of shaded areas including over the pool, the wet play area, the skate park and the grassed areas. There are toilets and change room facilities.

Opening hours during the school holidays are:

Park from 9am

Wet Play & Lagoon from 10am

Slides from 11am

Park closes at 6pm

Office of Youth Affairs

The Office of Youth affairs compile calendars including programs and activities during school holidays for young people (most aged 12-25yrs). Check out their calendars here

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 3pm Monday – Friday, plus the usual weekend times of Saturday 9 am till 2pm and Sunday 10am till 3pm (closed public holidays). Weekday entry is only $11.90 per child (5-12), toddlers are $9.90, Babies 6-12mths $3, and infants are free with an older sibling. Weekend entry is $11.90 (ages 1-12). Please remember your socks!

Palmerston Water Park

Palmerston Water Park is the second water park in Darwin. It also FREE and open seven days a week. Located at Cnr University Ave and Roystonea Ave (access via Roystonea Ave). The water park includes a 14 metre high – 100 metre long – six-line racer water slide, a wet play area for families and toddlers featuring sprays, water curtains and a shallow wading pool. Another wet play area for teenagers featuring more active water cannons, buckets and high intensity interactive play, a café, toilets and change room facilities, open grassed play area with BBQs, shaded areas and a skate park.

Opening hours during the school holidays are:

Park from 9am

Wet Play from 10am

Slides from 11am

Park closes at 6pm

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 Youth Centre

Drop in @ the PYC, a space for youth, various free activities with no registrations required, activities running from 10am to 10pm daily. Located at 31 Tilston Ave, Moulden.

With the weather heating up – why not plan a day trip and visit one of our amazing National Parks and swimming spots like Buley Rockholes, or Howard Springs Nature park – all great spots for families.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog and have fun the December and January School holidays 2025-26. Wishing you and your family a safe and fun holiday season!

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December January School holidays 2025-26

City of Palmerston Library

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