Deck the halls and celebrate Christmas in style
Put up the tree, wrap the presents and string up the lights, ‘cos Santa Claus is coming to town.
And what better way to celebrate this beautiful season than to put full voice to one of our favourite carols as we explore all things Christmas on the Northern Beaches.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Christmas is certainly the time to decorate the halls, house, town and beyond. And while holly might not be our thing here in Australia, Christmas trees certainly are, and nothing beats the real thing as the centerpiece for your festive decorations.
Starting in 2018, local business Aussie Christmas Trees has been offering a wide selection of real trees with all their beautiful scent, including Blue Spruce, Radiata Pine and Douglas Fir. Royal Far West in Manly serves as our own Christmas tree forest. Simply pre-order and collect or walk in and browse for the perfect tree.
Even more importantly, Aussie Christmas Trees donates a portion of profits to a range of Sydney charities.
‘Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
What better way to be jolly than with some smooth sounds and a bit of Santa.
Hotel Steyne will be turning up the fun dial over the holiday period with entertainment in the courtyard every day from 16th December to 18th January, while Chrissie eve will focus on the kids with face painting 11.30am-1.30pm and a visit from Santa at 3pm.
On Boxing Day you’ll be spoiled for choice, with Hotel Steyne taking the entertainment to the rooftop from midday, while just down the Corso, The Ivanhoe Hotel will plug in the amp for live music from 2pm.
Harbord Diggers will be putting the sparkle into Christmas with events including a Morning Melodies Christmas Special, a performance by the Australian Army Band, and a magical movie night on beanbags under the stars.
In Dee Why, Christmas by the Beach is returning to James Meehan Reserve with all your favourite carols and a children’s Christmas show.
Bring your own picnic, grab takeaway from one of Dee Why’s many restaurants or chose something delicious from a range of food vendors operating at the event.
Gates will open at 4pm, with the show commencing at 5pm.
Santa will drop by for photos from 4pm to 7pm, and face painting will be available from 4pm to 7.30pm.
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Put on your best Christmas gear and mark the moment with a family photo with the big man in the red suit.
For an iconically Australian Santa photo, just add water … and sand and sun.
Santa on the Beach Pics has a range of location options along the Northern Beaches for your sandy shoot, as well as premium sessions at Manly’s Q Station, while Santas Downunder sets up its scenic beach shots at Manly Cove and Collaroy Beach and Let’s SEA Santa gets the family smiling at Turimetta Beach.
Harbord Hotel brings the action inside but doesn’t skimp on the beachy feel with their Salty Santa Christmas Photos, while Warriewood Square and Westfield Warringah Mall offer the traditional shopping centre experience plus special sessions including sensitive sessions.
Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Okay so we had to Google this one. Forget the modern definition of troll, in this case it means to sing a song in full voice. So warm up those vocal cords and celebrate the season with an enchanting evening of carols by the sea. The Northern Beaches hosts several beachside carols events where families gather to sing their favorite festive tunes. Grab a picnic blanket, pack a basket and head to beach-side venues like Manly, Narrabeen or Newport.
Manly gets into the spirit early with the Christmas Choral Concert at Manly Oval on Thursday 5th December. All your favourite carols will be performed by the Northern Beaches Orchestra, the Community Christmas Choir and local artists.
This is a free event. Gates will open at 5pm, with the concert commencing at 6.30pm. Food vendors will operate from 5pm to 8.30pm.
Free ID wristbands are available for children at the entry gates or from the information tent.
Carols by the Lake held on Saturday 21 December on Lake Park Rd, North Narrabeen, is a fantastic Christmas community event with traditional carols, a visit from Santa and a spectacular fireworks display over the lake.
Pre-entertainment will start at 6pm, with the main carols event at 7pm.
See the blazing yule before us
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Google again – this is a blazing log. While we certainly don’t need to burn a yule log in the middle of a scorching hot Christmas, nothing says Christmas celebrations like a bit of fire in the sky and homes lit up against the darkness.
For spectacular Christmas Eve fireworks displays, head to Manly, Dee Why or Frenchs Forest, all going off at 9pm to 9.30pm.
Residents of the Northern Beaches also love to light up the night with their dazzling Christmas displays. Many local neighbourhoods go all out to create spectacular lighting installations, attracting people from all over Sydney to stroll our festive streets, such as Borgnis St in Davidson.
Strike the harp and join the chorus
Fa la la la la, la la la la
There’s no more traditional way to mark Christmas than attending a church service complete with carols and camels.
Each year St Matthews on the Corso in Manly strikes up the chorus with a beautiful carols service topped off with a recreation of the Bible story of the birth of Christ with wise men journeying through the Corso on camels.
Stay tuned for details of this holy event.
Follow me in merry measure
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Cheering on a pack of happy pooches as they doggie-paddle race across Pittwater on Christmas Even is enough to make anyone feel merry.
The annual Scotland Island Dog Race has been attracting the crowds and canine competitors since 1974. It’s a celebration of the athleticism of the family pet and a fun excuse for a day out as more than 50 dogs (and even a cat one year) compete in the race between Bells Wharf on Scotland Island and Church Point Ferry Wharf on the mainland, accompanied by their owners of course.
The festivities run 5pm-7pm, with the race gun sounding at 6pm, on Tuesday 24th December.
Set up at either end of the race, or watch it in style from waterfront restaurant Pasadena. Book a table now to secure the best seats in the house.
While I tell of Yule-tide treasure
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Go Christmas treasure hunting at our many vibrant markets. Search out unique gifts and one-of-a-kind decorations or indulge in the delicious food stalls.
Start your Christmas market shopping early on Saturday 30th November with the Elanora Heights Village Christmas Markets boasting amazing small businesses and artists, or head to Pittwater House Christmas Fair for vibrant market stalls, carols and rides.
Head to the Narrabeen Christmas Markets at Lakeside Park, North Narrabeen, on Sunday 1 December to celebrate small creative businesses, inlcuding art, craft, jewellery and clothing. Also on 1 December is Christmas Market in Frenchs Forest at Ararat Community and Function Centre where you’ll find great gift shopping as well as Santa photos and pony rides.
Mona Vale Christmas Market will feature about 100 quality stalls, international food and non-stop entertainment and music on Sunday 15th December at Village Park.
For a French twist on Christmas, head to Le Marche French Market at St Pauls Catholic College in Manly on Sunday 15th December. Discover unique, hand-crafted gifts and festive French goodies to make your Christmas extra special.
Hail the new year, lads and lasses
Fa la la la la, la la la la
What better way to see out the old year and herald in the new than by indulging in a festive dining experience with a side dish of stunning ocean panoramas, offered by many Northern Beaches restaurants.
Be sure to book a table in advance to secure your spot.
Heedless of the wind and weather
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Christmas on the Northern Beaches is a truly special experience, offering a combination of sun, sand and festive cheer. From vibrant markets to beachside carols, dazzling light displays, and thrilling water activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the holiday spirit, create cherished memories and celebrate Christmas in style on the beautiful Northern Beaches in 2023.