The festive season has well and truly arrived, and Wollongong is shining bright with holiday fun. Get set to dive into Christmas cheer and welcome the New Year in style, with plenty of moments to make the season feel extra special. We have rounded up the top celebrations happening across the region – because this time of year is made for joy, sparkle and memory making.
Raffles & Events
Get into the festive spirit with a whole line up of Christmas fun across Wollongong. From Santa photos and toy and ham raffles to festive craft sessions and holiday themed events, there is something happening in every corner of the region. Whether you are gathering the family or looking for a cheerful way to celebrate, here is what is on this festive season.
PEPE's on the Beach
Santa is hitting the beach and this time it is all about the pups.
Head to PEPE’s on the Beach for Santa Paws – free Santa photos, sunny deck vibes, DJs, $12 margaritas, $7 schooners and plenty of doggy treats. No bookings needed, just roll up – first in, best dressed.
Date: Sunday 7 December
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Price: Free entry
Towradgi Beach Hotel
Towradgi Beach Hotel is turning up the festive fun with their first Coastal Christmas – a sunny, family friendly afternoon of live music, tasty pop ups, kids’ entertainment and a special visit from Santa.
Stick around for the big moment as they wrap up the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway with the major raffle drawn live in venue.
Date: Sunday 21 December
Time: 1pm to 6pm
Price: Free entry
Georgia Rose Shell Cove
Get crafty this Christmas with Georgia Rose’s Christmas Bauble Decorating Afternoon – the perfect way to tap into your festive creativity.
You will get six baubles to decorate your way with paint pens, ribbons, glitter glue and all the sparkly bits, plus a cheeky drink on arrival and savoury snacks to keep you inspired.
Date: Saturday 7 December
Time: 3pm to 5.30pm
Price: $69 per person
The Fraternity Club
The Fraternity Club is keeping the festive spirit rolling with their Christmas Feast Raffle every Friday.
Score your choice of a Christmas ham, a seafood voucher or a fresh veggie voucher – the perfect way to top up your holiday table. Simply turn up, grab a ticket and cross your fingers for a festive win.
Dates: 28 November, 5 December, 12 December, 19 December
Time: 7.30pm
Price: Free entry
The Fraternity Club
The Fraternity Club is turning on the Christmas cheer with their Festive Fun Day and Mega Toy Raffle – a family friendly celebration packed with free face painting, a Nativity scene, farm animals, live music, Christmas craft and a visit from Santa.
Stick around as the Mega Toy Raffle kicks off with $10,000 worth of toys up for grabs.
Date: Saturday 6 December
Time: 11am to 2pm (Toy Raffle from 2pm)
Price: Free entry
Fraternity Sports
Fraternity Sports is bringing the festive excitement with their Toy Raffle – your chance to score a share of $2000 worth of toys just in time for Christmas.
Bring the family, soak up the holiday cheer and keep those tickets close for a shot at some seriously fun prizes.
Date: Saturday 14 December
Time: 7.30pm
Price: Free entry
The Shellharbour Club
The Shellharbour Club is serving up serious festive flavour with their Ham Raffles – 100 half hams to be won each draw night.
Grab your tickets from 5.30pm, with draws kicking off at 7pm. Plus, for every $10 spent, you will score a bonus entry into the Bonus Ham Draw.
Dates: 19 November, 26 November, 3 December, 10 December
Time: 5.30pm tickets, 7pm draw
Price: Free entry
The Shellharbour Club
The Shellharbour Club is reeling in the festive fun with their Giant Seafood Raffle – your chance to hook a share of $2000 in fresh seafood prizes.
Tickets go on sale from 6pm, with the draw kicking off at 7.30pm. And for every $10 spent, you will snag a bonus entry into the Bonus Draw.
Date: Friday 19 December
Time: 6pm tickets, 7.30pm draw
Price: Free entry
The Shellharbour Club
The Shellharbour Club is turning up the festive energy with three huge Toy and Gadget Draw nights – over $40,000 worth of the season’s hottest toys and must have gadgets are ready to be won.
Tickets are on sale from 6pm, with draws starting at 7.30pm across all three nights.
Dates: 28 November, 5 December, 12 December
Time: 6pm tickets, 7.30pm draw
Price: Free entry
Illawarra Yacht Club
Illawarra Yacht Club is celebrating the season with two festive raffles – a Christmas Toy Raffle on 4 December and a Christmas Half Ham Raffle on 11 December.
Tickets go on sale from 3pm with draws at 6pm. Santa and Mrs Claus will also be stopping by for the Toy Raffle from 5.30pm to 7pm to spread a little extra cheer.
Dates: Thursday 4 December (Toy Raffle), Thursday 11 December (Half Ham Raffle)
Time: 3pm tickets, 6pm draw (Santa & Mrs Claus 5.30pm to 7pm on 4 December)
Price: Free entry
Oak Flats Bowling Club
Oak Flats Bowling Club is keeping the festive giveaways coming with their Christmas Half Ham Raffle – perfect for stocking up before the big day.
Tickets go on sale from 3pm, with the draw taking place at 6pm.
Date: Saturday 14 December
Time: 3pm tickets, 6pm draw
Price: Free entry
Oak Flats Bowling Club
Oak Flats Bowling Club is getting into the festive spirit with their Christmas Toy Raffle – a fun family afternoon with plenty of prizes up for grabs.
Tickets go on sale from 3pm, with Santa and Mrs Claus popping in for a visit before the draw to spread a little extra Christmas cheer.
Date: Saturday 7 December
Time: 3pm tickets, 6pm draw (Santa & Mrs Claus 4pm to 5:30pm)
Price: Free entry
Christmas Luncheons
Christmas Day is all about good food, great company and zero dishes – and Wollongong’s restaurants are serving up all the festive flavour you could ask for. Whether you are chasing a long lunch by the water, a classic feast with all the trimmings or something a little fancy, here are the best spots making Christmas delicious this year.
Palisade Kitchen & Bar
Make Christmas Day feel extra special at Palisade Kitchen and Bar – a relaxed, oceanfront feast at Novotel Northbeach.
Enjoy a spectacular spread of fresh seafood, gourmet hot dishes, carvery favourites and decadent desserts, all paired with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Sit back, sip, savour and let the team take care of the rest.
Price: $295 Adults | $265 Accor Plus | $145 Teens | $90 Child | $0 Infant
Novotel Northbeach
Celebrate Christmas Day in style at Novotel Northbeach with a festive long lunch on Level 4.
Enjoy fresh seafood, gourmet hot dishes, carvery classics and decadent desserts, all served in elegant spaces with a curated beverage package. Gather your favourite people and make this Christmas one to remember.
The Deck / Illawarra Room:
$295 Adult | $265 Accor Plus | $145 Teen | $90 Child | $0 Infant
Norfolk / Pacific:
$270 Adult | $243 Accor Plus | $125 Teen | $75 Child | $0 Infant
Towradgi Beach Hotel
Spend Christmas the delicious way at Towradgi Beach Hotel with a hassle free festive luncheon.
Indulge in a chef’s selection packed with fresh seafood, traditional carvery favourites and a sweet finish – all without lifting a finger. It is the perfect way to enjoy more time with the people who matter most, and it always books out fast.
Times: 12pm or 12.30pm
Price: $115 Adult | $40 Child (12 and under)
Headlands Austinmer Beach
Let Headlands Austinmer Beach take care of Christmas this year with a relaxed coastal buffet overlooking the sparkling ocean. Enjoy fresh local seafood, roast favourites, vibrant salads and indulgent desserts in one of the South Coast’s most iconic seaside spots.
Sittings: 11.30am, 12pm, 12.30pm
Note: First in, best dressed for the Ocean View Room
Price: $189 Adult | $249 Adult with 3 hour drinks package | $90 Child (5–12)
Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant
Celebrate Christmas right on the water with Harbourfront’s festive 3 course lunch – great food, gorgeous harbour views and all the holiday cheer you could want.
Enjoy a set menu with bread plus a 3 hour premium beverage package, making it the perfect long lunch with loved ones.
Time: 12pm to 3pm, Thursday 25 December
Price: $260pp (18+) | $200pp (12–17) | $150 (under 12)
Waterfront Tavern
Make Christmas Day easy at Waterfront Tavern with a relaxed seafood buffet overlooking Shellharbour Marina.
Enjoy a spread of hot and cold dishes, fresh seafood and classic Christmas favourites while you sit back, unwind and spend the day with the people you love.
Time: 12pm, Thursday 25 December
Price: $179 Adult | $89 Child (2–12)
Steamers Bar & Grill
Steamers Bar and Grill is keeping Christmas simple, delicious and seriously festive with a flavour packed set menu made for long, leisurely celebrations.
Fresh ingredients, big flavours and generous portions mean you just show up and enjoy – they will handle the rest. Limited spots available, with a kids menu too.
Price: $250 per person
The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant
Celebrate Lagoon’s final Christmas by the water – a Wollongong tradition since 1986.
Enjoy a festive long lunch with stunning ocean views, premium dishes and all the feel good holiday vibes as you gather with family and friends for one last unforgettable celebration at this iconic venue.
Sittings: 11am to 1.30pm, 2pm to 4.30pm
Price: $185 Adult | $115 Teen | $85 Child (5–12) | $50 Child (2–4) | Under 2 Free
The Fraternity Club
Let The Fraternity Club take care of Christmas this year with a festive buffet packed with seafood, carvery favourites, pastas, salads and sweet treats.
A relaxed, family friendly way to celebrate without the stress. Bookings are essential and spots fill fast.
Price: $130 Adult | $55 Child (5–12) | $25 Child (under 5)
Culinarius
Make Christmas Day deliciously easy with Culinarius’ fresh, festive menu – vibrant seasonal dishes and modern holiday favourites, ready to collect or delivered on Christmas Eve.
Planning a party? Their Christmas Cocktail Menu brings bright flavours and beautifully crafted bites to any office or home celebration.
Price: Contact Culinarius for menu pricing
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve in Wollongong is all about good vibes, great views and ringing in the year with a little extra sparkle. Whether you are chasing waterfront fireworks, a long dinner with friends or a big night of live music and celebrations, here are the best ways to welcome the new year in style.
PEPE's on the Beach
Ring in the new year beachside at PEPE’s on the Beach with a huge free entry NYE party on the deck.
Jordan Brando headlines the night with his signature festival ready grooves, backed by Jacqui Cunningham, Lucy Lu, Myst and Kowojay keeping the energy high ‘til late.
Want the best spot? Book a cabana and watch the night unfold in style.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Price: Free entry
Adrift Pool Bar
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in your own private cabana at Adrift Pool Bar, Novotel Northbeach.
From 6pm ‘til late, enjoy an exclusive poolside setup with two chef’s selection grazing platters and a $1,500 bar tab – perfect for groups up to 10.
Toast to 2026 in total comfort, luxury and summer night vibes.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Price: Cabana booking includes platters + $1,500 bar tab (up to 10 guests)
Novotel Northbeach
Toast to 2026 in style at Novotel Northbeach’s New Year’s Eve Cocktail Countdown on The Deck.
Enjoy coastal views, an oyster bar and champagne on arrival, grazing tables, live cooking stations and roaming desserts.
Sip through a 6 hour beverage package featuring Taittinger Champagne, with late night cocktails, a DJ and photobooth keeping the party going.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Price: $289pp
Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant
Celebrate New Year’s Eve right on the harbour with Harbourfront’s lively cocktail party – a social, sparkling night of canapés, great drinks and waterfront views.
Enjoy cocktails on arrival, a 12 course premium canape menu, a dessert grazing table and a 5.5 hour premium beverage package, with live acoustic music and a DJ setting the mood through to 2026.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Time: 7pm to 12.30am
Price: $225pp
Georgia Rose Shell Cove
Countdown to 2026 at Georgia Rose Shell Cove with a DJ set from 8pm to midnight and $10 Grey Goose mixer specials all night long.
A relaxed, coastal way to welcome the new year with good music, good vibes and your favourite people.
Free entry makes it even better.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Time: 8pm to midnight
Price: Free entry
Waterfront Tavern
Waterfront Tavern is bringing in the new year by the marina with FABBA – the ultimate ABBA experience packed with all the hits to kick off 2026 in glittery style.
Doors open at 9pm, the show starts at 9.30pm and the DJ keeps the party going until 2am.
Want a seat? Book dinner separately to secure a table.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Time: 9pm doors, 9.30pm show, DJ until 2am
Price: $38 Pre sale | $40 Standard | $45 Door
The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant
Celebrate Lagoon’s Final Countdown with one last iconic New Year’s Eve by the water.
Enjoy a deluxe four course menu, a drink package with spirits until midnight and live music from Grooveworks plus the resident DJ keeping the dance floor buzzing.
Raise a glass and welcome 2026 at this unforgettable farewell celebration.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Time: 7pm to 2am
Price: $225 Adult | $130 Teen | $65 Child (5–12)
Diggies
Diggies is serving a Mediterranean inspired New Year’s Eve by the sea with a Limoncello Spritz and canapés on arrival, followed by a three course dinner from 7.30pm.
Enjoy a 4 hour drinks package and vinyl sets from Sultans of Spin as you dance your way into 2026 with front row views of the fireworks.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Time: From 7.30pm
Price: $190pp
Oak Flats Bowling Club
Oak Flats Bowling Club is ringing in the new year with dinner, The Beatnix live and a DJ taking the party through to 2am.
A fun, easy way to farewell the year and welcome the next – but be quick, tickets are limited with few left.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Time: Until 2am
Price: Free entry
Illawarra Yacht Club
Illawarra Yacht Club is throwing it back for New Year’s Eve with a Disco Revival party – classic hits, good vibes and waterfront views to welcome 2026 in true retro style.
Gather your crew, hit the dance floor and celebrate the new year the fun way.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Time: 8:30pm-12:00am
Price: Free entry
The Fraternity Club
Step into the sparkle at The Fraternity Club’s All That Glitters Ball in the Grand Ballroom.
Enjoy live music by Control, roaming performers, a three course alternate drop menu and a five hour premium beverage package as you celebrate in full glitz and glamour from 7.30pm ‘til late.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Time: From 7.30pm
Price: $120 Adult | $60 Teen (13–17) | $25 Child (under 12)
The Fraternity Club
Ring in the new year at The Fraternity Club with Mixed Groove taking over the Sunken Lounge for a big night of live music and good vibes.
Grab your ticket, gather your mates and celebrate from 8.30pm ‘til late.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Time: From 8.30pm
Price: $20 per ticket
Humber
Humber is hosting a rooftop New Year’s Eve party from 8pm with a DJ setting the vibe all night long.
Celebrate above the city, soak in the atmosphere and welcome 2026 from one of Wollongong’s favourite rooftops.
Date: Wednesday 31 December
Time: From 8pm
Price: $20 per person