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What’s On in the Shire This December 2025: Events, Markets, Carols & Family Fun
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
December in the Shire is full of festive magic — from twilight markets to carols under the stars. Here’s everything worth knowing this month so you can plan your summer celebrations with ease.
Festive Markets & Community Events
Kurnell Village Festival — Sunday 7 December 2025
A relaxed, family-friendly festival with food trucks, artisan stalls and live entertainment throughout the day.
Christmas Gingerbread Workshop — Thursday 11 December 2025
4:30pm–5:30pm
Location: Sutherland Library
Kids aged 8–12 can decorate their own gingerbread man (no baking required!) with all supplies included. Once they finish, extra Christmas craft activities are available. Bookings essential.
Caringbah Twilight Christmas Market — Sunday 14 December 2025
A charming twilight market featuring handmade gifts, artisan stalls, festive treats and family-friendly entertainment. Ideal for Christmas shopping and an easy local night out.
Where to Get Santa Photos in the Shire
Cronulla RSL — Bake With Santa + Photos (Selected Dates)
A playful Christmas set where little ones get to pretend to bake festive treats and then capture a relaxed Santa photo in a cosy kitchen scene.
Santa Studio — Boutique Santa Photos (Throughout December)
A beautifully styled, premium Santa photography experience offering high-quality images in a calm, refined setting. Perfect for families wanting polished Christmas photos.
South Village — Santa Photos (Daily Throughout December)
A convenient, classic Santa photo option — great for families wanting something quick and local without the crowds.
Carols in the Shire — December 2025
Saturday 13 December 2025 — Soul Revival Christmas Carols
4:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Biddy Giles Park, Kirrawee
Sunday 14 December 2025 — Urban Life Church Carols in the Parc
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Parc Menai, Menai
Sunday 21 December 2025 — St Johns Open Air Carols
5:00pm – 7:30pm
Location: Loftus Reserve, Loftus
Wednesday 24 December 2025 — Carols by Candlelight
8:00pm – 9:30pm
Location: Forby Sutherland Memorial Garden, Sutherland
New Year’s Eve Events — Wednesday 31 December 2025
Illawong Fireworks — 9:00pm Display
Location: Blaxland Oval, Illawong
A family favourite in the Shire. Bring your picnic blankets and enjoy a relaxed 9pm fireworks display — perfect for kids and early celebrations without the city crowds.
Sydney New Year’s Eve Fireworks — 9pm & Midnight
Sydney’s world-famous fireworks return with two major displays over the harbour:
9pm Family Fireworks — ideal for those heading into the city early with kids
Midnight Fireworks — the iconic Harbour Bridge & Opera House show watched around the world
Popular viewing areas include Darling Harbour, Barangaroo Reserve, Circular Quay, Observatory Hill and harbourside parks (arrive early — they fill fast).
Rainy Day Backup Plans
Libraries with Holiday Programs
Sutherland, Caringbah and Miranda libraries run free school holiday activities including storytime, craft sessions and LEGO clubs.
Indoor Play Options
Flip Out Caringbah — Great for burning energy.
Timezone Miranda — Arcade games and activities for all ages.
Rainy Day Movie Session
Hoyts Miranda and Event Cinemas Cronulla have plenty of family-friendly summer releases — perfect when the storms roll in.
SLAM Women in Business Lunch — Thursday 29 January 2025
Kick off the new year feeling inspired and connected. Join local businesswomen for an uplifting afternoon of networking, conversation and community. Free for Business VIP members (ticket required).
Sydney Summer Events Worth the Trip
Darling Harbour Christmas Festival — Saturday 13 December 2025
4:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Tumbalong ParkA free family-friendly Christmas concert featuring Lenny Pearce (Toddler Techno), Sydney Harmony and TikTok MC Jayden Rodrigues.
The Grounds Christmas Lane — 1–26 December 2025
Expect beautiful installations, themed displays and festive treats.
Martin Place Christmas Tree & Light Show — 1–26 December 2025
Nightly light shows, festive music and food trucks in Sydney’s CBD.
Santa in the City — Martin Place (Until 24 December 2025)
Located beside the Martin Place Christmas Tree, Santa’s House offers a magical city Santa photo experience — perfect if you’re already in the CBD for Christmas lights or shopping.
Carols in the Domain — Saturday 20 December 2025
Sydney’s most iconic outdoor carols event, celebrating Christmas under the stars.
Looking Ahead: SLAM Bali Getaway 2026
Our Mums & Kids Bali Getaway is officially open for bookings. 21- 27 September 2026 in Nusa Dua
Six nights at a five-star resort with meals, kids’ club access, daily activities and wellness time for mums.
December Is for Connection
Whether you're celebrating in the Shire or exploring Sydney's festive season, we hope this guide helps you plan moments that feel fun, meaningful and easy.
SLAM has a huge year ahead in 2026 — with retreats, events and opportunities to connect — and we can't wait to share it all with you.
What are you most looking forward to this December? Let us know in the comments, or tag a Shire friend who needs this guide!
