It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Immerse yourself in the festive season on the Central Coast. This time of year brings a magic to the summer holiday season with everything from traditional Christmas lunch by the beautiful beaches to carolling in the town centre parks.
We have collated some of the things you can do this festive season from Christmas markets, tree lightings and places to eat on Christmas day to meeting Santa and voting for your favourite festive shop window display. There is no better time to be on the Central Coast than at Christmas.
Follow the town centre Christmas window trail
Local businesses will light up their shop fronts with a dazzling display of Christmas themed windows around Gosford, The Entrance, Wyong and Toukley. From 1 December 2024 - 3 January 2025, businesses will decorate their windows for the holiday season for visitors and locals to enjoy.
Vote for your favourite festive window via the link below or by scanning the QR code in the business's window for a chance to win a $250 gift card.
Christmas Decorations
From Sunday 1 December Gosford, The Entrance, Wyong, Toukley and Terrigal will come alive with Christmas decorations. There will be larger than life Christmas trees in Gosford, The Entrance and Toukley, along with wreath installations and decorations in Wyong and Terrigal. There will also be a giant star photo moment in The Entrance from Friday 13 December.
Free Santa photos
The Gallery Container at Toukley will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland between Saturday 7 - Tuesday 24 December 9am-4pm. Decked out in true festive style, there will be a Santa's chair for you to take your own DIY festive photos.
For those wanting to feel extra Chrismassy, Santa will be making special visits for free pet friendly Santa photos! While you are waiting, post a letter to Santa too!
Santa visits are 10am – 2pm on the following days:
- Tuesday 10 December
- Friday 13 December
- Wednesday 18 December
- Thursday 19 December
Christmas roving entertainment
The magic of Christmas continues with free roving entertainment at The Entrance, Toukley, Gosford and Terrigal.
- William Street Plaza Gosford, Saturday 14 December, 12-2pm
- The Village Green Toukley, Thursday 19 December, 12-2pm
- Terrigal Foreshore, Saturday 21 December, 4-6pm
- Waterfront Plaza, The Entrance, Sunday 22 December, 2–5pm
Helpful tips
Public transport
We encourage you to travel by public transport. We advise you to plan your journey and allow extra time during this busy season.
Drive safely
We urge people to drive safely throughout the Central Coast. Some key roads around event locations will be affected over the Christmas and New Year period, please see any updates here. Stick to speed limits and expect some delays with increased traffic around the region.
Car parking
Gosford: Gosford City Car Park (current remediation works may impact parking availability, Gosford Imperial Centre carpark, Gosford Station carpark.
Terrigal: Wilson Road multi-storey carpark, Terrigal foreshore and the Haven.
The Entrance: Marine Parade Carpark, Coral Street multi story carpark, north side of The Entrance bridge.
Toukley: Yaralla Road carpark, Victoria Avenue carpark, Summerside Street carpark.
Woy Woy: Peninsula Plaza carpark, Deepwater Plaza carpark, Lions Park carpark and James Browne Oval carpark.
Wyong: Village Central Wyong carpark and street parking: Hely Street, Alison Road and Rankens Court.
Sustainability pledge
We encourage our community and our guests to tread lightly and go slow on the NSW Central Coast. We invite you to respect our slice of paradise by checking out some simple 'house rules' via our Sustainability Pledge.
Plan your visit to the Central Coast
Eating out
You'll be spoilt for choice this festive season with a range of delicious food to eat in our town centres. Check out the eating our guide here.
Places to stay
Discover a range of places to rest your head during the festive season. From hinterland hideaways, sun drenched holidays parks and beachside boutiques, there is something to suit every budget.