Christmas on the Coast

Xmas tree

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 display
Christmas Tree

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
Santa photo
dog in a red engine

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.

Santa on the Central Coast

Plan your visit to the Central Coast

seafood patter

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.

pretty beach house accommodation

Discover what else is happening this festive season...

Christmas Gift Guide
The Central Coast’s resilient, creative small businesses give our community its colour, so we’ve created an essential holiday guide to help you support them by shopping, dining and celebrating local produce, wares, art and talent!
Gin-gerbread House Workshop
Create your own delicious masterpiece with Adris Gingerbread , all while sipping on holiday-inspired 'We Three Kings Gin' & Ginger Beer. It’s the perfect festive treat for you (and your taste buds)!
Christmas Dance Workshop
A special Christmas dance workshop on Mon 23 December, hosted by The Coastal Physie Club will be full of dance moves, upbeat music and lots of fun. Come dressed in your favourite Christmas outfit ready for dancing games and craft.
Wyong Community Carols
Gather family and friends and get into the spirit of Christmas with free community Christmas carols on Saturday 7 December at Wyong High School. Come along from 5.30pm and sing along to all your favourite carols and enjoy a firework display afterwards.
Carols in the Park
Carols in the Park
Memorial Park at The Entrance will once again be lit up with Christmas spirit on Tuesday 24 December with traditional carols and roving holiday-themed entertainment over the course of the night and fireworks to conclude the event.
Tinsel Time in Toukley
Celebrate the festive season in Toukley! Tinsel Time in Toukley on 7 December presented by the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre will be full of Christmas fun! There will be free entertainment and activities, a visit from Santa plus the lightening of the tree!
Christmas Eve carols
Join the Central Coast Philharmonic Choir accompanied by the Gosford City Brass Band at Kibble Park on Christmas Eve to sing along to Christmas songs and carols, and celebrate the true meaning of being part of a community at Christmas.
School Holiday fun
The Central Coast community has an amazing range of holiday activity fun on during these school holidays. With activities for the adventure seeker, the creator, baker and gamer, you kids won't be bored these holidays!
Christmas trees
Fresh Christmas trees for sale
Head to Eastcoast Beverages in Kulura to pick up your pre-cut Christmas tree this holiday season. Starting from 29 Nov and available on set days in December. Stop for a drink and snack at Bambinos too!
Bells at Killcare Christmas Market
Support local artists and creators at Bell's annual Christmas Market, on Sunday 8 December. A great opportunity to gather locally made Christmas Gifts, including jewellery, candles, fresh flowers, fashion, ceramics and homewares.
Christmas under the stars
Christmas under the stars
On Sunday 22 December join the fun at Mingara for a night under the stars enjoying the festive spirit of Christmas.
Christmas lunch at Meribella
Enjoy a decadent banquet-style Christmas Lunch created by award-winning Head Chef Joshua Mason. This special occasion will include a premium beverage package and the chance to embrace the festive season in the most indulgent way possible.
Road to Bethleham
Experience the Christmas story on 16, 17 and 18 December....step back in time, leave the shopping and stress behind and once again be immersed in the true meaning of the season. Travel the Road to Bethlehem. a re-enactment of the biblical story
Christmas lunch at Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
With a visit from Santa and a gift for all children, a Christmas buffet, 3-hour premium beverage package and live entertainment, the Grand Ballroom is the place to be for family celebrations this Christmas.
Booze and Brushes at Bay Road Brewing
Booze and brushes will be at Gosford's beloved microbrewery and taproom, Bay Rad Brewing. Get your friends together this holiday season and paint dreamy shades of cotton candy skies while sipping on a fresh ale brew!
Movie under the stars at Davistown RSL
Get ready for a magical night at The Davo on Saturday, 21 December in the backyard for a screening of the Christmas classic Elf—under the stars! COme early to enjoy live music, free kids games and face painting.
Christmas ceramic decorations workshop at Angel Sussurri
On 1 December, make your own ceramic tree ornaments and enjoy a lunch at Angel Sussurri afterwards. Be guided by local ceramic artist Anna-Karina Hermkens from Bumble Hill Atelier.
Christmas floral wreath workshop at Angel Sussurri
Deborah Buckley will guide you as you create a beautiful, handcrafted fresh floral Christmas wreath to brighten your holiday and bring festive cheer to your day. Enjoy a festive lunch at the restaurant afterwards
Gosford Christmas Markets
Come and do your Christmas market shopping on Friday 6 December at the Aussie night markets. The Christmas themed market will have food trucks, rides, games and live music to late. Enjoy the Christmas spirit at the Showgrounds in Gosford.
Festive forging experience
On 8 December, learn the ancient art of blacksmithing and craft two of your very own hand-forged Candy Canes with laser engraved tags, a unique Christmas keepsake.
Terrigal-Wamberal Lions Christmas Car Boot Market with Santa
Kick-start the festive season by discovering bargains on all sorts of goods—plants, books, clothes, jewellery, tools, local arts and crafts, homewares, and more. Find something new or vintage or wait for a snap with Santa!
Brisbane Water Brass Band - Christmas Carols
On Sunday 22 December, from 1:30-2:30pm, at the Davistown RSL the talented Brisbane Water Brass Band will fill the air with the festive sounds of your favourite Christmas carols!
Carols in the Arboretum
Join the annual Christmas carols in the Arboretum on Monday 23 December. Stay for a BBQ and you may even get a visit from Father Christmas too!