Christmas on the Coast

Xmas tree

Celebrate Christmas on the Central Coast

Get ready to soak up the magic of the festive season right here on the Central Coast! From beachside Christmas lunches to joyful carolling in our town centre parks, there’s something for everyone in the community to enjoy.

We’ve rounded up the best free activities to help you make the most of the holidays – think twinkling tree lightings, vibrant Christmas markets, delicious places to dine on Christmas Day, and even a chance to meet Santa himself! Don’t forget to cast your vote for the most dazzling festive shop window display created by our local businesses.

Whether you're a local or visiting, there’s no better place to celebrate Christmas than with the Central Coast community. Let the festivities begin!

Cast your vote for the most festive Christmas window!

This Christmas, local businesses across Terrigal, Gosford, The Entrance, Wyong and Toukley will be lighting up their shopfronts with dazzling festive window displays! From Monday 1 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026, explore the town centres and soak up the holiday spirit as you admire the creative and colourful decorations designed to delight both locals and visitors. 

Don’t forget to vote for your favourite festive window by clicking the link below or scanning the QR code in-store  and you’ll go in the draw to win a $250 gift card! 

Winners will be announced on Wednesday 14 January 2026, so get involved and let the festive fun begin!

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

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 mouth-watering selection of food options across our vibrant town centres. Whether you're after a relaxed beachside brunch, a cosy café catch-up, or a festive feast with all the trimmings, there's something to satisfy every craving. 

From Terrigal to Toukley, local eateries are serving up delicious seasonal menus and holiday specials perfect for celebrating with friends and family. Explore our festive food guide to discover where to eat, drink and be merry this Christmas. Your tastebuds will thank you!

Places to stay

Looking for the perfect place to stay this festive season? Whether you're planning a relaxing escape or a fun-filled family holiday, the Central Coast has you covered. Discover a wide range of accommodation options to suit every style and budget, from tranquil hinterland hideaways nestled in nature, to sun-drenched holiday parks ideal for families, and chic beachside boutiques just steps from the sand. Whether you're after a cosy cabin, a luxury retreat, or a laid-back coastal vibe, there's something for everyone. Make this Christmas one to remember with a stay that’s as magical as the season itself.

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!

Wyong Community Carols

Gather family and friends and get into the spirit of Christmas with free community Christmas carols at Wyong High School. Come along from 5.30pm and sing along to all your favourite carols and enjoy a firework display afterwards.

Tinsel Time in Toukley

Celebrate the festive season in Toukley! Tinsel Time on 22 December, presented by Toukley Neighbourhood Centre, offers free entertainment, activities, a visit from Santa, and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Join the fun and festivities!

Carols in the Park

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Carols in the Park 2025, presented by The Greens, The Entrance. Enjoy live entertainment, festive fun, and sing along to classic and modern carols performed by local talent and The House Band in Memorial Park.

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!

Road to Bethleham

Experience the Christmas story on 15, 16 and 17 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

Carols in the Arboretum

Join the annual Christmas carols in the Arboretum on Monday 22 December. Stay for a BBQ and you may even get a visit from Father Christmas too!