Love Local Guide: Happy Holidays

Our local shops keep our town centres vibrant, our community connected and create local jobs – all while providing their amazing services! Your valuable pressie purchases with local businesses this December will help them on their path to recovery as our region continues to rebuild from catastrophic bushfires, floods and COVID-19.

There are countless ways to support local small businesses this holiday season – one of the best is to choose to buy your fresh produce platters and poultry locally, by shopping for a festive frock or suit at local boutiques or celebrating New Year's Eve at your favourite restaurant.

We hope you enjoy our latest Love Local Guide to the festive season on the Central Coast…

Loveshak, Sip, Soak and Savour – Christmas Gifting Workshop

Grab your friends and create your own luxurious salt bath soak and raw sugar scrub infused with Fires Creek Wines while you sip on fine fruit wines and sample locally made Luka chocolates. Learn about oil blends and botanical infusions and create a gift for you or one to give. A truly handmade experience. Book your family, team or friends' tickets now.

Avoca Beachside Markets Twilight Edition – Saturday 10 December

Come and celebrate the Christmas season with FIXX events family friendly night market on the stunning waterfront at Avoca Lagoon. Be delighted by the local bands, sample delicious food and shop the 90+ bespoke stalls selling glorious handmade seasonal gifts. More Info.

Christmas at Woy Woy Markets - Sunday 11 December

Come along and do your Christmas shopping at the Woy Woy Waterfront Handmade and Artisan markets. In its 5th year, these markets are dedicated to supporting creative makers and creators with a passion for producing quality products. More Info

Sustainable Christmas Wreath Making Workshop - Sunday 11 December

Design and create your everlasting Beach and Bush inspired Christmas Wreath hosted by local artist and florist Lee Cavender. Kick off the festive cheer with learning to make your very own sustainable wreath. Listen to carols and feast on delicious snacks. Be quick this popular event is selling out fast.  Book tickets here.

Terrigal Lagoon Xmas Night Market - Friday 16 December 

Bring your Christmas Spirit and gather family and friends and head down the picturesque Terrigal beach foreshore for a fun night of Christmas shopping and entertainment. Discover the talents of local art, craft and clothing vendors and sample delicious local and international eats and quinch your thirst at the pop up beer garden. Find out more here.

Central Coast Christmas Twilight Market - Saturday 17 December

The Waterfront Plaza will come alive with the Christmas cheer and will feel extra Christmassy when Santa and Mrs Claus come to visit. Meet local artisans selling their handmade homewares, jewellery, textiles, ceramics and eco-friendly and free trades goodies.  Sample delicious cuisines, tasty treats and fresh produce. Enjoy the live music that will have your feet tapping along to really get you in the Christmas Spirit. Find out more  

Central Coast Christmas Fair - Sunday 18 December

The coast’s biggest Christmas event is back for its fifteenth year!  This year the Central Coast Christmas Fair has a new location and will be located at The Entertainment Grounds.  Being later in December, it is perfect for last minute festive shopping. Featuring over 160 local vendors selling crafts, foods, clothing plus international yummy food stalls. Live music to entertain the whole family and there may even be a visit from Santa himself.  More Info.

Christmas Under the Stars - Sunday 18th December

Christmas Under the Stars is back for 2022. Share the joy of Christmas and enjoy a fun filled evening of carols, entertainment and fireworks. There is something for everyone. Let JJ from Cocomelon, Damien Leith, Nathan Foley and Gina Jeffery’s Christmas Stars entertain you while you sing and dance and get in the festive spirit. Gates open at 4:30pm. More Info here. 

The Magic Christmas Skate - Sunday 18 December

Enjoy a truly magical performance by local Australian figure skating champions as they take you on a spectacular journey to find the magic Christmas skate in the hope to save Christmas! Wrap up warm as Erina Ice Arena brings the North Pole to you for a wonderful performance for all the family to enjoy. Book tickets here.

Kids Christmas Soap Making Workshop - Tuesday 20 December

Let the kids (and Adults) get creative and make their own Christmas Soap. Produce gorgeous festive soaps at the workshop and use the take home mould to make more in your own kitchen. House of Ellery's workshop is a fun way for kids to get into the Christmas spirit. Book your tickets here.

Christmas Eve Carols - Saturday 24 December 

Christmas Eve Community Carols. 6:30-9pm, Kibble Park, Gosford. More info here.
Carols in the Park. 6-9pm, Memorial Park, The Entrance. More info here

NYE Fireworks - Saturday 31 December

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Entrance. Live Music including Piper Rodrigues, Rebecca Johns Band and Hussy Hicks, amusement rides, original art and unique gift stalls and onsite food vendors. Watch the final sunset of the year with family and friends before an amazing display of fireworks to the finish the evening. The fun filled family event will take place from 6-9pm. More Info

Christmas on the Coast - all December

Giant Christmas Trees and Wreath decorations will light up town centres across the Coast throughout the month. Venture to each of them with the family, or work them into your annual Christmas lights drive. Find festive installations at locations including The Entrance / Gosford /  Terrigal / Toukley / Wyong / Woy Woy.

The Boathouse Bar and Dining, Koolewong

Dine on a Christmas feast of the finest seafood while overlooking the breathtaking Brisbane Waters. Book your table here 

Mercure Koonindah Waters, Wyong

An all-inclusive gourmet seafood buffet feast with house beer, wine and soft drinks included. Bookings essential. Book your table here.

Crown Plaza, Terrigal

Enjoy an elegant Christmas buffet with all the trimmings at Seasalt Restaurant with overlooking the stunning the Terrigal Beach.  Book your table here.

Beachcomber Resort, Toukley

A tasty set menu of fresh seafood, traditional Christmas carvery and desserts set in a beautiful waterfront location. Book your table here. 

Avoca Beach House Restaurant

Bring in the new year with a 5 course feast and live entertainment from DJ Dynamix to dance the night away while overlooking the stunning Avoca beach. Find out more.

Bells at Killcare

Celebrate with a fine dining experience at the Wild Flower Bar and Dining restaurant.  Dine on an exquisite three course shared style dinner and enjoy a glass of French Champagne on arrival. The evening starts with canapes on the lawn at 6:30pm.  Learn more and book.

Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific

Bring in the new year in the roaring 20’s styles. Dress to impress in Cocktail attire and 1920’s outfits. Enjoy live entertainment, canapes, delicious food stalls and a 5 hour beverage package.  Book your tickets here.

Hotel Gosford

Dance your way into the New Year with all the best Disco beats, celebrity drinks and serious disco vibes. More information Find out more and get tickets.

Reef Restaurant, Terrigal

Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the waterfront at Terrigal beach. Champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by a 4-course degustation. The Mixed Tape Duo will entertain you while you see in 2023.  View the menu and book your table.

Terrigal Beach House

Toast the New Year with a beach breeze with Terrigal Beach House’s Beachside New Year Eve’s party. Dance into the night with headline act Friendless and know you are in the best place on the Coast with the clock strikes midnight. Book Tickets here.

Whether you’re searching for stocking fillers, one-of-a-kind items, or want to gift an experience to remember – the Central Coast is filled with exciting options! We're extremely lucky to be part of a diverse community of Makers & Creators who call the Coast home, and many of them are on hand this month to craft and curate specialty presents and experiences you can buy for loved ones.

Local gin distillery originals

Give the gift of sweetness and gin this holiday season. Distillery Botanica have two Christmas Duo packs; Citrus Duo and enticing Raspberry Liqueur offer the perfect way to celebrate with friends and makes a luxurious locally sourced gift this Christmas.  

Central Coast beach luxury gifts

Introducing Alohra Australia, an outdoor beach luxury brand proudly made here on the Central Coast, offering some amazing summer Christmas gifts including umbrellas, sand-free beach towels, chairs and the latest addition - stylish cabanas! Shop their range here.

Sustainable, zero waste Vegan soaps 

The Little Oasis Bath co handmake small batch nourishing vegan soaps and body bars that your body will love and your skin will crave. Guilt free pleasure with no harmful nasties. All lovingly handmade here on the coast. 

Pampering gifts

Thoughtful customisable gift boxes curated by local business Sienna Rose Giftboxes have a gift for every occasion including Christmas. Products sourced from Australian small business.

Custom-made leather gifts

Beautiful custom sized belts, wallets and more are made to order with Crown & Anchor on the Central Coast, each skilfully created by a local leather craftsman so you can be assured the quality is top-notch.

Local jewellers

From her studio on the Central Coast, artist Kathryn makes a handful of bespoke hand craft minimalist sterling silver jewellery especially designed for the busy mum who wants something just for her.  Aligned Gemini Co (formally Vintage Rose Handmade Jewellery) features a necklace gifting box whereby you can create a stunning necklace for that someone special in your life.

Belgian chocolate boxes

Build your own gift box of handmade chocolates at Wyong Milk Factory, simply by popping into Luka Chocolates. Their store just off the M1 at Wyong is a dream for shopping for that chocolate lover in your life. The team have recently launched the new Luka Chocolates at Home Collection featuring DIY moulds and everything you need to become a chocolatier!

Herbie's Spices

Made for the cooks and food lovers, Herbie's Spices is your one stop shop for hard-to-find herbs and spices.  They have created a Christmas Feast Kit which consists of 8 packs of Herbie's spices and 12 recipes to choose from. Wouldn't this be perfect for your Christmas menu this year. 

Craft Brewery

Based at Kincumber, Block'n'Tackle is a small batch brewery and taproom offers unique crafted beer and cider. Their paddle membership is a perfect gift for craft beer lovers and a great way to taste new releases, receive your own paddle and save on return visits to their relaxing lounge.

Lisarow's Award-winning gingerbread

Adri's Gingerbread is local to the Central Coast and Adri's festive collection of European style gingerbread treats are the real deal. Choose from pre iced gingerbread delights or have a go at making your own with their DIY kits. 

Fine dining gift vouchers

Last-minute panic? After months of not dining out once, a festive gift voucher from any of the following fine dining restaurants would make a truly unique experience this year:

• Yellowtail Dining Experience at Terrigal, one of the Coast’s fine dining venues and hatted restaurants.
• Reef Restaurant at Terrigal, with exceptional ocean views.
• The Box on the Water offers superb waterfront views at Ettalong and a modern Australian dining menu.
• Bells Killcare gift vouchers let the recipient decide how they'd like to experience Bells. Whether it be in the spa, hotel, restaurant or bakery.

Bamvino hampers

Beautifully created Festive hampers to get your taste buds zinging. With Naughty & Nice or Sugar & Spice Hampers there is something for everyone. Using carefully sourced boutique produce Bamvino Hamper's include locally made Crooked Creek biscuits from Ourimbah Valley.

Central Coast hampers

The experts in hamper creation, Central Coast Hamper Gifts, will sort you out with a Maggie Beer non-alcoholic sparkling & Grandmas Christmas Pudding set, or a Hawkesbury Brewing Co beer pack complete with nuts and gingerbread. That's just a taste of their huge range, worth exploring to find something to suit your partner, colleague, baby or best friend. 

Claya's festive luxury boxes

Head over to Claya's pre-packed gift boxes for some pamper-themed ideas designed around the personality and lifestyle of who you're gifting, including the Festive, Night Before Christmas and White Christmas concepts.

Corporate & event gifting

Do you have staff who deserve an extra thank you after the year that's been? New to the gifting game is Love Local Creations (which obviously deserves a place in this Love Local Guide), who specialise in deluxe corporate and event gifts that can be customised to suit the occasion. Ideas include cheeseboards, gin distillery packs starring Moore's Dry Gin, and Men Who Scrub skincare with Hawkesbury Brewing Co. beers. 

Salt Pig Deli

Beautifully curated fine charcuterie, cheeses, truffles and other pantry essential Christmas hampers for every food lover. Salt Pig Deli hamper's are lovingly put together by a local husband and wife duo.

The Chocolate Factory

The perfect gift hamper for all the chocolate lovers, a Naughty but Nice or Waiting for Santa Christmas hamper is a must have this festive season. Packed to the brim with scrumptious locally made chocolatey delights, these Chocolate Factory hampers will certainly get your taste buds excited. 

Uniquely Christmas 

Much more than another shop selling tinsel and lights, the owners offer unique decorations made of reclaimed materials and run workshops to help others create decorations from recycled materials too. Of course there's still plenty of new, shiny festive items available at Uniquely Christmas, but their aim is to provide a vast range of ideas to help people of any budget or style bring their home to life for the holidays.

4/3 Comserv Close, West Gosford 

Christmas World 

Established in 1999 and bringing festive cheer via decorations to families across Australia, Christmas World has opened this season on the Central Coast! Find it just before entering Gosford CBD, opposite Adcock Park (a great place to park up with the family and stroll over). Expect everything from solar lights to LED reindeers, trees, wreaths, garlands and more.

47-53 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford