It's the most magical time of year, and Darwin is set to be transformed into a Christmas wonderland thanks to City of Darwin's Christmas program.
From twinkling lights to merry markets, there's no shortage of cheer.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said Christmas is a time for everyone to come together and celebrate the magic of the festive season.
"Christmas is a time for our community to unite and rejoice, and what better place to celebrate the magic of the season than in our vibrant city," Mr Vatskalis said.
"This year, we're unwrapping a sleigh full of festive fun, with events for the whole family available across the municipality.
"Our Christmas program is filled with must-see activities and events that will make your season merry and bright," he said.
The action starts with the 'A Very Darwin Christmas Pageant' on Saturday 16 November 2024 which will see community floats dance, sing and walk their way through the Darwin City Centre
The pageant will be followed by the official launch of Christmas in Darwin with the Lord Mayor's Lighting of the Christmas Tree at 7:00pm.
Santa is hitting the road this Christmas and Santa's Village will visit Nightcliff, Karama and Casuarina Libraries before reaching his final home at the Galleria shopping centre in the Smith Street Mall.
This year the village will feature City of Darwin's Fun in the Parks team who will host interactive activities for the kids and children can have their photo taken with the big red man himself.
There is also a mischievous little elf hiding in City of Darwin libraries, with an "Elf on the Shelf" competition running in each of the libraries until 21 December.
There will be neighbourhood Christmas parties, including a Casuarina Christmas pool party in the Richardson Ward and Santa's Fun on Wheels at the Nightcliff foreshore and Nightcliff pool in the Chan Ward, both hosted by Ward Elected Members.
The annual Carols by Candlelight, run by the Christmas in Darwin Association and sponsored by City of Darwin, will take place on Sunday 1 December 2024 at the Darwin Amphitheatre, George Brown Botanic Gardens.
City of Darwin's complete Christmas program is as follows:
- Christmas Pageant (in collaboration with the Northern Territory Government): 5.30pm, Saturday 16 November, Darwin CBD
- Christmas Tree lighting: 7.00pm, Saturday 16 November, Smith Street Mall
- Santa's Village: Thursday 21 November - Saturday 21 December 2024
- Nightcliff Library - Thursday 21 November - Saturday 23 November 2024
- Karama Library - Thursday 28 November - Saturday 30 November 2024
- Casuarina Library - Thursday 5 December - Saturday 7 December 2024
- Galleria, The Mall, Darwin - Monday 9 - Saturday 21 December 2024
- Elf on the Shelf: Thursday 21 November - 21 December 2024
- Nightcliff Library: Monday 18 November - Saturday 23 November 2024
- Karama Library: Monday 25 November - Saturday 30 November 2024
- Casuarina Library Monday 2 December - Saturday 7 December 2024
- Darwin City Library - Monday 9 December - Saturday 21 December 2024
- Casuarina Christmas pool party - Richardson Ward: Saturday 23 November 2024
- Time: 8:30am - 12:00pm
- Location: Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 17 Gsell Street, Casuarina
- Activities include:
- Visit from Santa
- Fun Bus Activities
- Rock, Paper, Scissors' game and prizes!
- Petting Zoo
- DJ
- Baby Ballerinas performance
- Free sausage sizzle, cake and icy poles
- Free coffee for the first 100 parents
- Santa's Fun on Wheels - Chan Ward: Saturday 14 December 2024
- Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
- Location: Nightcliff foreshore and Nightcliff pool
- Do you own a bike, scooter, skates, unicycle, or trike? Join City of Darwin for an all-ages Santa's Fun on Wheels event.
- The ride starts and finishes at Nightcliff Pool, travelling via the foreshore to Rapid Creek bridge and back.
- Free entry to Nightcliff pool between 8am and 12pm.
- Carols by Candlelight: Sunday 1 December 2024, Darwin Amphitheatre, George Brown Botanic Gardens
