Santa is on course for an early arrival for Sunday's Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point Park, kicking off a bumper festive season of events and activities across the city.
The jolly gentleman will be joined by Mrs Claus, a workshop of elves and a host of musical talent singing modern and traditional carols throughout the evening.
Festivities start at 3pm with a Newcastle Jets activation and the Domaine Homes Kids Corner, before a 5pm kids' disco with Ruby the Clown and food trucks
The main stage program runs 6-9pm with performances by the St Paul's Catholic College Aboriginal Dance Troupe, The Tribe Collective and Chance 2 Dance followed by carols with Bree Young, Thomas James, Steph Russell, Komiti Levai, the Pacific Harmony Choir and The Vanguard Players.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley encouraged families to revel in the joy of the festive season.
"Lake Mac Carols has been a tradition for generations of local families and we're excited for it to return in 2024," she said.
"Bring your picnic rug, sing along to the carols and enjoy a fun program of family-friendly activities."
Information about parking options and accessibility requirements are outlined on Council's website. There will be an Auslan Interpreter on stage for the main Carols program from 6-9pm.
Ms Hemsley said a Christmas feast of yuletide events was on offer across Lake Macquarie this year, including carols evenings at Warners Bay, Caves Beach, Croudace Bay, Wangi Wangi and Cooranbong, and Christmas markets at Pelican, Wyee, Blacksmiths, Toronto, Warners Bay, Redhead and Speers Point.
"The Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, is also getting into the Christmas spirit with a modern spin on The Nutcracker," she said.
The Nutcracker Remixed, with performances on 20, 21 and 22 December features a twist to the traditional tale, modern Christmas songs and chipmunks as narrators.
The event is proudly sponsored by Domaine Homes, Allambi Care and Scion Audio and Events.
Head to the Visit Lake Mac festive season blog for a comprehensive list of upcoming events including Lake Mac Carols.
