Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (Tourism Tasmania – Alastair Bett)
Summer’s almost here and Australia is buzzing with festivals, markets, music and family-friendly events. Whether you’re camping, caravanning or just exploring, plan your December–January adventures with these must-see events across the country.
New South Wales
Christmas Lights Spectacular
7 November 2025 – 26 January 2026
Hunter Valley Gardens has transformed into a sparkling wonderland. Wander through more than four million lights across themed displays, enjoy rides and roaming entertainment and savour delicious food. A highlight is the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks. Perfect for family memories and festive photos this holiday season. Grab tickets on the festival website.
Hunter Valley Gardens (Destination NSW)
Batemans Bay Caravan, Camping & Leisure Roadshow
5–7 December 2025
Check out the latest caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, 4WDs and camping gear at this three-day event, taking place at the Mackay Park District Sports Park in Batemans Bay. A must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and caravan lovers.
Parkes Elvis Festival
7–11 January 2026
Parkes honours the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with five days of high-energy entertainment. The 33rd annual festival will be based around the theme ‘Love Me Tender’, and will feature live music, parades and fantastic tribute performances. From fans dressing as Priscilla to themed shows and fun for all ages, this event celebrates Elvis’s enduring legacy. Head to the festival website for the full program.
Dress up and get ready to celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival
Toyota 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival
16–25 January 2026
Tamworth — Australia’s home of country music — is once again transforming into a city-wide music venue for 10 days, featuring ungated performances, the Toyota Golden Guitar Awards and more than 700 artists hitting the various stages. Enjoy concerts from country music royalty, local acts and family-friendly entertainment in this landmark 54th festival.
Tamworth transforms into a giant country music festival for 10 days in January
Newcastle Caravan Lifestyle Expo
30 January – 1 February 2025
Three days of caravanning inspiration await at Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showgrounds. Explore the latest camper trailers, motorhomes, tents and outdoor equipment. There’ll also be the newest gear and gadgets for camping and caravanning enthusiasts, making it the perfect chance to plan your next adventure or upgrade your setup.
Victoria
Asia Street Food Festival by The Yarra
4–7 December 2025
Taste your way through Melbourne’s vibrant Asian Street Food Festival, a free event featuring more than 40 vendors serving authentic dishes from across Asia. Enjoy live performances, traditional folk games and vibrant cultural displays. Guests in traditional attire can win nightly prizes, including a $500 grand prize!
Enlighten Christmas
6 December 2025
Enjoy a magical light display at the Peace Park and the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Myers Flat, just a short 15km drive north-west of Bendigo. Roaming elves, reindeer and a visit from Santa make this immersive Christmas experience perfect for the whole family.
Whittlesea Christmas Festival
13 December 2025
Celebrate the festive season at Whittlesea Showgrounds with more than 50 decorated Christmas trees, 70+ market stalls, live performances and activities for all ages. The festival combines the Christmas Tree Extravaganza and a twilight market, creating a lively, festive atmosphere for families and community members alike.
Ocean Sounds Festival
10 January 2026
Head to Phillip Island’s Churchill Island this January for a family-friendly music festival along the stunning coastline. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy an afternoon of sunset performances, local food, wine, cheese tastings, gourmet food vans and relaxed summer vibes.
Geelong Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo
16–18 January 2026
Returning for its 12th year, the Geelong Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo will be the first expo of the calendar year, with three-days of the latest caravans, campers, tech and must-have gear to prepare you for the year ahead. Taking place at the Geelong Showgrounds, there’ll be 120 exhibitors, plus show specials. Kids enter for free, and dogs are not only allowed — they’re encouraged!
Tasmania
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
26 December 2025
Celebrate the 80th edition of this iconic 628-nautical-mile yacht race from Sydney to Hobart. A true test of skill and endurance, this race has captivated sailors and spectators alike since 1945, continuing a much-loved summer tradition.
Taste of Summer
27 December 2025 – 3 January 2026
Hobart’s waterfront comes alive with Tasmania’s fan-favourite summer festival. Enjoy the best local food, drinks, live music and entertainment. There are plenty of family-friendly activities, and children under 16 can attend for free, so it’s the perfect summer day out for locals and visitors alike.
Taste of Summer New Year’s Eve Fireworks (Tourism Tasmania – Alastair Bett)
Launceston BeerFest NYE
31 December 2025
Ring in the New Year at Royal Park with craft beers, cider, wine and food from local producers. Live music, including performances by Sneaky Sound System, comedy, masterclasses and two fireworks displays at 9.30pm and midnight ensure a fun and festive night for all.
Launceston BeerFest NYE (Tourism Tasmania – Cole Kelly Photography)
Cygnet Folk Festival
9–11 January 2026
Don’t miss the Cygnet Folk Festival in the Huon Valley, featuring music, dance, poetry, film, workshops and children’s entertainment. With a mix of Australian and international artists, Cygnet Folk Festival blends performances, craft and local produce for a vibrant family-friendly cultural experience in a picture-perfect regional setting.
Cygnet Folk Festival (Tourism Tasmania – Steven Pearce Photography)
Festivale
31 January – 1 February 2026
Launceston’s three-day summer festival celebrates the best of Tasmania’s food, beverages and live entertainment. Held in City Park, the event features top chefs, live music and local produce, providing a full immersion into the northern Tasmanian lifestyle and culinary scene. Tickets and program are available on the festival website.
Festivale (Tourism Tasmania – Rob Burnett)
South Australia
Lights of Lobethal Festival
12–22 December 2025
Celebrating 60 years this December, the Lights of Lobethal Festival will be delivering dazzling displays, market stalls and plenty more. Wander illuminated streets, browse local stalls and follow the mapped driving routes through Lobethal Valley to discover spectacular installations — a nostalgic, family-friendly Christmas tradition that’s grown into a must-see regional event.
St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight
13 December 2025
Nothing says Christmas quite like a carols by candlelight performance. This is Australia’s longest-running carols event, and it returns with a star-studded lineup, a 50-strong choir and reserved seating for prime views. Now in its 81st year, the event blends classic carols and live entertainment while also raising funds for Variety NT, a children’s charity, via an encouraged gold-coin donation upon entry.
New Year’s Eve in the City
31 December 2025
Bring family and friends to Elder Park in Adelaide for a lively celebration featuring local music, food stalls and two spectacular fireworks displays. This NYE event offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a perfect riverside spot to welcome 2026 with music, lights and community festivities.
Fireworks over Elder Park, Adelaide (City of Adelaide)
Santos Tour Down Under
16–25 January 2026
Australia’s premier cycling festival returns with elite racing, community rides and family events across Adelaide and surrounds. The 2026 program features the longest-ever women’s route at 394.6km, the Adelaide Epic Ride for amateur cyclists plus a packed calendar of street parties, entertainment and spectator-friendly stages.
Santos Tour Down Under, Fleurieu Peninsula (South Australian Tourism Commission)
Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival
16–18 January 2026
Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival celebrates Port Lincoln’s seafood heritage with an epic three-day festival featuring a lively street parade, seafood tastings, live music, family activities and, of course, the iconic Tuna Toss. Marking more than 60 years of local tradition, this festival blends maritime culture, culinary experiences and community spirit in a coastal setting famed for fresh seafood.
The iconic Tuna Toss at the Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival
Western Australia
Margaret River Christmas Carols
5 December 2025
Pack a picnic and join the Margaret River community for a free evening of carols under the stars at Margaret River Senior High School. Local choirs, bands and dance groups lead singalongs, candles are available for purchase, and Santa usually makes a jolly appearance — a relaxed, family-friendly festive night.
Mandurah Cruises Christmas Lights Cruise
Late Nov 2025 – Early Jan 2026
See Mandurah’s waterways transformed into a glittering display with more than 200 decorated homes. Enjoy a festive cruise complete with carols, commentary and waterfront views — a great option for families or couples wanting a relaxed, celebratory evening on the water during the holiday season.
Enjoy a cruise along Mandurah’s waterfront with the added bonus of more than 200 homes decorated for Christmas (Tourism Western Australia)
The Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix (SailGP)
17–18 January 2026
For the first time, Fremantle hosts the world’s fastest foiling catamarans as SailGP brings high-speed racing to WA. National teams duel at more than 100km/h just metres from shore, with waterfront grandstands, premium viewing zones and lively entertainment delivering a thrilling weekend of top-tier sailing spectacle.
Fringe World Festival
21 January – 15 February 2026
Perth’s open-access arts festival returns with more than 600 shows across theatre, comedy, cabaret, circus and music. From The Pleasure Garden hub to independent venues citywide, Fringe World offers bold, experimental performances and family-friendly daytime events — a vibrant, month-long celebration of creativity and live entertainment.
Fringe World Festival, Perth (Tourism Western Australia)
Northern Territory
Christmas Light Trail
29 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
Follow a 1km trail of dazzling Christmas installations at the Darwin Waterfront, including giant Santa and lighthouse sculptures. With nightly roving performers, face painting and weekend Santa appearances, the trail is ideal for families and caravanners exploring Darwin over the summer holidays.
City of Darwin Carols by Candlelight – 50th Anniversary
7 December 2025
Celebrate half a century of community carols at this free event. A 50-strong choir, 18 soloists and the Band of the 1st Brigade, an Australian Army Band, make for a memorable evening of music, while food stalls and picnic-friendly lawns create a relaxed atmosphere. Donations support Variety NT children’s charity.
Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards
Ending 26 January 2026
The 42nd Telstra NATSIAA finalists are still on display at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), making now the perfect time to experience Australia’s most significant celebration of Indigenous art. As the country’s longest-running awards for Indigenous art, NATSIAA showcases contemporary works exploring deep cultural connections to Country, identity and storytelling in one remarkable exhibition.
Head to the MAGNT in Darwin before 26 January 2026 to see the 42d Telstra NATSIAA finalists (Tourism NT – Tourism Australia)
Hunter Sisters Exhibition
31 January 2026
Mbantua Gallery in Alice Springs presents the Hunter Sisters’ dot-rich canvases, celebrating their family’s artistic traditions and stories from Arawerre country. The exhibition highlights intricate technique and ceremonial narratives, offering visitors a thoughtful connection to Central Desert art traditions and contemporary Indigenous creativity. Get your tickets now.
Queensland
Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland
6–24 December 2025
Head to the Toowoomba Botanic Gardens this December to experience an illuminated charity light trail with nightly entertainment, roving performers, raffles and food stalls. Running most evenings through December, the event is family-friendly and donation-supported, offering a festive community atmosphere beneath themed light installations and garden pathways — great for a relaxed summer night out.
Toowoomba Queens Park and Botanic Gardens (Tourism and Events Queensland – Courtney Atkinson, AWOL Family)
Lockyer Valley Christmas Carnival
19 December 2025
Only a 90km drive west of Brisbane, Gatton’s North Street is the place to be for some festive spirit this December. There’ll be a visit from Santa, roving characters, the popular ham wheel, markets and an inflatable playground. Local performers bring the carols and other entertainment while community food stalls serve dinner and treats — a free, family-oriented carnival that celebrates local spirit and festive cheer.
Explore the lovely Lockyer Valley and its many great events, communities and local produce
Spirit of Christmas
17–19 December 2025
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) long-running event is returning this December with musical theatre stars, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and a large community choir. This three-night program combines heartwarming carols, theatrical performances and orchestral arrangements for a refined, festive evening. Tickets sell fast, so book early for a premium seasonal concert experience.
The Sprit of Christmas event is held at the beautiful Queensland Performing Arts Centre (Tourism and Events Queensland)
Woodford Folk Festival
27 December 2025 – 1 January 2026
The Woodford Folk Festival is celebrating 28 years this December, with music, street theatre, workshops, markets and a jam-packed program for festivalgoers of all ages. Held in Woodfordia, this is one of Australia’s largest alternative arts festivals. There are caravan-friendly and tent camping options available. Head to the festival website to find out more.
Woodford Folk Festival (Tourism and Events Queensland – Jess Lindemann)
Warwick New Year’s Eve Rodeo & Fireworks
31 December 2025
Celebrate NYE in true country style with rodeo action, live music and a fireworks finale. Warwick’s family-friendly event combines the excitement of rodeo competition with community entertainment and food stalls — a lively way to welcome the new year in a regional, caravan-friendly setting.
Murphy Homes Maroochy Classic
23–24 January 2026
Australia’s longest-running club-run surf carnival returns to Maroochydore Beach, drawing elite surf lifesaving athletes and families for beach racing, surf events and a community festival atmosphere. Expect fast-paced action, beachfront viewing and local vendors — a summer surf-sports highlight on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
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