Join New Vine Lakes at beautiful Thomas H. Halton Park, Croudace Bay, for a fun and relaxed evening celebrating Christmas together by the lake.
Enjoy live music, Christmas carols and plenty of free activities for the kids, all in the beautiful surrounds of Lake Macquarie. Bring a picnic, spread out a rug and settle in, or grab something delicious from one of our food vendors.
With free entry and free activities, it's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a night out with family and friends, connect with your community and celebrate Christmas together.
From 6:00pm
Come along, find a spot by the lake and enjoy an evening of music, activities, food and community connection.
- Live Music – Enjoy pre-show entertainment from talented local musicians as you settle in for the evening.
- Free Kids’ Activities – There's plenty for the kids to enjoy, including sideshow alley games, face painting, Christmas craft, a mini zoo, kiddie karts, jumping castles and a rock-climbing wall.
- The Pretty Amazing Jono – Our roaming kids' entertainer will be bringing plenty of fun and surprises for families throughout the evening.
- Food for Sale – Grab dinner or a treat from our local food vendors, with options including BBQ, hot meals, coffee, cold drinks, snow cones and ice creams.
- Community Stalls – Meet local groups and find out more about how they support our community, including Hopeworks, Lake Macquarie Safe Space, Alport Foundation (also selling puddings) and Mbuyu Foundation.
- Candles – Free battery-operated candles, generously provided by SOLD Real Estate, will be available from our candle stations.
From 7:30pm
- Carols Program – Gather with family and friends and sing along to your favourite Christmas carols, led by the Carols by the Lake band featuring volunteer local musicians.
- The Pretty Amazing Jono – Back for more fun and surprises during the carols program!
Returning for more fun during the carols program!
The main parking area is near the playground at the end of Thomas H. Halton Park, with additional parking available at the boat ramp. Traffic controllers will be on site to help direct vehicles and keep traffic moving safely.
Please allow a little extra time to find a park and make your way to the event. If you're walking or parking nearby, please follow the signage and use pedestrian crossings.
Accessible parking is available close to the event. If you have mobility needs or need assistance, please let our team know and we'll be happy to help.
Where possible, we encourage carpooling or walking to help reduce traffic and congestion around the park. Thanks for being considerate of our neighbours and helping everyone get to and from the event safely!
Candles
Look out for our clearly marked Candle Stalls around the event, where you can pick up a free battery-operated candle, generously provided by SOLD Real Estate. These are lovely to have as we sing together during the carols.
Chairs & Gazebos
Bring along a fold-up camp chair or picnic rug, find a comfortable spot and settle in for the evening. We kindly ask that you leave gazebos and other large shade structures at home so everyone can enjoy a clear view of the stage.
Songbooks
Printed songbooks will be available at the Candle Stalls and handed out throughout the evening. You can also download the digital songbook (available soon), or simply scan one of the QR codes displayed at the Candle Stalls on the night.
Whichever option you choose, we look forward to singing along with you!
Thank you to our Sponsors
Carols by the Lake is a free community event, made possible through the generosity and support of our wonderful sponsors.
Their contributions help cover the cost of activities, entertainment and other event essentials, allowing families to enjoy a fun and relaxed evening together without worrying about the cost.
We're incredibly grateful for their partnership and for helping us give back to our community and bring people together to celebrate Christmas.
Carols by the Lake is made possible through the generosity of local businesses and organisations who share our heart for community. Their support helps us keep the event free for everyone, giving families across Lake Macquarie the opportunity to enjoy a fun and relaxed Christmas celebration together.
In 2025, approximately 4,000 people joined us for the evening, with our event also reaching the wider community through social media and local letterbox flyers.
We'd love you to partner with us for Carols by the Lake 2026. A range of sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses wanting to support a local community event while connecting with the people who live here.
Complete your details below and our team will be in touch to share more about how you can get involved.