Christmas in Darwin is pretty chilled - think chilli mud crab, BBQ barramundi with a side of paw-paw salad and lazy days lounging poolside while the kids splash about. No doubt you’ve seen those telltale Christmas signs around town – Casuarina is decked in tinsel, the Christmas tree is up in Smith Street Mall, and the aisles of Woolies are stocked with all the Christmas paraphernalia. Santa is stopping in Darwin again and opportunities abound to meet our bearded friend. You’ll find him at the Waterfront, Casuarina Square, Smith Street Mall and other locations around town. If you haven’t taken the kids to see the glitzy glow of houses laden with Christmas lights, glowing reindeers and fake snow in Palmerston, why not try it this year?
There's heaps going on around town this month, but it can get a tad confusing trying to work out what, where and when. So here's my guide to the Darwin's Christmas festivities.
Have fun!
By Libby Larsen
* Please check directly with the source websites to confirm times, dates and activities as things change.
THE LOWDOWN
As usual, Darwin Waterfront has a totally fabulous program for Xmas and New Year and it's free. There are lighting displays, ‘Twinkle Palms’ the ‘Waterfront Woodland Walk’, Santa’s Snow Station and heaps more. Their New Years Eve and New Years Day programs are also fabulous so make sure you take a look at their events page on their website.
Don't miss their Darwin City Christmas Trail! The City of Darwin has a totally awesome program of free stuff - with Santa, craft, carols and music. Make sure you check out their cool Christmas Trail map and info!
where's santa?
Palmerston Shopping Centre - with live birds! - Until Dec 23 - Monday to Saturday 10am -4pm
Smith Street Mall - Anthony Plaza (see times and days in calender below)
Casuarina Square - Ground level near food court (1 -24 December). For days and times refer to their website)
Coolalinga Central - Until December 24 (see times in calendar below)
Gateway Shopping Centre - Palmerston - between House and Telstra (see times in calendar below)
Darwin Waterfront - (Check the calender below)
DARWIN TROPPO XMAS CALENDER
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 6
Christmas at Darwin Waterfront - 7pm - 10pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
THURSDAY DECEMBER 7
Christmas at Darwin Waterfront - 7pm - 10pm
Sensitive Santa at Casuarina Square
Bunnings Christmas Family Night - Darwin Bunnings, 6pm
Bunnings Christmas Family Night - Palmerston Bunnings, 6pm
Santa's Workshops - Scratch Arts - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm and 3.30pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
FRIDAY DECEMBER 8
Christmas at Darwin Waterfront - 7pm - 10pm
Palmerston Christmas Tree Lighting + Carols + Movie - from 6.30pm
Christmas Songs in Smith Street Mall - at the Galleria 11.30am -1.30pm
Meet Santa - Bakewell - Zuccoli Plaza - 4pm
Santa's Workshops - Magnets - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm and 3.30pm - 5pm
Escape the Wet - Pop Up Markets - Coolalinga Central, 6pm - 8pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central, 5 pm - 5.45pm & 6.30pm - 7.15pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 10am - 8pm
SATURDAY DECEMBER 9
Christmas at Darwin Waterfront - 7pm - 10pm
DSO Master Series
Christmas arrives at Bakewell Shopping Centre - 10am-1pm Carols in the Library - Darwin City Library- 10.30am
Santa's Village Grand Opening - Anthony Plaza Smith Street Mall - 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Christmas Fun in the Parks - Smith Street Mall - 9am -12pm
Christmas Family Fun Day - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 9am - 12pm
Palmerston Christmas Markets - Corner of Woodroffe Avenue and Temple Terrace 9.30am-1.30pm
Santa's Little Helper Workshops - Darwin Bunnings - 10am - 11am
Santa's Little Helper Workshops - Palmerston Bunnings - 10am - 11am
Santa's Workshops -Penguins & Gingerbreads - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm & 3.30pm - 5pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 10am - 12pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 10am - 5pm
SUNDAY DECEMBER 10
Christmas at Darwin Waterfront - 7pm - 10pm
Christmas for Kids - Marrara Indoor Stadium
Santa Visits the Wave Lagoon - 10am
Member for Karama Free Xmas Party - KJs Entertainment (contact to register)
Santa's Little Helper Workshops - Darwin Bunnings - 10am - 11am
Santa's Little Helper Workshops - Palmerston Bunnings - 10am - 11am
Santa's Workshops - Sand cards - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm and 3.30pm to 5pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 10am - 12pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 10am - 5pm
MONDAY DECEMBER 11
Christmas at Darwin Waterfront - 7pm - 10pm
Santa Village - Anthony Plaza Smith Street Mall, 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Christmas Fun in the Parks - Smith Street Mall - 9am -12pm
Christmas Songs in Smith Street Mall - Galleria 11.30am -1.30pm
Santa Story Time - Casuarina Library 10am
Fun Bus Christmas Party - Bagot Community 9.30am -11.30am
Santa's Workshops - Magnets - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm and 3.30pm to 5pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 10am - 5pm
TUESDAY DECEMBER 12
Christmas Fun in the Parks - Smith Street Mall, 9am -12pm
Christmas at Darwin Waterfront - 7pm - 10pm
Santa's Village - Anthony Plaza Smith Street Mall, 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Fun Bus Christmas Party - Malak Community Centre, 9.30am -11.30am
Santa Story Time - Casuarina Library - 10am
The Polar Express Movie in 3D - Darwin Entertainment Centre - 10.30 am and 7.30pm
Santa's Workshops - Christmas Craft Mix - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm and 3.30pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 10am - 5pm
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 13
Santa's Village - Anthony Plaza Smith Street Mall, 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Christmas at Darwin Waterfront - 7pm - 10pm
Carols in the Library - Casuarina Library - 10.30am
Christmas Fun in the Parks - Smith Street Mall - 9am -12pm
Christmas Songs in Smith Street Mall - Galleria 11.30am -1.30pm
Santa Story Time - Casuarina Library - 10am
Santa's Workshops - Sand Art - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm and 3.30pm to 5pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 10am - 5pm
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14
Christmas at Darwin Waterfront - 7pm - 10pm
Christmas Fun in the Parks - Smith Street Mall - 9am -12pm
Toddler Xmas at KJs - KJs Entertainment Malak, 10am -12pm
Starwin Xmas Crafternoon - -1pm - 4pm Kids 4-10 (please contact to register)
Santa's Village - Anthony Plaza Smith Street Mall - 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Fun Bus Christmas Party - Lyons Community Centre - 9.30am -11.30am
Santa's Workshops - Sand Art - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm & 3.30pm - 5pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 10am - 5pm
FRIDAY DECEMBER 15
Christmas Fun in the Parks - Smith Street Mall - 9am -12pm
Christmas Songs in Smith Street Mall - Galleria - 11.30am -1.30pm
Fun Bus Christmas Party - Lyons Community Centre - 9.30am -11.30am
Santa's Village - Anthony Plaza, Smith Street Mall - 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Santa's Workshops - Christmas Bunting Craft - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm & 3.30pm - 5pm
Escape the Wet Pop Up Markets - Coolalinga Central - 4pm - 8pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 6pm - 8pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 10am - 8pm
SATURDAY DECEMBER 16
Carols in the Library - Nightcliff Library -10.30am
Santa's Village - Anthony Plaza, Smith Street Mall - 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Traditional Xmas Favourites with Darwin Brass Band - Smith Street Mall - 10am -1pm
Hibiscus Shopping Centre Christmas Event - 10am
Santa's Little Helper Workshops - Darwin Bunnings - 10am - 11am
Santa's Little Helper Workshops - Palmerston Bunnings - 10am - 11am
Santa's Workshops - Making Christmas Cards - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm & 3.30pm - 5pm
Skate Fest 2017 - Leanyer Skate Park - 5pm
Free Holiday Launch Party - Palmerston Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre - 10am - 1pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 10am - 12pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 10am - 5pm
SUNDAY DECEMBER 17
DSO classics - 12 Notes of Xmas - Charles Darwin University - 9.30am -10.15am (bookings essential)
Santa Visits the Wave Lagoon - 11am
Christmas Carols in Leanyer Water Park - 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Santa's Little Helper Workshops - Darwin Bunnings - 10am - 11am
Santa's Little Helper Workshops - Palmerston Bunnings - 10am - 11am
Christmas Dance Workshop - Rix Kix Arts Dance Studio - CDU Gym - 2pm-4pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 10am - 12pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 10am - 3pm
MONDAY DECEMBER 18
Santa's Village - Anthony Plaza, Smith Street Mall - 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Christmas Fun in the Parks - Smith Street Mall - 9am -12pm
Christmas Craft - Darwin City Library - 2.30pm -4pm (ages 5+ and bookings essential)
Santa's Workshops - Rock Painting - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm & 3.30pm -5pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 10am - 12pm & 3pm - 5pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 9am - 5pm
TUESDAY DECEMBER 19
Santa's Village - Anthony Plaza, Smith Street Mall - 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Christmas Fun in the Parks - Smith Street Mall - 9am -12pm
Christmas Craft - Karama Library - 2.30pm -4pm (ages 5+ and bookings essential)
Santa's Workshops -Make & Decorate a Xmas Tree - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm & 3.30pm -5pm
Making Xmas Ceramics - Contact Palmerston Hobby Ceramics - 10am - 2pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 10am - 12pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 9am - 5pm
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 20
Santa's Village - Anthony Plaza, Smith Street Mall - 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Christmas Fun in the Parks - Smith Street Mall - 9am -12pm
Christmas Craft - Nightcliff Library - 2.30pm - 4pm (ages 5+ and bookings essential)
Santa's Workshops -Make Reindeer Hats - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm & 3.30pm- 5pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 10am - 12pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 9am - 5pm
THURSDAY DECEMBER 21
Santa's Village - Anthony Plaza, Smith Street Mall - 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Christmas Fun in the Parks - Smith Street Mall - 9am-12pm
Christmas Craft - Casuarina Library - 2.30pm -4pm (ages 5+ and bookings essential)
Christmas Bedtime Story - 6pm - Casuarina Library (suitable for ages 2-10 with grown up)
Santa's Workshops - Make Your Own Wreath - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm & 3.30pm - 5pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 10am - 12pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 9am - 5pm
FRIDAY DECEMBER 22
Santa's Village - Anthony Plaza, Smith Street Mall - 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Christmas Fun in the Parks - Smith Street Mall, 9am -12pm
Santa's Workshops - Christmas Tree Decorations - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm & 3.30pm to 5pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 10am - 12pm & 6pm - 8pm
Escape the Wet Pop Up Markets - Coolalinga Central - 4pm - 8pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 9am - 8pm
SATURDAY DECEMBER 23
Santa's Village - Anthony Plaza, Smith Street Mall - 9.30am - 11am then 11.30am - 1pm
Traditional Xmas Favourites - Darwin Brass band - Smith Street Mall - 10am -1pm
Santa's Workshops - Beaded Candy Canes - Casuarina Square near Coles - 10.30am - 12pm and 3.30pm -5pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 10am - 12pm
Santa with live birds! - Palmerston Shopping Centre - 10am - 4pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 9am - 5pm
SUNDAY DECEMBER 24
Families and Childrens Christmas Service - Christchurch Anglican Cathedral, Darwin - 5.30pm
Free Photos with Santa - Coolalinga Central - 10am - 12pm
Photos with Santa - Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston 10am - 3pm
MONDAY DECEMBER 25
Merry Xmas to you and your family!
NEW YEAR 31 DECEMBER
Darwin Waterfront
Free entertainment for the whole family, including two spectacular fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight. Family fun will commence from 5pm with two Nick Jr.’s PAW Patrol ‘Ready for Action’ shows and a meet & greet, face glitters, balloon twisting and roving entertainment to wow the little ones and young families.
No doubt I've missed some totally awesome event. So please email me and I'll do my best to add them! Also check out the Facebook page of Darwin/Palmerston Christmas Lights. I took my boys on a drive to see the lights, fake snow and glowing reindeers in Palmerston. Cant guarantee what's happening this year, but last year it was fab!
* PLEASE use this article as a guide only, I'm sure there are a few boo boos with events, dates, times etc. I'm a Darwin mum with lots going on, so I'd totally recommend referring to the original sources of information! Many events require bookings as well, so make sure you look into activities before you head off!
ENJOY THE FESTIVITIES!
Libby Larsen - Growing up Troppo
Growing up Troppo provides honest travel advice tips and inspiration from parents about special and unique places to stay, play and eat with kids that parents love too! Travel is and has always been, Libby's passion and she believes this shouldn't stop when you have kids. Libby writes a monthly column for Off The Leash - the Darwin Entertainment Guide and is the Northern Territory "Experience Expert" for Experience Oz + NZ.
