2019, where did you go? It only seems like yesterday that the tree was going up and the bank account was going down.

Christmas isn't the time for political speeches but it is the time we are looking for new ways to entertain the kids and new places to enjoy Christmas celebrations so I thought I would share a couple of new local initiatives which are fantastic options when planning your Christmas celebrations (shenanigans) this year.

The Black Olive

Local Indigenous (Celebrity) Chef, Mark Olive has opened a pop up restaurant, The Black Olive, celebrating his indigenous heritage and it is something very special.

Mark is currently starring in the SBS series On Country Kitchen which showcases produce all along the South Coast and has cooked his way around the world as an Indigenous ambassador for Tourism Australia.

Using a variety of indigenous spices and fantastic south coast produce, Mark and his sous chef Jaimie run the kitchen and are joined by fifteen indigenous trainees. One of the most rewarding parts of the launch event this week was seeing the smiles and genuine pride these trainees had in what they are doing, creating a wonderful new indigenous experience in Wollongong. The Kangaroo Sung Choi Bao not to be missed.

Santa Fest

The Santa Claus Pub Crawl started 26 years ago with local boy Neil Webster looking to get some friends together for Christmas.

It has now raised over $2.3million for local charities (including the Disability Trust and Salvation Army) and this year it continues to grow.

Saturday December 14 will see another family friendly event added to the celebration, Santa Fest Outdoor Cinema.

A FREE community event for families of all ages, enjoying the family friendly Arthur Christmas on a MASSIVE screen in Lang Park.

Bring your own blankets, chairs and pillows and enjoy food trucks and popcorn.

The following night, over 6000 people are expected to come out and enjoy all of their Christmas faves at Santa Fest Wollongong Christmas Carols.

This year Mark Vincent and local country superstar Amber Lawrence will headline the event.

What isn't there to love about a "Santa Fest" but to make it even better: everything procured for Santa fest comes from the local area and all money raised supports local charities.

The Man Walk

Christmas can be a wonderful time of year but it can also be a very hard time of the year for many. Earlier this year, Gerringong Physio and all-time great guy, Mark Burns started a small get together in Kiama, the Man Walk.

The man walk provides an opportunity for men to get together to walk, talk and support each other in a regular and healthy way. In June this year, there were three walks.

Fast forward six months, and men are now walking at eighty two locations around Australia, with their goal to have an active man walk in all five hundred and forty seven local government areas within three years. A fantastic south coast initiative.

The walks will continue all throughout the Christmas period, and with many of us holidaying and recharging for 2020 no better time to get out and support others perhaps not as fortunate in the local community.

The biggest show in town!

Last, but definitely not least, we have eight more opportunities to enjoy arguably the most elite sportsman we will ever see play in Illawarra colours.

LaMelo came with a big reputation and many question marks. He's answered the questions and he's definitely left his mark.

In the process, he has also shown that you don't get to the big show without putting in the extra effort. How great that our kids are getting the chance to see this superstar up close and what a great role model he is proving to be, in every sense of the word.

Do not look back in the coming years and regret not making the most of the biggest show in town. What am I asking Santa for this year?

I am asking him to drive his sleigh straight through the perceived glass ceiling and unlock the major projects around the city, which have been talked about for so long. 2020 is the year for action, not more talking and planning.

But for now, sit back, relax and enjoy the Christmas season with family and friends. No better time to press play.

Mark Sleigh is the general manager of Destination Wollongong

READ MORE: Campaign calls for tourists to come out and play