Christmas is just around the corner and there is no better way to mark the start of the festive season than at one of the many yuletide events planned.
Here in the Illawarra there are plenty of activities to help you get in the Christmas spirit in coming weeks.
Thirroul Public School Christmas Market
Thirroul Public School will hold a Christmas market on Saturday, November 25, from 10am to 3pm. Local vendors will run stalls where you can buy gifts, and there will be rides, live entertainment and Santa photos. Il Nido Pizza, Ken's Cones, Chip on a Stick and 2 Smoking Barrels are among the food trucks confirmed.
Shellharbour Christmas Market
The Roo Theatre Company is hosting a small business Christmas market at The Harbour Theatre in Shellharbour on Sunday, December 3 between 10am and 2pm.
Bulli Village Christmas Market
Santa is expected to put in an appearance at Bulli Village Market on Sunday, December 10 at Bulli Showground.
More than 90 stalls are expected at the market, which will be held between 9am and 3pm.
Alongside shopping there will be food stalls, entertainment and kids activities.
Christmas Gala Performance, Wollongong
The Wollongong Conservatorium will be providing an afternoon of festive entertainment on Saturday, December 9 from 2pm as part of their Christmas Gala Performance.
The WollCon promises a full choir, childrens choir, orchestra, jazz orchestra, Organ and special guest artists featuring 'Sydney's premiere vocalist' Dan Barnett with vocalist Trish Delaney-Brown and soprano Kirsten Jones.
Tickets cost $35 per adult, $25 for concession and $10 for students. Under five are free.
Crown Street Christmas Market
Christmas market stalls will line Crown Street in Wollongong from December 14 to December 16 to give residents the chance to pick up some bargains.
Among the stalls expected are handcrafted gifts, jewellery, art and one of a kind decorations. There will be live performances and food stalls.
The markets will be on from 11am to 9pm on Thursday, December 14, 8am to 3pm on Friday, December 15 and 8am to 3pm on Saturday, December 16.
Christmas tree sales, Shellharbour
It's never too soon to get your Christmas tree up and Shellharbour Rotary will be doing their annual tree sale on Thursday, November 30.
The trees will be on sale at Cec Glenholmes Oval, Lake Illawarra South from 7.30am.
Trees are $80 each and eftpos is accepted.
Twilight Markets, UOW Innovation Campus
Coledale Christmas Twilight Markets will be coming to Wollongong for one night only on Wednesday, December 20.
The market will be held at the Innovation Campus off Puckey Avenue from 2pm to 8pm.
Food stalls, handmade and homemade products and entertainment are all expected.
Carols in the Burgh
The community of Helensburgh and Stanwell park will be gathering at Rex Jackson Oval on Saturday, December 9 for the annual Carols in the Burgh.
The event will start at 6pm for food and drink, with carols starting at 7.30pm.
Hope Church 2508, Helensburgh Baptist Church and Helensburgh and Standwell Park Anglican Church are behind the occasion.
Let us know about your Christmas events at news@illawarramercury.com.au so we can add to this list.
Merryn Porter
Journalist with more than 25 years' experience in print and digital media who has covered most news rounds, including health, education, politics (local, state and federal), police and courts, with a special interest in women's and family matters. Highly-skilled interviewer and storyteller.
Journalist with more than 25 years' experience in print and digital media who has covered most news rounds, including health, education, politics (local, state and federal), police and courts, with a special interest in women's and family matters. Highly-skilled interviewer and storyteller.
