Townsville Teams Up with Wollongong, Darwin, Cairns, Albury and More to Bring Major Christmas and New Year Celebrations to Australia in This Year: Everything You Need to Know

Townsville Teams Up with Wollongong, Darwin, Cairns, Albury, and other regional cities, is preparing to host some of Australia’s most thrilling Christmas and New Year’s celebrations as the holiday season draws near. In order to make 2025–2026 a year of unforgettable holiday cheer, these cities have planned a wide variety of family-friendly events, fireworks displays, light trails, and festive activities that will appeal to both locals and visitors. This thorough guide will give you all the information you need to organize the ideal holiday getaway throughout Australia’s dynamic regional centers, as each city offers distinctive experiences.

As the holiday season approaches, regional cities across Australia are preparing to light up the festive season with a series of spectacular events that promise to bring joy to both locals and travelers alike. From dazzling light trails to family-friendly carol nights and midnight fireworks, the Christmas and New Year celebrations in 2025–26 are shaping up to be unforgettable. Whether you’re heading to the tropics in Queensland or enjoying the temperate charm of southern Australia, these regional destinations are ready to celebrate the holidays in a big way. Here’s a closer look at some of the top regional cities across Australia and the events they’re hosting this festive season.

Townsville: A Tropical Wonderland of Christmas Celebrations

Townsville, located on the tropical coast of Queensland, is ready to offer a festive blend of family-friendly events, local markets, and spectacular fireworks displays.

Mount Louisa Christmas Fair
Kick off the Christmas season with the Mount Louisa Christmas Fair, a free neighborhood event that promises a true community feel. Held on December 13, 2025, at High Vista Park, this fair features over 50 stalls, kids’ rides, food trucks, and of course, a visit from Santa himself. The event offers a perfect start to the festive season, allowing families to enjoy an afternoon of fun and festive cheer.

QRI Townsville Christmas Party & More
Townsville will host several other family-friendly events throughout December. The QRI Townsville Christmas Party at the Long Tan Memorial Pool is a great way to cool off in the tropical heat while celebrating the season. The Defence Family Christmas Trivia at Townsville RSL is another fun-filled event, bringing the community together with a friendly trivia challenge to celebrate the season.

The Ville Resort’s Waterfront Fireworks
The Ville Resort is one of the city’s premier destinations for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Offering Christmas dining and a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks event on the waterfront lawns, visitors can enjoy a premium experience with stunning views of the firework display over the water. The event features live music, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere that will last all night.

Cairns: A Tropical Paradise with Family-Focused Fireworks

Cairns, known for its tropical beauty and vibrant atmosphere, offers a wide range of events during the Christmas and New Year period, perfect for families and visitors looking to ring in the holidays.

Cairns Esplanade Fireworks
One of Cairns’ signature events is the Cairns Esplanade fireworks, held at 9:00 pm and midnight on New Year’s Eve. The annual celebration attracts locals and tourists alike with family-friendly entertainment and live music before the fireworks light up the night sky. The free concert, paired with street closures, provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable New Year’s Eve.

The Benson & Novotel Cairns Oasis
For those seeking a more intimate celebration, The Benson offers a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party with stunning views of the Esplanade fireworks. Novotel Cairns Oasis will also be hosting a festive “Island BBQ Feast by Moku”, a family-leaning dining experience that finishes early enough for families to enjoy the fireworks.

Western Events Lawn & More
The Western Events Lawn on the Esplanade hosts an extensive program of live entertainment leading up to the midnight fireworks, alongside smaller displays at Edmonton and Palm Cove. Visitors can explore these satellite locations to catch the dazzling pyrotechnic shows in a more intimate setting. Cairns also continues its tradition of providing diverse holiday events throughout the city, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Wollongong: A Family-Focused New Year with Carols and Light Displays

Located just south of Sydney, Wollongong is one of the many regional cities in Australia that celebrates Christmas and New Year with a unique blend of festive activities for both adults and children alike.

Christmas in Wollongong Hub
Wollongong’s Christmas in Wollongong Hub is the city’s main event for the holiday season. It includes a calendar packed with family-oriented activities, including kids’ storytimes, library events, and carol performances across various local churches. As one of the biggest regional hubs, Wollongong hosts several Christmas Day celebrations, such as the Novotel Northbeach Christmas Day Spectacular, featuring a seafood buffet with a special visit from Santa.

Botanic Garden Sunset Cinema & Themed Nights
For a relaxed and picturesque evening, the Botanic Garden hosts a sunset cinema series throughout the holidays. These outdoor screenings, combined with the serene beauty of the garden, make for a perfect family outing. For the adults, XMASFEST Wollongong caters to the over-30s crowd with a festive party vibe, while the Green-Christmas outdoor theatre in the Botanic Garden offers a unique experience with its environmental theme. This is the perfect way to balance family fun with adult-themed nightlife.

Carols and Community Festivities
As the year draws to a close, Wollongong’s carol nights and festive events come to a head with its New Year’s Eve celebrations. The city hosts a free family event by the harbour, complemented by a late-night Summer Carnival at Lang Park, offering a wide range of food, entertainment, and activities for all ages.

Albury: Party into 2026 with Live Music and Fireworks

Situated on the border between New South Wales and Victoria, Albury offers a mix of live music, NYE parties, and local holiday events for both adults and families.

New Year’s Eve at Dux
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Dux, one of Albury’s premier venues, with live music and cocktails to ring in the new year. For a more laid-back celebration, Beer Deluxe will host a big old party to welcome 2026, with live music and a festive atmosphere that ensures an exciting start to the year.

Race-Day Christmas Parties
In addition to NYE events, Albury offers festive race-day parties, where visitors can enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of local racecourses while celebrating the season. These events are perfect for those looking to enjoy a day of fun before the night celebrations begin.

December Functions and Other Parties
Further events will be listed closer to the season through local platforms like Eventbrite and Facebook, offering an opportunity for last-minute planning. Local venues are expected to continue updating their schedules for December functions, providing visitors with a variety of options to enjoy their holiday stay in Albury.

Darwin: A Tropical Celebration with Lights and Fireworks

Darwin, with its warm climate and festive spirit, offers a mix of light trails, fireworks, and community celebrations that embody the laid-back atmosphere of the Northern Territory.

Christmas Light Trail at Darwin Waterfront
From November 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the Darwin Waterfront will be home to a spectacular Christmas Light Trail. With over 1 kilometer of illuminated decorations, visitors can stroll through this dazzling light display, taking in the sights of the waterfront while enjoying roving entertainment and visits from Santa. The event is a true highlight for visitors seeking a tropical take on traditional holiday lights.

Darwin Christmas Pageant & Pageant Parade
Early in December, the Darwin Christmas Pageant takes place in the heart of the city, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and festive performances. Following this, community celebrations around the pageant bring people together in the spirit of Christmas, with outdoor markets and food trucks lining the streets.

New Year’s Eve at the Waterfront
For those looking to welcome the New Year in style, Darwin’s NYE waterfront event offers free family entertainment, with live music, food stalls, and two fireworks displays at 9 pm and midnight. The event promises an unforgettable evening for families and visitors alike, with a festive spirit that is truly unique to the Top End.

Toowoomba: Queensland’s Christmas Capital

Located in the scenic Darling Downs region of Queensland, Toowoomba is known as one of the best places in the state for Christmas celebrations. The city offers an enchanting mix of festive events that cater to families, food lovers, and Christmas enthusiasts.

Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park Botanic Gardens
From December 6 to 24, 2025, the Queens Park Botanic Gardens will be home to Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland, a magical light display featuring over 200,000 lights. Open every night until 9 pm, this major charity event brings together stunning visual displays, live performers, BBQ stalls, and raffles, making it a great family outing. Gold coin entry ensures it’s an affordable experience for all.

DownsSteam Christmas Lights Train
For something a little different, hop aboard the DownsSteam Christmas Lights Train, which offers a festive journey through the lights of Toowoomba. This unique experience is perfect for those wanting to see the city’s light displays from a different perspective. The train ride is complemented by local carol performances and Christmas markets, making it an all-around holiday experience.

Handmade Under the Stars Christmas Markets
A festive favorite for both locals and visitors, the Handmade Under the Stars Christmas Markets showcase unique handmade gifts and artisanal goods. Held in December, these markets offer a chance to buy one-of-a-kind holiday gifts while enjoying food trucks, live music, and Christmas carolers.

Ballarat: Heritage Meets Holiday Cheer

Ballarat, a charming gold rush town in Victoria, is known for its heritage-inspired Christmas celebrations. The city’s events highlight its rich history while adding a modern twist with festive activities.

Christmas in Ballarat
The Christmas in Ballarat program transforms the city into a winter wonderland, with a beautiful mix of CBD decorations, walk-through light installations, and roving entertainment. These displays capture the charm of Ballarat’s historical architecture while embracing the modern holiday spirit. Families will enjoy kids’ workshops, festive pop-up stalls, and performances at Ballarat’s main shopping precinct.

Carols and Family Fun Nights at Ballarat Showgrounds
The Ballarat Showgrounds hosts festive carols nights and family fun activities, making it a perfect venue for families to enjoy a laid-back celebration. Additionally, church carols on Christmas Eve bring a traditional touch to the festivities, inviting locals and visitors to gather and celebrate the season’s spiritual significance.

Trivia Nights and Themed Christmas Lunches
For adults, Ballarat offers festive trivia nights and Christmas-themed lunches that combine fun, food, and socializing in a relaxed atmosphere. These events, often held at local hotels and venues, are an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a festive meal or a bit of friendly competition.

Bendigo: A Victorian Christmas Celebration

Bendigo, also nestled in the goldfields region of Victoria, offers a vibrant mix of festive light displays, carol events, and Christmas markets that draw thousands every year.

Christmas Tree Light-Up at Rosalind Park
Kick off the Christmas season with the Christmas Tree Light-Up in Rosalind Park, scheduled for November 29, 2025. This event officially marks the start of Bendigo’s Christmas celebrations, offering a spectacular display of lights and decorations. The Christmas tree lighting is a highlight, attracting families and visitors from across the region to enjoy the magic of the holiday season.

Christmas Carols and Makers’ Markets
One of Bendigo’s most popular events is the Christmas Carols Night, which will be held in early December 2025. The Christmas makers’ markets at Bendigo Showgrounds and Hargreaves Mall are perfect for those looking to pick up unique gifts and artisanal products, as well as enjoy the bustling atmosphere of local vendors. The Christmas track carnival at the Bendigo velodrome is another great way to celebrate the season.

Christmas Lunch at All Seasons Resort
For those who prefer a more relaxed Christmas Day, All Seasons Resort offers a dedicated Christmas lunch event that is ideal for families and visitors looking for an easy, enjoyable celebration. The resort’s festive dining experience offers traditional holiday meals, ensuring you feel right at home during your stay.

Launceston: Tasmania’s Perfect Christmas Destination

Launceston, one of Tasmania’s cultural hubs, is gearing up for a festive season filled with charm and traditional holiday spirit.

Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Brisbane Street Mall
The holiday season in Launceston officially begins with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Brisbane Street Mall on November 29, 2025. The event includes live music, family entertainment, and a special tree lighting ceremony at 8:45 pm. The lighting ceremony is a popular tradition in the city, offering a welcoming atmosphere as the community comes together to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.

Hogmanay Hootenanny
To bring in the New Year, Launceston hosts the Hogmanay Hootenanny on December 31, 2025, blending Scottish and Tasmanian music and dance for an unforgettable community event. This family-friendly celebration offers a fun and unique way to ring in the New Year in Tasmania, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy cultural festivities and community gatherings.

Mackay: A Tropical Christmas Celebration on the Queensland Coast

Located in tropical North Queensland, Mackay offers a holiday experience that combines community fairs, festive light displays, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Christmas Fairs and Rotary Christmas Markets
Mackay is known for its bustling Christmas fairs and Rotary Christmas markets, which feature local goods, handmade crafts, and food stalls. These markets give visitors a chance to pick up unique Christmas presents while supporting local artisans and vendors.

Mackay’s New Year’s Eve River Party
One of Mackay’s most anticipated events is the New Year’s Eve River Party at Bluewater Quay. The event, which runs from 6 pm to 9 pm, features staged kids’ entertainment, live performances, and a 9 pm fireworks display. This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to say goodbye to the old year and ring in the new one with loved ones.

Christmas Events Guide
Mackay’s official Christmas events guide outlines a packed schedule of local festivities, including Christmas markets, live music, and New Year’s celebrations. With details updated as events are confirmed for 2025, this guide offers a comprehensive look at all the festive happenings in the region.

Townsville, along with Wollongong, Darwin, Cairns, Albury, and more, is set to host vibrant Christmas and New Year celebrations in 2025–26, offering a diverse mix of festive events, fireworks, and family-friendly activities that promise unforgettable holiday experiences across regional Australia.

As the holiday season approaches, regional cities across Australia are pulling out all the stops to ensure their Christmas and New Year celebrations in 2025–26 are nothing short of spectacular. From the tropical charm of Townsville and Cairns to the heritage-filled streets of Ballarat and Bendigo, these cities offer a festive blend of light displays, family events, carol nights, and fireworks celebrations. Whether you’re seeking an intimate evening with a scenic view of the fireworks, a lively family celebration, or a cultural experience with local traditions, there is something for everyone this holiday season. With community fairs, Christmas markets, and New Year’s Eve parties at local venues, every city provides a memorable experience to make your Christmas and New Year 2025–26 unforgettable.

Regional cities like Mackay also offer detailed Christmas event guides to help you plan your visit. The official guide provides up-to-date information on festive happenings, such as markets, live music, and New Year’s celebrations, ensuring that every moment is filled with joy and excitement. As these cities continue to finalize their events, visitors can look forward to a range of activities that will add to the holiday magic, creating lasting memories for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re traveling for the spectacular Christmas light displays or enjoying a relaxed family evening at a community event, Australia’s regional cities promise an incredible festive season for all.

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