As the holiday season approaches, the Illawarra region transforms into a festive wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights, bustling markets and the joyful melodies of Christmas carols. We have created a comprehensive guide to the best Christmas gift shops, markets, lights and carols for all of those looking to find the festive fun.
Gift Shops
- Dreams and Memories, Bulli – This retro, vintage antiques store is sure to keep you trapped looking through treasures for at least an hour. The perfect spot for Christmas shopping to tap into those nostalgic memories and we bet you'll pick something up for yourself too.
- Thirroul Collective, Thirroul – this shop that brings many local businesses together all in one spot. From baby clothes to dog collars, you'll be sorted for Christmas gifts at this one-stop shop. (Read more about the store in Meet the businesswoman with a collective vision for Thirroul.)
- Earth Walker & Co., Coledale – This cafe doubles as a good gifting heaven. They pickle their own vegetables and make Christmas flavoured sugar, plus personal goodies like bath salt.
- The Collective Beat & The Mill Marketplace, Kiama, Gerringong, Milton, Huskisson and Pyree. You'll find local artists, makers, creators and designers works across all of these indoor market locations.
Christmas Markets
- Bulli Village Christmas Market, Bulli – Bulli Village Market is hosting a special Christmas Market on Sunday, December 10, from 9am to 3pm, featuring Santa's visit, handmade artisan gifts, and over 90 bespoke stalls.
- Shellharbour Christmas Market, Shellharbour – Enjoy a unique and kid-friendly Christmas market at The Roo Theatre on Sunday, December 3, from 10 am to 2 pm, featuring face painting, a visit from Santa, and the sale of costumes.
- Thirroul Public School Christmas Market, Thirroul – Join the festive fun on Saturday, November 25, from 10am to 3pm. With a $1 donation for admission at the entry, you can enjoy rides, local vendor stalls, live entertainment, Santa photos and food trucks, including Il Nido Pizza Truck, 2 Smoking Barrels.
Christmas Lights
Explore these local Facebook pages dedicated to Christmas lights enthusiasts. From Windang to Bulli, the page admins often share maps of local houses and recommendations on where to find festive light displays that will illuminate your holiday spirit.
Christmas Carols
- Combined Churches Carols In The Burgh, Helensburgh – The Combined Churches Carols in the Burgh is an annual celebration of Christmas in the 2508 Community. This year it is on Saturday, 9 December from 6-9pm at Helensburgh Park.
- Carols By Candlelight 2023, Shellharbour – On Friday, 8 December from 6-9 pm these carols will be held in a new location at Centenary Fields, Croome Road Sporting Complex. Enjoy a festive lineup of singers with delightful treats from handpicked food vendors.
- Figtree Community Carols , Figtree – Figtree Anglican Church invites you to join on Saturday, 9 December from 5:30-9:30pm.
- Carols by the Sea, Austinmer – Held on Sunday, 10 December, friends and families are invited to BYO blankets, drinks and food for "Relaxed Coastal Vibed Carols" on the grass area of Austi Beach.
Need more festive ideas? Read more in these articles: