One thing I miss about Christmas is snow. Having experienced white Christmas when I was growing up, somehow spending Christmas on the beach still feels strange, even after all these years. But the great thing about living in Australia and especially on the northern beaches is that Christmas brings communities together for Christmas Carols and various Christmas events.
Unlike the northern hemisphere, our Christmas weather is great for getting out, having a BBQ or going to the beach or local park and catching up with family and friends.
Every year, there are many events that take place leading up to Christmas and this year is no different. So if you live on the northern beaches or are looking for something to do with your kids, check out the following events and activities.
Christmas Carols on Northern Beaches
Christmas Choral Concert
Date: 4 December 2014
Address: Manly Oval, Corner Ragland and Belgrave Streets, Manly
Organised by Manly Council, you get a chance to sing all your favourite Christmas Carols along with the Northern Beaches Orchestra, Sydney Vocal Arts Centre and Manly Community Choir. A special visit by Santa and fireworks finale promise to make this an event to remember.
Carols with Franky
Date: Sunday 21 December 2014
Time: 5pm – 7.30pm
Address: The Beach Club, Pittwater Road, Collaroy
A great family event on Collaroy Beach. During the evening there will be a live performance by franky Valentyn, a visit from Santa and live Fireworks display. Free lollies for the kids and cool glow gadgets can also be bought.
Carols in the Park and Mini Market
Date: 6 December 2014
Time: 4pm – 8.30pm
Address: 16 Lockwood Avenue, Belrose
Starting at 4pm with a mini market, followed by kids activities from 5pm, then carol singing and dramatized Christmas Story, this event is put on by St Stphens Anglican Church.
Christmas by the Beach
Date: 19 December 2014, 5pm – 9pm
Address: Dee Why Beach, The Strand, Dee Why
Dee Why Twilight Markets will be set up on The Strand, with lots of free kids activities and giveaways. At 6.15pm Santa will arrive, followed by cultural and community performances and finally sing along Christmas Carols.
Carols by the Lake
Date: 20 December 2014
Address: Berry Reserve, Pittwater Road, Narrabeen
This popular event features great music, visit from the guy in the red suit and spectacular fireworks over Narrabeen Lake. Make sure you get there early to secure a good spot.
Christmas Feasts
Festive Fridays Christmas Lunch Buffet
Date: 5-19 December 2014 between 12noon – 3pm,
Address: Zali's Restaurant at Novotel Manly, 55 North Steyne, Manly
Every Friday Zali's Restaurant is putting on an amazing smorgasboard including all Christmas favourites such as glazed leg ham, roast turkey and many dishes from around the world. Cost is only $48 per person.
Christmas Day Lunch
Date: 25 December 2014
If you want to spend Christmas day on the beach instead of the kitchen, then check out these great restaurants who are putting on Christmas Day lunch:
Flavour Buds at Wakehurst Golf Club
Upper Clontarf Street Clontarf
Website:
www.flavourbuds.com.au
Pilu at Freshwater
Moore Road, Freshwater
Website:
www.piluatfreshwater.com.au
Cala Luna
Lower Parriwi Road, Mosman
Website:
www.calaluna.net.au
Boiler House Restaurant
1 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
Website:
www.qstation.com.au
The Beach Club
Pittwater Road, Collaroy
Website:
www.thebeachclub.com.au/
The Bower Restaurant
7 Marine Parade, Manly
Website:
www.thebowerrestaurant.com.au
Crinitis
3/54 West Esplanade, Manly
Website:
www.crinitis.com.au
Whitewater Restaurant
35 South Steyne, Manly
Website:
www.whitewaterrestaurant.com.au
Santa Photos on the Northern Beaches
There are several locations where you can get photos taken with Santa.
Warriewood Square
Jacksons Road, Warriewood
Warringah Mall
Level 1, Near Big W, Cnr Condamine Street & Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale
Stockland Balgowlah
Address: 197 Condamine Street, Balgowlah
Christmas Light Displays on the Northern Beaches
Enjoy amazing Christmas light displays by home owners in the following streets
Elaine Avenue, Avalon
Stuart Street, Manly
Washington Avenue, Cromer Heights
Ernest Street, Balgowlah Heights
Egan Place, Beacon Hill
Prince Charles Road, Belrose
Childs Circuit, Belrose
Katrina Avenue, Mona Vale
Toronto Ave, Cromer
Northcott Road, Cromer Heights
Maxwell Street, Mona Vale
Park Street, Collaroy
Abbott Road, Curl Curl
Borgnis Street, Davidson
Edwin Street, Fairlight
Park Street, Mona Vale
Alameda Way, Warriewood
Sea Green Estate, Warriewood
Hunter Street, Warriewood
Get into the Christmas Spirit this season and make the most of all the wonderful activities that are happening on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
