Take a trip down memory lane with the Illawarra Mercury's photo gallery showcasing decades of local Christmas Day traditions, from beach barbecues to backyard cricket. See the festive spirit in action.
As the Illawarra Hawks prepare for their third straight NBL Christmas game, we explore whether sport has a place in Aussie holiday traditions. Insights from players and fans.
Get into the festive spirit with The West's ultimate guide to the best Christmas movies. From 'Elf' to 'Love Actually', our picks will delight the whole family this Christmas Eve.
Over 150 volunteers served a festive feast to up to 1200 people at the 25th Samaritans Christmas Lunch in Newcastle, providing vital community support during tough economic times.
Chefs Courtney Roulston and Michael Weldon reveal their favourite Christmas side dish recipes. Get easy steps for a Heirloom Tomato Caesar and Tzatziki Potato Salad to wow your guests.
The Pod Well Travelled dives into festive customs worldwide, from Germany's markets to Japan's KFC Christmas. Discover the holiday magic. Listen to the episode now!
Harley and John's Seafood in Fairy Meadow faced massive Christmas Eve demand, selling five tonnes of prawns and thousands of oysters as queues formed before dawn. Locals share their festive feast plans.
Illawarra restaurants, pubs, and hotels are experiencing high demand for Christmas Day dining as families opt to avoid the stress of cooking at home. Discover the festive menus and prices on offer.
Wollongong and Shellharbour councils announce altered bin collection schedules over Christmas. Find out your new collection days and extra recycling services.
From classic rom-coms to Santa action flicks, discover the 12 definitive categories of Christmas films to plan your perfect holiday viewing. Find your new festive favourite.
Albion Park Village Meats sees a 25% surge in roast orders as Illawarra residents prioritise festive feasts. Owner Glenn Stewart says 'people find the money for Christmas'.
Wollongong revellers face a choice this New Year's Eve: harbour or CBD fireworks? The Illawarra Hotel adds a 9pm CBD show, complementing council's harbour display. Locals share their picks.
Discover where to find the crispiest, most authentic Portuguese tarts in the Illawarra region. From Wollongong to Shellharbour, we reveal the bakeries locals swear by.
Wollongong-born Jenna Owen co-writes and stars in the off-beat festive comedy 'Nugget is Dead: A Christmas Story', a modern Aussie family tale premiering on Stan. Discover the local inspiration.
Wollongong PE teacher Phil Saunders has had all charges against him dismissed in local court. Read the magistrate's detailed reasoning and the emotional courtroom outcome.
Perth chef Sean Cridland shares a budget-friendly three-course Christmas menu for eight, costing under $16 per person. Get his recipes for a festive roast turkey, melon wreath, and Oreo truffles.
A Wollongong magistrate has identified major problems with the prosecution's case against a man charged over the 1993 disappearance of Pauline Sowry, but denied bail due to alleged threats against police. Read the latest court developments.
Your essential guide to Geelong's Christmas and New Year trading hours for 2023. Find out when supermarkets, shops, and services are open over the festive season.
Need a caffeine fix on Christmas morning in Perth? Our guide lists cafes open on December 25, 2025, from Fremantle to the Swan Valley. Find your nearest spot for a coffee and a treat.
Exclusive first image reveals plans for six towers, including three 40-storey skyscrapers, on the old Bunnings site in central Wollongong. The $500m project could house over 3000 people.
A busy week in Wollongong courts saw ex-footballer Wendell Sailor arrested, Trent Merrin avoid conviction for crypto theft, and a $2.5 million embezzlement case. Read the latest local legal news.
Perth homes transform into festive wonderlands as two finalists share their heartwarming stories in the 7NEWS and Alinta Energy Light Up Christmas competition. Discover the magic and vote now.
Wollongong businesses lament a 'step backwards' as fire safety concerns force a ban on outdoor dining in Crown Lane. Discover the impact on local nightlife and council plans.
Struggling for festive ideas? Our curated guide features perfect last-minute Christmas gifts for mum, dad, kids & more, with deals from Myer & Amazon. Shop now!
A Wollongong man required surgery after a long-time friend, wearing a motorcycle helmet, attacked him with a machete inside his Fairy Meadow home. The attacker has pleaded guilty. Read the shocking details.
Ian Palamara was sentenced to over five years in prison for a reckless assault that caused grievous bodily harm to Carissa Edwards in a Kembla Grange park. The victim faces a guarded prognosis for her vision.
Children are now sending video wish lists for Christmas presents. Is this a useful modern tool or a sign of growing materialism? We explore the debate and its Australian context.
Illawarra Hawks star JaVale McGee is swapping snow for sun this festive season. The NBA champion shares his Aussie bucket list, from family time in Wollongong to a crucial Christmas Day NBL clash.
Wollongong City Council has awarded the Lagoon Restaurant lease to Sydney hospitality giant The Grounds of Alexandria. The five-year deal promises a new era for the Stuart Park site. Read the full story.
Dish Magazine's Sarah Tuck helps recreate classic Aussie Christmas favourites. Discover how to elevate leftover ham into a Croque Monsieur and chocolate almonds into a stunning torte.