Perth endured its hottest Christmas Day since 2021, with temperatures soaring to 41.3C. West Australians celebrated by heading to the coast, donning festive gear to beat the extreme heat. Discover how locals and visitors adapted their traditions.
Zolile Ganya-Jones arrived at 4am on December 25, becoming the first baby born on Christmas Day at Canberra Women's and Children's Hospital. New parents Juanita Ganya and Hugo Jones share their festive joy.
A free community barbecue in Berkeley on Christmas Day, organised by the Beacon of Hope Project, provided food and fellowship to combat isolation during the cost-of-living crisis.
For 45 years, Fire and Rescue NSW Balgownie crews have traded Christmas Eve for a festive lolly run on a vintage fire truck, bringing joy to the suburb's children. Discover the heartwarming local tradition.
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.
Santa Claus has a special festive message for Illawarra children in 2025, outlining his three simple rules for Christmas Eve and revealing details about his ancient sleigh. Get the full story.
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.
Illawarra Hawks co-captain Sam Froling is set for a Christmas miracle, cleared to play against Sydney Kings on December 25 after recovering from a serious achilles injury. Don't miss the 8:30pm tip-off on ESPN.
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.
Model Chrissy Teigen shared a relatable parenting fail after a candy cane tradition went wrong, costing her a tooth. See how she handled the festive dental drama.
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.
Townsville's iconic Christmas trike is back, delivering festive cheer and free lollies across the city. Discover the heartwarming story behind this local tradition.
Influenza cases in the Illawarra Shoalhaven have jumped dramatically, mirroring early winter levels. Health officials urge caution over Christmas gatherings to avoid spreading the H3N2 'K variant'.
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.
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.
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.
Over 300 young members of Shellharbour Surf Life Saving Club celebrated the festive season with games, water activities and a foil-surfing Santa. See the gallery.
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.
Prince George joined his father, Prince William, to prepare Christmas lunch for 150 people at a London homeless shelter, echoing a poignant family tradition started by Princess Diana. See the heartwarming moment.
The Illawarra Mercury unveils its exclusive list of 56 standout young athletes set to dominate courts, fields, pools, and slopes in 2025. Discover the region's future champions.
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.
Lion's Den Collectibles opens in Warrawong Plaza, offering Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering & Warhammer. Owners aim to create a community hub where gamers of all ages can play and connect.
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.
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!
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.