Despite a scorching Sunday afternoon, the spirit of Christmas proved stronger than the sun as thousands of Novocastrians gathered at Lambton Park for an evening of festive cheer.
A Community Celebration in the Park
The annual Carols in the Park, hosted by Hunter Bible Church, transformed the green space into a hub of holiday activity on Sunday, December 21, 2025. From 5pm, families arrived with picnic rugs and chairs, ready to claim their spot for the main event. The free, family-friendly festivities kicked off with carnival rides, various activities, and a selection of food trucks offering treats for all ages.
A Playlist of Festive Favourites
The musical program was a central highlight, featuring a blend of timeless classics and modern hits. The carol singing was scheduled to begin at 7pm, with a setlist including crowd-pleasers like Jingle Bell Rock, Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy, and the local favourite, Aussie Jingle Bells. After an intermission at 8pm, the singing continued, with a total of 22 carols performed throughout the night.
Event coordinator Sam Hilton emphasised the community focus of the evening. He described it as a chance for families, friends, and neighbours to unite, enjoy wonderful music, and embrace the Christmas spirit in a distinctly Newcastle way.
Traffic and a Fiery Finale
Transport for NSW had issued an advisory, warning drivers to expect heavier than usual traffic around the park between 5pm and 9:30pm due to the large turnout. The event was capped off with a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm, lighting up the night sky and providing a dazzling conclusion to the community celebration.
The successful event demonstrated that even extreme heat could not dampen the festive enthusiasm of Newcastle residents, who came together in strong numbers to share joy, music, and the promise of the holiday season.
