We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Wollongong for 2026. The season starts on 8 November with Santa Photos at Wollongong Central and runs until 24 December (Smile, Santa's Here). 4 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Australia.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Wollongong, Dapto, Figtree and Croom
- First: Santa Photos at Wollongong Central, Wollongong, 8 November
- Free events: Santa's Arrival and Parade, Meet the Grinch, Carols by Candlelight and Elf Magic Show
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by suburb, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).
Wollongong Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs
- Wollongong, Dapto, Figtree and Croom
- Season
- 8 November to 24 December
- Free events
- 4
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Wollongong
3 confirmed events in Wollongong, soonest first.
Santa Photos at Wollongong Central
Santa photosWollongong Central · Wollongong
- Host
- Wollongong Central (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wollongong Central (Level 1, near David Jones), 200 Crown Street, Wollongong 2500
- When
- Sun 8 November to Thu 24 December
- Cost
- Book online, $0 booking fee; $10 off packages of $40 or more on weekdays in November
- Ages
- All ages, pets welcome in pet sessions
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Wollongong Central has a brand new Santa Set on Level 1 near David Jones. Standard photo sessions run from Sunday 8 November to Thursday 24 December, and bookings are made online with no booking fee. An early bird offer takes $10 off packages valued at $40 or more on weekdays from 9 to 30 November using the code shown on the centre page.
Families who need a calmer visit can book Sensitive Santa, which offers reduced noise, lower sensory stimulation and extra time. These sessions run from Sunday 15 November to Sunday 6 December. Pets can have their own photo with Santa from 16 November to 16 December, and are limited to dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.
Parent tip: Book a time slot online before you go. The early bird code does not apply to weekends, pet photos or Sensitive Santa bookings.
See dates and details from Wollongong Central (opens in a new tab)Santa's Arrival Parade
Christmas paradeWollongong Central · Wollongong
- Host
- Wollongong Central (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Crown Street Mall and Wollongong Central, 200 Crown Street, Wollongong 2500
- When
- Sun 8 November, 10 to 11.30am
- Cost
- No ticket mentioned on the page
- Ages
- Whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The festive season kicks off in the Wollongong CBD on Sunday 8 November. The fun starts at Crown Street Mall from 10am, with i98FM hosts Christian and Bella introducing a special Christmas show featuring Santa, his festive friends and a band.
The parade then makes its way through Wollongong Central and finishes at the centre's brand new Santa Set on Level 1. Santa photos begin from 1pm that afternoon, and sessions can be booked online through the centre. The event page does not mention a ticket price or any booking for the parade itself, so it appears to be a drop-in morning for families.
Parent tip: Arrive a little early to find a good spot along the mall. Photo sessions with Santa from 1pm are booked separately online.
See dates and details from Wollongong Central (opens in a new tab)The Greatest Christmas Show
Meet SantaMerrigong Theatre Company · Wollongong
- Host
- Merrigong Theatre Company (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- IPAC (IMB Theatre), 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong 2500
- When
- Wed 2 December, 4pm and 7.15pm
- Cost
- From $49.90 per child (under 15), plus booking fee
- Ages
- Family show, see page for haze and strobe warnings
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Base Entertainment brings The Greatest Christmas Show back to the IMB Theatre at IPAC on Wednesday 2 December, with a 4pm session and a 7.15pm session. The cast of dancers, aerialists, singers and an illusionist mixes well-loved carols with newer favourites, and Santa Claus makes an appearance before the end.
The show runs for about 1 hour 50 minutes including an interval. Child tickets for under 15s are priced by seating zone, from $49.90 in B Reserve to $69.90 in Premium, and a per transaction booking fee of $7.75 applies online or by phone. The venue notes that the show uses smoke, haze and fog effects as well as strobe and flashing lights, so it is worth checking before you bring very young or sensitive children.
Parent tip: Book early for the 4pm session if you have little ones. The show uses haze and strobe lighting.
See dates and details from Merrigong Theatre Company (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Dapto
7 confirmed events in Dapto, soonest first.
Santa's Arrival and Parade (Dapto)
Christmas paradeFreeDapto Mall · Dapto
- Host
- Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dapto Mall, Corner Princes Highway and Moombara Street, Dapto 2530
- When
- Sat 14 November, 9.30 to 11.30am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa arrives at Dapto Mall at 9.30am on Saturday 14 November on a Dapto Rural Fire Brigade truck outside Espresso Warriors on Level 1. The parade runs through the centre from 9.35 to 9.50am with Santa and Mrs Claus, Spidey, Wolverine, Olaf and Elsa, a Minion, a Nutcracker brass band, a Christmas elf and a local dance group.
Free extras follow: face painting from 9.40am, balloon sculptures from 9.50am, and photos with a Minion or with Olaf and Elsa at set times, plus brass band performances. Photos with Santa start from 10.20am. Bookings are not needed for any activity except the Santa photo, which must be booked online.
Parent tip: Santa photos from 10.20am need an online booking. Everything else is drop in.
See dates and details from Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)Meet the Grinch (Dapto)
Family Christmas eventFreeDapto Mall · Dapto
- Host
- Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dapto Mall, Corner Princes Highway and Moombara Street, Dapto 2530
- When
- Sun 15 November, 10am to 4.30pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Grinch visits Dapto Mall for one day only on Sunday 15 November. Families can meet him on Level 1 near Connor and take a selfie on their own phone.
Meet and greet sessions run on the half hour from 10am to 4.30pm, with short breaks while the Grinch rests after his long journey from Whoville. The mall says bookings are not required and the visit is free, so you can simply walk in during a session. It is a light, funny stop that suits a shopping trip or can be combined with the mall's other Christmas events on the same weekend.
Parent tip: Check the session times on the page, as the Grinch rests between sessions.
See dates and details from Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)Christmas Bauble Workshops (Dapto)
Christmas craftsDapto Mall · Dapto
- Host
- Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dapto Mall, Corner Princes Highway and Moombara Street, Dapto 2530
- When
- Sat 28 November, sessions at 9, 10, 11am and 12 noon
- Cost
- $3.74 plus $1.25 booking fee
- Ages
- Ages 5 and up, parent supervision under 16
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Curious Lane hosts hands-on bauble workshops on the ground floor near Moe & Co on Saturday 28 November. Participants make fillable baubles, snowflake shaped ornaments and personalised baubles using craft supplies, rhinestones and glitter, and go home with three handmade decorations.
Sessions start at 9am, 10am, 11am and 12 noon and last about 30 to 40 minutes. The age recommendation is 5 and over, and parents must supervise anyone under 16. Bookings are essential. The price is $3.74 plus a $1.25 booking fee. It makes a simple, low cost activity for school age children, and the baubles can go straight on the family tree or be wrapped as gifts.
Parent tip: Bookings are essential and sessions are short, so arrive a few minutes before your time.
See dates and details from Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)Christmas Cookie Art (Dapto)
Christmas craftsDapto Mall · Dapto
- Host
- Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dapto Mall, Corner Princes Highway and Moombara Street, Dapto 2530
- When
- Sat 5 December, sessions at 9, 10, 11am and 12 noon
- Cost
- $3.74 plus $1.25 booking fee
- Ages
- Ages 5 and up, parent supervision under 16
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Curious Lane runs a Christmas Cookie Art session on the ground floor near Moe & Co on Saturday 5 December. Each participant gets a jumbo sugar cookie printed with a design, plus a palette of edible paint, edible glitter and embellishments to bring it to life.
Sessions start at 9am, 10am, 11am and 12 noon and run for about 30 minutes. The recommended age is 5 and over, and parents must supervise anyone under 16. Bookings are essential and cost $3.74 plus a $1.25 booking fee. The cookie can be eaten straight away or taken home as a keepsake.
Parent tip: Bookings are essential. Tell the organisers about any food allergies before the session.
See dates and details from Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)Snow Globe Workshops (Dapto)
Christmas craftsDapto Mall · Dapto
- Host
- Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dapto Mall, Corner Princes Highway and Moombara Street, Dapto 2530
- When
- Sun 6 December, sessions at 9, 10, 11am and 12 noon
- Cost
- $3.74 plus $1.25 booking fee
- Ages
- Ages 5 and up, parent supervision under 16
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On Sunday 6 December, Curious Lane hosts snow globe workshops on the ground floor near Moe & Co. Participants use soft, mouldable snow clay, Christmas themed charms and sparkly embellishments to build a mini festive scene inside a shatterproof snow globe.
There are four sessions, at 9am, 10am, 11am and 12 noon, each lasting about 30 to 40 minutes. The recommended age is 5 and over, and parents must supervise anyone under 16. Bookings are essential and the cost is $3.74 plus a $1.25 booking fee. The mall describes the activity as tactile and relaxing, which suits kids who enjoy quiet, hands-on play.
Parent tip: Bookings are essential and places are limited per session.
See dates and details from Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)Breakfast with Santa (Dapto)
Breakfast with SantaDapto Mall · Dapto
- Host
- Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dapto Mall, Corner Princes Highway and Moombara Street, Dapto 2530
- When
- Thu 17 December, from 8am
- Cost
- $7.99 plus GST per child aged 1 to 11, under 12 months free
- Ages
- Children 1 to 11 (tickets per child)
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa and Mrs Claus host a Christmas breakfast in the Level 1 food court at Dapto Mall on Thursday 17 December, with check in near Optus from 8am. The ticket includes a live Elf Magic Show at 8.30am that is exclusive to breakfast guests, as well as balloon sculptures for all ages, face painting by Mrs Claus for children aged 3 and over, and temporary tattoos.
The menu is a mini croissant, mini muffin, cheese and bacon roll, a piece of fruit, a yoghurt pouch, a drink and snackable reindeer carrots and cucumbers, supported by Woolworths Dapto. Tickets are $7.99 plus GST for each child aged 1 to 11, and babies under 12 months are free.
Parent tip: Tickets are booked online. The menu includes bacon, dairy and gluten items, so check it for allergies.
See dates and details from Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)Elf Magic Show (Dapto)
Christmas showFreeDapto Mall · Dapto
- Host
- Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dapto Mall, Corner Princes Highway and Moombara Street, Dapto 2530
- When
- Thu 17 December, 9.30 to 9.50am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Dapto Mall presents a free Elf Magic Show on Thursday 17 December from 9.30 to 9.50am. The mall says no bookings are required, so families can simply walk in and watch.
This is the second performance of the day. The first, at 8.30am, is reserved for guests of the Breakfast with Santa event, so the 9.30am show is the one open to everyone. It is a short, easy outing for younger children and can be paired with a visit to Santa for a photo or a browse through the mall's other Christmas activities that week.
Parent tip: Walk in and find a spot near the show a few minutes before 9.30am.
See dates and details from Dapto Mall (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Figtree
2 confirmed events in Figtree, soonest first.
Santa Parade. Memories Made. (Figtree)
Christmas paradeFigtree Grove · Figtree
- Host
- Figtree Grove (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Figtree Grove Shopping Centre, Princes Highway, Figtree 2525
- When
- Sat 14 November, from 10am (kids activities every Saturday until Christmas)
- Cost
- No ticket mentioned on the page
- Ages
- Families and kids
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Figtree Grove starts its Christmas season with a Santa parade on Saturday 14 November from 10am. Santa and his friends walk through the centre, and families are invited to find a spot and wave hello.
After the parade, Mrs Claus hosts a cookie decorating activity for the kids. The centre says the parade is only the beginning, with festive activities for children every Saturday leading up to Christmas. The page does not list prices or booking details for the parade or the cookie decorating, so it is worth checking with the centre if you plan to bring a group.
Parent tip: Check the centre page for each Saturday's activity before you go.
See dates and details from Figtree Grove (opens in a new tab)Smile, Santa's Here (Figtree)
Meet SantaFigtree Grove · Figtree
- Host
- Figtree Grove (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Figtree Grove Shopping Centre, Princes Highway, Figtree 2525
- When
- Sat 14 November to Thu 24 December (bookings open Wed 4 November)
- Cost
- Booked sessions, see the centre page for packages
- Ages
- All ages, pets and sensory sessions available
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa photo sessions at Figtree Grove run from 14 November to 24 December, outside Priceline. Bookings open on Wednesday 4 November, and the centre warns that sessions fill fast, so booking early gives you the best choice of times.
The centre offers photos for the whole family, a pet session so four-legged family members can meet Santa, and sensory sessions designed as a calmer, quieter experience for children who may find the usual Santa photo environment overwhelming. The page does not list prices, so check the booking link for packages and costs.
Parent tip: Book as soon as bookings open, as sessions fill quickly.
See dates and details from Figtree Grove (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Croom
1 confirmed event in Croom, soonest first.
Carols by Candlelight (Croom)
Christmas carolsFreeShellharbour City Council · Croom
- Host
- Shellharbour City Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Croom Regional Sporting Complex, 110 Croome Road, Croom 2527
- When
- Fri 4 December, from 5pm (show 6 to 9pm)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Shellharbour's council carols night is on Friday 4 December at the Croom Regional Sporting Complex. The council's event page gives the show as 6 to 9pm and describes it as Santa's first stop of the season, with Christmas music, festive treats from handpicked food vendors and gift stalls.
The event FAQ says entry is free with no need to book, and that kids activities and food trucks open from 5pm, with everyone asked to be seated by 5.45pm for the show. Bring picnic rugs, ground seating, battery operated candles, a hat and sunscreen, and a letter for Santa. Glass, pets, metal pegs and sparklers should stay at home. Entry and parking are one way via the East West Link roundabout, with traffic controllers on site.
Parent tip: Arrive from 5pm to park and settle on the lawn. Bring rugs and battery candles, and leave pets, glass and sparklers at home.
See dates and details from Shellharbour City Council (opens in a new tab)More Christmas events for kids in Australia
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- Christmas events for kids in Melbourne
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- Christmas events for kids in Gold Coast
- Christmas events for kids in Canberra
- Christmas events for kids in Hobart
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- Christmas events for kids in Sunshine Coast
- Christmas events for kids in Australia
A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cosy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com.au (opens in a new tab)Wollongong Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Wollongong in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Wollongong for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Santa Photos at Wollongong Central, Santa's Arrival Parade, Santa Parade. Memories Made. (Figtree), Santa's Arrival and Parade (Dapto), Smile, Santa's Here (Figtree), Meet the Grinch (Dapto), Christmas Bauble Workshops (Dapto), The Greatest Christmas Show, Carols by Candlelight (Croom), Christmas Cookie Art (Dapto), Snow Globe Workshops (Dapto) and Breakfast with Santa (Dapto). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Wollongong?
Yes. 4 of the 13 events here are free, including Santa's Arrival and Parade (Dapto), Meet the Grinch (Dapto), Carols by Candlelight (Croom) and Elf Magic Show (Dapto). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Wollongong this year?
Santa appears at Santa Photos at Wollongong Central, Santa's Arrival Parade, Santa Parade. Memories Made. (Figtree), Santa's Arrival and Parade (Dapto), Smile, Santa's Here (Figtree), The Greatest Christmas Show, Carols by Candlelight (Croom) and Breakfast with Santa (Dapto). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 3 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
