Where to See Christmas Lights in Wollongong (and Other Festive Things to Do)

The best areas for Christmas lights

Every December, whole streets across the Illawarra light up. Local favourites that come up year after year include Stubbs Road in Albion Park — where the whole street joins in and it's well worth getting out of the car to walk — Woonona's Edgewood Estate, Farmborough Heights, Cordeaux Heights, Figtree, Horsley and the newer streets of Calderwood.

Closer to town, keep an eye out on Keira Street in the city, where an apartment building has been known to light up from top to bottom, and around Mount Pleasant and Mount Keira.

How to plan your lights trail

Displays change every year, so check an up-to-date list before you head out — local sites like What's On in Wollongong, Parents Guide Illawarra and Christmas Light Search, plus the 'Christmas light displays in the Illawarra' Facebook group, keep current maps and street lists.

Go after dark (around 8:30pm in December), pop on some Christmas tunes, and park considerately — these are people's homes, so keep noise down and stay off lawns. Many households collect gold coin donations for charity, so bring some change.

Carols, markets and Santa

Carols by candlelight events run in parks and on beachfronts across the region through December, and Christmas markets pop up from Bulli to Shellharbour with handmade gifts and festive food. Dates change each year, so check Wollongong City Council and local what's-on guides closer to Christmas.

A summer Christmas on the coast

Christmas in Wollongong means sunshine. Start Christmas morning with a swim at the harbour — the closest beach to the house — walk the Blue Mile, or head up to Mount Keira Lookout for a view over the whole coast. Pick up fresh seafood for a long lunch, then grab a spot on the sand for a lazy Boxing Day.

Why Gemstays is a great Christmas base

Our house sleeps six with two lounges and a full kitchen, so there's room for the whole family and the Christmas feast. Pets are welcome too (up to two, $70 per stay — just mention them when you enquire). Christmas and holiday periods book early and rates are higher in peak season, so enquire direct with your dates.