Please note: While COVID-19 restrictions have eased, there may still be time changes or cancellations due to COVID-19.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bendigo Advertiser recommends you stay informed on all details by:
We will continue to keep the community informed of Christmas events while they are still operating.
IN TERMS of years worth celebrating, 2021 definitely takes the cake.
The holiday season is upon us and now restrictions have eased, more Christmas and New Year events are taking place.
What will you be marking in your diary?
MARKETS
CHRISTMAS TREES
The Y Service Club of Bendigo is back and selling their fresh Christmas trees.
These trees come in different sizes and start from $60. All proceeds are donated to local charities and organisations.
Trees can sell out anytime.
For more information, click here or call Colin on 0417 561 903.
Where: YMCA Stadium, Mundy Street, Bendigo.
When: Friday's, December 17, 3.30pm to 6pm and weekends, December 18 and 19, 9am to 4pm.
ARTIST'S TWILIGHT MARKET
Head to Castlemaine to see what their amazing artisans have on offer.
Where: Western Reserve, Forest Street, Castlemaine.
When: Saturday, December 18, 3pm to 7pm.
CAROLS
BENDIGO COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Celebrate Christmas in the region with the Rotary Club of Bendigo's Community Christmas Carols.
This is a free event but COVID safe rules apply.
For more information, click here.
Where: Rosalind Park, Bendigo.
When: Sunday, December 19, 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
CASTLEMAINE CAROLS
Get into the festive spirit in Castlemaine and enjoy the Castlemaine Rotary Club Christmas Carols.
There will also be the Castlemaine Pride Choir led by Rotarian, Scott Buchanan.
Come sing all the old favourites.
Where: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.
When: Friday, December 17, from 7pm.
CAROLS AT THE DOMAIN
Head along to Maryborough for an evening of fun and cheer for Christmas carols.
This family friendly event will have crowds entertained with local talents and food vans onsite from 5.30pm.
Where: Station Domain, Station Street, Maryborough.
When: Sunday, December 19, 6pm to 10pm.
CAROLS ON THE OVAL
Come and celebrate Christmas with the Maryborough Salvation Army at their Carols on the Oval.
Check in commences at 5pm with a sausage sizzle and other activities.
Persons over 12 years will be required to be fully vaccinated.
Where: Maryborough Salvation Army, Wills Street, Maryborough.
When: Friday, December 24, from 5pm.
OTHER EVENTS
BENDIGO CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The Hume & Iser Christmas lights map can be found on page 32 of today's Bendigo Advertiser.
Plan your drive around the streets of Bendigo and visit all the wonderful lights on display.
Where: Various addresses around Bendigo, see map on page 32 of Saturday's paper or online for details.
When: Until Christmas day.
DECORATIVE CARDS
Need some inspiration for your Christmas cards? Or need some decorations on your Christmas tree.
Head along to this free workshop with Maryborough artist Cathy Tobin.
Morning and afternoon sessions available for those aged 12 to 25.
Click here to book.
Where: Maryborough Regional Library, Nolan Street, Maryborough.
When: Tuesday, December 21, morning session 10am to noon, afternoon session 1pm to 3pm.
MALDON LIGHTS TOUR
Pickup a Maldon Christmas Lights Tour map at the Maldon Newsagents or download it here.
See the great Christmas lights around the town.
Where: Various houses in Maldon.
When: Until Christmas.
SANTA RUN
The Eaglehawk Fire Brigade Annual Santa Run is back on again, with Santa ready to head to selected locations.
Santa will be at each location for 30 minutes to greet families. Please ensure that you adhere to COVID-19 government requirements.
For all locations and further information, click here.
Where: Various locations in Bendigo.
When: Friday, December 24, from 6pm.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Head to Hargreaves Mall and take your own photos with Santa and his sleigh (please bring your own camera/phone/tablet).
Santa will remain in his sleigh for you to pose with him. This opportunity is free but QR code check in is needed.
If it is raining, Santa will need to take a raincheck.
Where: Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo.
When: Friday's and Saturday's, December 17, 3pm to 5pm; December 18, noon to 2pm.
CHRISTMAS AT CONNECT
Enjoy three nights of festive fun with Connect Church.
There will be Christmas lights, carols and a friendly community atmosphere - ready to celebrate Christmas.
Bring the kids, your friends or even your neighbours and enjoy the fun.
Where: Connect Church, Solomon Street, East Bendigo.
When: Friday, December 17 to Sunday, December 19, 8pm to 11pm.
CHRISTMAS HUNT
Join in the fun this Christmas by exploring Bendigo's Christmas decorations and play-spaces while collecting Augmented Reality reindeer, presents and Santa's.
This hunt is a perfect family activity to celebrate the festive season in the warmer months and see some of the local sights of Bendigo.
After collecting 10 icons, you can go into the drawn to win a Bendigo voucher valued at $250.
For more information and to download the app, click here.
Where: Various locations in Bendigo.
When: Closes midnight Sunday, January 9.
HORSEDRAWN TOURS WITH SANTA
Join Santa on a horse-drawn carriage ride around Bendigo this Christmas.
The ride will show the sights of Bendigo's historic buildings and run for about 20 minutes.
Adult and children cos $15 and infants - under 2 - are free.
For more information email tourism@bendigo.vic.gov.au
Where: Sidney Myer Place, Bendigo 3550
When: From Monday, December 20 to Thursday, December 23, 6pm to 9pm.
LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY
Celebrate your Christmas with the Carisbrook Lions Club.
The club is generously hosting a free traditional Christmas lunch (alcohol-free) for those who may need company this Christmas.
A bus pick up service is operating from 10am.
This day will be full of festive fun and entertainment.
Bookings are essential, book via the Visitor Information Centre.
For more information, phone 5460 4511 or email visitorinfo@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au
QR code scan or written sign in and proof of double vaccination is required.
Where: Maryborough Trotting Complex, 337 Bucknall Street, Carisbrook.
When: Saturday, December 25, 11am to 3pm.
CHRISTMAS ON HIGH
The Wedderburn Christmas on High festival is the perfect place to pick up gifts, catch up with friends, take children to visit Santa and enjoy the decorated shopfronts.
There will also be community carols.
For more information, click here.
Where: Soldiers Memorial Park, High Street, Wedderburn.
When: Thursday, December 16, 5pm to 8pm.
Do you have a Christmas community event that you would like featured in our What's On section? Share it with us. Email us at: addynews@austcommunitymedia.com.au or phone us on: 5434 4470.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark bendigoadvertiser.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter @BgoAddy
- Follow us on Instagram @bendigoadvertiser
- Join us on Facebook
- Follow us on Google News