Our picks for what to do and where to head as the Highlands gets festive this month! 

We are sooooo vibed to see our Event Directory jumpin’ and pumpin’ for the month ahead.

We’ve already got over 300 local events in the directory for December and are super pumped to share some of our fab picks for the month ahead.

This month’s list of must-dos has got a little bit of Chrissy magic mixed in with some awesome Highlands events that are sure to help say sayonara to 2024.

Festive Fun

It’s the most wonderful time of the yeaaaaaaaar!

Santa’s here, and we’re lining up for photos! Check out this list of spots to snap a pic with the man in red around the Southern Highlands.

Sutton Forest Inn is open for pics on the 7th and 14th. Snap your photo, then enjoy some drinks or a meal afterwards. Pets are welcome too, whether it’s your dog, cat, or even your horse!

If you’re feeling crafty this Christmas, you could make something special for your home? Try Wreath Making at Robbo Pub or join the Decorate for Xmas Workshop and Lunch at Centennial Vineyards.

Once the decorating is done, it’s time to unwind and enjoy some festive fun. The Robertson Public House Christmas Party is always a hit, and the Family Fun Day at Bundanoon Hotel sounds fab.

And if we’re gonna talk about Christmas you know we gotta speak about the food. We’re loving the sound of the Feast & Celebrate packages at Park Proxi, available now through the end of the month.

And if you’re not in the mood to cook on the big day itself, Bistro Sociale has you covered with their iconic Christmas day menu.

Our Christmas Hub has even more festive fun to explore so check it out.

Get amongst the arts

There’s so much arty goodness happening around the Highlands this month.

The legendary 2024 Archibald Prize exhibition is making its way to Ngununggula from the end of November through to Jan. So awesome!

Running alongside this will be Salon des Refusés at Retford Park, an alternative show featuring a fantastic mix of works that didn’t make it into the official Archibald Prize exhibition.

Or to keep the Chrimbo creativity alive head to the Christmas Stitching Gifts and Party run by Bowral District Art Society. Learn how to make some pressies whilst celebrating their new home for classes.

We also love the sound of Christmas Window at The Surveyor General on the 10th.

Have a peep at some of the other amazing art and culture events happening through the Highlands this month here.

Photo:: Ngununggula
Catch a gig

Summer’s here so let’s have a boogie

Hayley Jensen & Christie Lamb, two Aussie country music legends, will have us bootscooting the night away at their up close and personal show at Robertson Public House on the 1st. We heard there will also be a touch of Christmas magic thrown into the mix.

Another huge Aussie act, Ben Lee, will be performing at Bendooley Estate on the 12th. Tix include a yummy 2 course dinner.

Plus loads more live music action happening this month in our directory here.

Get out and explore

December usually brings sunshine and warmth [fingers crossed], making it the perfect time to get out and explore our amazing region.

Head to the stunning Red Cow Farm on one of their open days to wander through a garden filled with roses, perennials, woodlands, and more.

Join the lovely Lynn for a Berrima Historical Walking Tour and uncover the stories behind this charming Highlands town.

And with The Burrow Cafe now open serving delicious treats and coffee, there’s no better excuse to visit Fitzroy Falls.

Take a class

Amid the end-of-year rush, why not carve out time for something fun?

Foodies should sign up for the Ricotta & Pear Tort Demonstration Class + Aperitivo Bites & Prosecco with Cucina Calabria. It sounds like loads of fun and also molto delizioso.

Check out other excellent classes, talks and workshops happening this month in our directory.

Head to a market

Got some last-minute shopping to tick off? Highlands markets are where to do it!

You’ll find one-of-a-kind goodies and support local businesses—win-win!

Don’t miss the Berrima Schoolyard Christmas Market and Moss Vale Showground Christmas Market, along with plenty more popping up in towns and villages across the region.

Celebrate our local heroes

Once again we’re marking a day in the Highlands to celebrate and honour our local first responders.

This includes members of the Fire Brigade, police, State Emergency Services, Rural Fire Services, paramedics, Red Cross, Lions Club, Country Women’s Association, OzHarvest, medical workers, teachers, volunteers, and more.

We’re so grateful for everything these peeps do for our community. Although the parade is taking a rest this year [but will be back for 2025], there will still be an awesome free and family-friendly ‘Thank You’ concert at Mittagong RSL on the 8th.

Ring out the old year and ring in the new

Can you believe it’s actually gonna be 2025 soon?!

Smash Mouth was right when they said the years start coming and they literally don’t stop coming, right?!

Time to start making those plans for New Year’s Eve with some exciting ways to celebrate around the Highlands.

Sutton Forest Inn is celebrating New Year’s Eve with live music and good times! Things kick off at 5:30 PM with Bryen Willems and The Bayou Boogie Boys bringing the energy until 8:30 PM. Then, The Total Misfits take over to keep the party going into the night.

Or you could wrap up the year with a happy heart and a full belly at Osborn House’s New Year Fire Feast. These amazing South American-style live fire cooking experiences are always a hit and tend to book out fast, so grab your spot now!

And there’s even more NYE fun around the Highlands in our event listings.

December is set to be full of fun, right?

And there are loads more adventures to be had in our Event Directory – over 300 local events and counting!

Oh, and as tempting as it is to hide behind the Christmas tree and re-emerge sometime in January, we are embracing everything Christmas!

Head to The Fold’s Christmas Hub for a stack of guides, shopping inspo and advice so you can make your Chrissy a little less stressful and a whole lotta fest!

Let’s DO this, Highlanders!

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