What’s not to love about Christmas? Santa, carols, lights and joy! The lead up to Christmas in 2021 will be a little different due to COVID but there’s still plenty on. Most events book out early so if you’re wanting to be involved be sure to move quickly.
We’ve done our best to capture everything and make sure it’s correct, but if you’d like to add to it or you think it needs editing, let us know. We’ll be rolling this baby out for the whole of the Christmas period!
Lighting of the tree ceremony, Rouse Hill Town Centre, Thursday 18 November from 7pm. Located in the heart of Rouse Hill Town Centre, enjoy the night with Christmas carols, a performance by Iron & Clay and local dance schools, as well as a very special appearance by Santa. Tickets can be purchased here.
Riverstone Christmas Concert. Saturday 20 November. 6pm to 9pm. Riverstone will welcome the 2021 festive season with it’s first Christmas tree light up and concert in the Sam Lane Complex from 6 pm to 9 pm. Local residents can enjoy live performances by Cassidy-Rae, Blacktown Community Band and Mt Trio, Christmas carols, a visit from Santa and the lighting of the Christmas Tree. At 8.45 pm the Christmas tree will be lit up, showcasing it’s fairy lights and vibrant decorations.The night will also include the launch of the Mayoress Christmas Gift Appeal.
Blacktown Christmas Light it Up Concert, Thursday 25 November 6pm-9pm. Includes christmas carols, live stage performances and a visit from Santa Claus.
From 1 December, Bella Garden at the Bella Vista Hotel will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Offering festive cocktails, twilight markets, everlasting blooms workshops, gingerbread house decorating, high cheese and a Christmas inspired bottomless brunch – there are so many ways you can get into the festive spirit! It’s time to gather your loved ones and plan your Christmas catch ups before time runs out. Full details here.
Christmas Twilight Markets at Bella Vista Hotel. Wednesday 1 December. Tickets must be purchased and there are 3 sessions you can attend starting from 5pm.
Twilight Christmas Markets at the Australiana Pioneer Village. Friday 3 December. Over 80 stalls plus the The Hawkesbury District Concert Band. Sing-a-long to the Carols, lots of yummy eats, take a twilight train ride or a hay ride around the lagoon. 5pm to 9pm. $3 entry per person.
Hill’s Bloom Everlasting Flower Arranging Workshop at Bella Vista Hotel. Saturday 4 December. From 12.30pm
Christmas Drag Bingo. Bella Vista Hotel. Thursday 9 December. 7pm
Gingerbread House Decorating at Bella Vista Hotel. Thursday 16 December from 6pm and Saturday 18 December from 11am.
Free Christmas Craft Kits for Together + Co members from Stanhope Village! Get extra creative this Christmas with our free take-home kids craft kit. Includes three crafts, a printed card, crayons and stickers. Thursday 16 December to Saturday 18 December. Pick up between 10am and 2pm.
Christmas High Cheese at Bella Vista Hotel. Saturday 18 December and Sunday 19 December. More details here.
Make your own magic reindeer food at Stanhope Village. Exclusive for Together + Co members! Get extra creative this Christmas at our Reindeer Food Station. Kids can make up their very own bag of Reindeer food to sprinkle on their lawn on Christmas Eve for Rudolph and all of Santa’s Reindeer. Sunday 19 December to Friday 24 December from 11am to 2pm.
Light Up Windsor Street Fair. Wednesday 22 December. 5pm to 9pm. Windsor Mall and George Street. Enjoy Christmas Markets, a visit from santa, live musical performance, roving Christmas entertainment and much more. The Hawkesbury Council will also switch on the light display at the Deerubbin Centre and the Old Hawkesbury Hospital on 18 December, which will then run every night until Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve Party at Bella Vista Hotel. Friday 24 December. Live entertainment from 4pm until close.
Shopping centres – Santa arrival dates and photos
- Castle Towers – Santa has already arrived he’s in a new enchanted forest set. Bookings can be made here.
- Rouse Hill Town Centre – Santa is once again doing photos in his gorgeous house. There are also pet and sensitive Santa sessions too. Book here.
- Winston Hills Mall – Santa is there from 6 November to 24 December and you don’t need to book. There are also oppportunities for pet photos and sensory and immunocompromised sessions too – you do need to book for these sessions. Find out all the details here.
- Stanhope Village – Santa is back this year and arrives on 20 November.
- Seven Hills Plaza – Santa arrives on Saturday 27 November with a parade. 10am to 11am. Join Santa, Mrs Claus and their friends as they welcome Santa to Centre Court. Find out more about the parade and photos here.
- North Rocks Shopping Centre – Santa arrives Saturday 27 November. North Rocks also has Christmas entertainment every Saturday from 27 November including elf face painters and live music. Check out the centre’s website for more details.
Christmas carols
After all Christmas carols being cancelled in 2020 it looks like a few are returning this year!
Epping & Carlingford Carols in the Park, Sunday 12 December at Boronia Park Epping from 5pm. Market stalls and entertainment from 5pm. Carols at 7.15pm. Fireworks at 9pm.
Glenhaven Carols by Candlelight. Sunday 12 December from 4pm to 9pm. Glenhaven Oval.
We’re aware of the following online events:
- Christmas in the Hills – Wednesday 15 December – 6.30pm to 9pm. More Information here.
Christmas lights
We produce a list of lights in the Hills each year. Click here to view. Due to Covid, several of the large displays won’t be going ahead this year. It’s been harder to know which houses will be decorating – some may choose to have a break, others may decide this is the year to go all out! If we’re missing any great lights or you can provide an exact address, please email us at hello@hillsdistrictmums.com.au. If any listed are not going ahead, please let us know. Also, if you have a photo of any we’d love to see it – send it to us at hello@hillsdistrictmums.com.au
Hunter Valley Christmas Lights Spectacular. A bit further afield but runs from now to 26 January 2022.
Santa runs
Santa Runs are back!! Below is a summary of dates and here is a link to full details.
Rouse Hill Santa Lolly Run. Run by Rouse Hill Rural Fire Brigade. Sunday 18 December from noon.
Westleigh Rural Fire Brigade Santa Run. Sunday 19 December. Starting at 8.30am. Route map with approximate timings can be found here.
Dural Rural Fire Brigade Santa Run. Sunday 19 December.
Galston Village Santa Run. Sunday 19 December from 4pm.
The Hills SES Santa Run, suburbs include Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Kellyville and Bella Vista – held Christmas Eve.
Cherrybrook Rural Fire Brigade Santa Run. Christmas Eve, Fri 24 Dec, from 6pm.
Glenorie RFS Santa Run. Held Christmas Eve.
Santa’s Sleigh Run in North Rocks is brought to us by the Rotary Club of North Rocks. They split the suburb into East and West and usually kick off the run at 4.30pm on Christmas Eve.
