Good morning afternoon, Newcastle! I’m sending this at a different time and date than usual, but I wanted to get something out before Christmas day.

Today, we reached 1000 subscribers; thank you to all the new subscribers and subscribers who have been around since the start. It is much appreciated, and I look forward to continuing this into next year.

I am working on a few special things for next year, stay tuned.

I hope you have a great Christmas. I will talk to you next week.

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Events

• Activities

• Miscellaneous

• Christmas Countdown

Quick hits

Eats

Local Gem

The Beaches Hotel is a great venue with its modern restaurant and bar with perfect views of Mereweather Beach and their fine dining offering ‘Peregrin’. But what I am focusing on is on the more casual side, Larrie’s Takeaway. Described as Merewether’s takeaway and bottle shop serving up cheeky, modern twists on Aussie beach staples.

Larrie’s does exactly what it says it does, serving fresh fish and chips, burgers, and more. I have had their battered barramundi and chips multiple times, and it is the one fish and chips spot I find myself returning to.

Openings

Thirsty Monkey - The Corner, Charlestown Square

Officially opened last Thursday, Thirsty Monkey is home to a range of delicious and healthy foods like salads, acai bowls and more!

Newcastle trivia

Events

Thursday 26 December

Friday 27 December

Saturday 28 December

Sunday 29 December

Activities

Families

Handmade in The Hunter Markets - Sobels Winery | Saturday 28 December and Sunday 29 December

This Christmas, experience the magic of the season at Sobels Winery, set against the beautiful Hunter Valley grounds. Discover a stunning collection of artisan market stalls featuring unique handmade goods, perfect for holiday gifts. Enjoy delicious food and exceptional wine tastings as you soak in the festive atmosphere. It’s a celebration of local craft, creativity, and holiday cheer—don’t miss it! More info

Aussie Night Markets Summer Fair - Speers Point Park, Speers Point | 28 & 29 Dec

Get ready for a spectacular Summer evening of live music, mouthwatering food from around the globe, and endless fun on carnival rides and games for the kids and young at heart. Time: 4pm - 10pm both nights. More info.

Adults

Christmas Eve at the Bowlo - Adamstown Bowling Club | 24 December

The Christmas bash you can’t miss! Your favourite songs sung live by Georgie Winchester, plus a visit from SANTA CLAUS. Bring family, friends, little ones and furry friends!

Santa Surf - The Cliff, South Bar Beach | Wednesday 24 December

The Beaches is getting behind the iconic annual Santa Surf—put on your best Santa or Chrissy outfit, catch a wave, and snag a free margy! For children under 18, there will be free kids' meals.

Boxing Day at The Exchange - The Exchange Hotel, Hamilton | 26 Dec

Join us at The Exchange on Boxing Day! Catch all the action of the races live and loud all day on our massive screen, then dance the night away till 3am!

Boxing Day Bash - Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay | 26 Dec

Join us for Boxing Day with live music in the Courtyard from 2:30pm to set the mood for a boozy long lunch. Then dance the night away with DJs hitting the decks from 8:30pm till late!

Miscellaneous

Last weekend

I have realised that I talk about what’s coming up in Newcastle, but never what I have attended. Last weekend was quite busy, so I thought I would share it.

FYI, I have been a little bit more active on Instagram lately @newcastledigest

Newcastle NYE Preparation

City of Newcastle

As per usual, the Queens Wharf Precinct will be transformed into a welcoming and vibrant community party featuring family-friendly activities, bike parades, live music, local food providers, and the must-see 9pm fireworks.

What’s on:

• Massive fireworks display at 9pm

• Giant NEWY NYE inflatable

• Bike Path and hourly Big Bike Parade  

• Creation Station – decorate your bike, pram or wheelchair

• Family-friendly activities in the Kids Zone

• Interactive Wish Walk  

• Live Local Music & DJ’s

• Accessible Quiet Zone near The Station

• Accessibility Options

• Gourmet Food Vendors

Info on City of Newcastle’s NYE plans

Lake Macquarie

NYE fireworks at Wangi Wangi RSL Club are scheduled to run at the family-friendly time of 9pm. This display will run from a barge in the lake in front of Wangi Wangi RSL Club from 9-9.15pm Tuesday 31 December 2024. For more information and updates, visit Wangi RSL Facebook page.

There will be 9pm fireworks at 8 at Trinity in Morisset Park. This display will run for 12 minutes from 9pm om New Year’s Eve.

Info on Lake Macquarie’s NYE plans

Ticketed / Venue events

The Years New Year’s Eve, Newcastle Racecourse, Broadmeadow, 7pm.

Join THE YEARS for NEW YEAR'S EVE under the stars at Newcastle Racecourse. More info

Bartholomew’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular, Bartholomew’s, Newcastle, from 7pm.

What to expect:

• 4 hours of entertainment from the talented Three Rings Aerial crew of performers

• Canapés throughout the evening (till 10pm)

• 5 hour quality drinks package with craft beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. More info

Bernie’s New Years Eve 2024, Bernie’s Bar, Newcastle, from 7pm.

The night will kick off with a spectacular drag and burlesque performances from 7pm to 10pm, and featuring the talents of Leah Tart, Pole Dance Dave, Gucci, and Karma Gettem.

Our DJs will keep you moving all night long, with a triple line up of DJ Ruby Red, DJ Moore and DJ Queerio spinning the decks from 8pm through to 2am- YES! thats right! We'll be partying til 2am this time round. More info

NYE 2024: Newcastle’s Ultimate NYE Celebration, Ms Mary, Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle, from 8.30pm.

Join Crystalbrook Kingsley as you bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 in style. Experience an unforgettable New Year’s Eve with breathtaking views, free-flowing champagne, delicious food, and DJs to keep the celebration going all night long. Celebrate by dancing under the stars at Ms Mary or dining high at Roundhouse. More info

Night of White NYE, Honeysuckle Hotel, Newcastle, from 6pm.

Say goodbye to 2024 and hello 2025 at Honeysuckle Hotel’s BIGGEST New Year’s Eve Night of White Party! Enjoy a 3-hour premium canape and beverage package inclusive of cocktails, beers, premium spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. More info.

New Year’s Eve at The Northern, The Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle, 5pm to 11pm.

This inner-city pub will be encouraging you to tear up the dance floor with live music from 5pm to 11pm including live bands and DJs. Local legends SODA will be headlining the evening’s festivities. More info.

Glitter Pass – The Kent’s Disco Fever NYE, The Kent Hotel, Hamilton, from 10pm.

Dance into the new year with The Kent Hotel. Starting at 10pm, there will be a DJ upstairs, and your Glitter Pass will get you express entry and a disco drink on arrival (served in a souvenir cup to take home). More info.

NYE Party at Modus - Modus, Merewether

Modus Merewether is being transformed into the perfect family fun day for kids (and kids at heart) with a Pop-Up Kids Rave! There'll be kid-friendly dance music, a bubble party, and face painting. Time: 12-2pm. Big kids can then have their turn from 4pm. More info

NYE FT. Bag Raiders - The Beach Hotel, Merewether

Headlined by all-round Aussie legends BAG RAIDERS, who have been stars in the Aussie music industry for over a decade. The dynamic duo are set to bring maximum thrills to the TBH dance floor. More info

Peregrin NYE - The Beach Hotel, Merewether

Get to Peregrin for the ultimate VIP party package! Includes Moët on arrival, a 3-hour unlimited beverage package, paired with a 7-piece canapé menu, featuring crispy prawn tacos, Port Stephens rock oysters, and mini steak sambos. More info

NYE at The Underground - The Grand Hotel, Newcastle

Underground Disco returns for New Year’s Eve at The Grand with DJs: Tone, Disco Dan Phelan & friends! Dress up, get down, and dance through the night! 100% vinyl DJs dishing up disco delights from around the globe! Time: 8pm - 2am. Cost: $40 pp including a cocktail on arrival. More info

New Year's Eve at Harrigan's Cameron Park - Harrigan's Cameron Park, Cameron Park

Get your friends and family together to dance into 2025 at Harrigan’s Cameron Park. With live music from 8pm and decadent dinners, it will be a spectacular night. More info

NYE Midnight Masquerade - The Exchange Hotel, Hamilton

Welcome to The Exchange Hotel’s Midnight Masquerade; don your finest mask and step into the mystery. Whether you want The Royal Experience or something a little more casual, we have you covered: bit.ly/EX-NYE-2024

A Night of Gatsby - 8 at Trinity, from 5:30pm

Indulge in an Unforgettable NYE Dinner Experience with Live Entertainment and spectacular fireworks at 9pm. Ring in 2025 in style and celebrate the new year with a little bit of jazz and a whole lot of Gatsby. Come dressed to impress with your friends and family and be prepared to be enchanted by an extraordinary experience along with an a-la-carte lunch or 4 course dinner. More info

New Years Eve - The Rogue Scholar, from 5:00pm

Dress up as your favourite Rock Star!! Here's what's on the agenda:

• 5pm: Doors open

• 7pm-9.30pm: The Daxton experience

• 10pm-1.00am: Guerrilla Radio

  More info

Christmas Countdown 

Christmas Day in Newcastle

Coffee cravings still exist on Christmas Day, here is a list of the cafes that I have found that are open on Christmas Day.

Christmas Day Activities

Peregrin - Christmas Feast - The Beach Hotel, Merewether | 25 Dec

Ready for a Christmas like no other? Book into Peregrin by Merewether’s spectacular seaside for a delicious three-course feast with all the trimmings. $195 pp adults, $50 pp kids under 12. Bookings are available from 11:30am.

Gourmet Christmas Day Lunch Feast - The South East View, Belmont 16s | 25 Dec

Head to Level 1 of the 16s for a gourmet feast this Christmas Day and let the team take care of every detail while you indulge in your favourite holiday dishes, all while enjoying the spectacular lake scenery.