Santa Fest 2026

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 12, as the North Gong Hotel hosts Santafest 2026- an entire day (and night) of festive fun, friendly competition and local community spirit!

Whether you're stopping by with the family, or locking in a night out with your crew, North Gong is serving up something for everyone. Best of all, you'll be celebrating for a brilliant cause: Surf Life Saving Illawarra. Let's give back to the people who keep our beaches safe all summer long!

So, what's actually happening?

12pm-4pm: All Ages Festivities

Bring the family down to enjoy our sunny beer garden while you grab your annual Santa Photos from 1pm to 4pm, and test your speed in the Christmas Tree Decorating Race! Enjoy live music with Dave White playing from 12pm to 3pm, followed by Gang of Brothers from 3pm to 6pm.

4pm onwards: The Afterparty 

Once the sun sets and the family activities are wrapped up, the evening takes over! Catch A Shuffle performing live from 6pm to 10pm, gather your mates, lock in your matching holiday outfits and take your shot at a share of $1000 cash in our 18+ Santa Pageant! 

Santafest is all about bringing the Wollongong locals together as we wrap up the end of the year and celebrate our incredible community. By joining us for the day, you're doing far more than just kicking off the festive season in style- you're also helping us give back to Wollongong. 

Grab your tickets today and help us make Santafest 2026 one of our most memorable events yet!