As you're probably used to hearing, this year we need to celebrate a little differently! Even though COVID-19 restrictions are seeming to ease, we're still unable to celebrate like we have in years past. So this year, we wanted to concentrate on ways to bring Christmas joy in smaller, but equally festive doses.

Throughout Randwick Council area, you'll find numerous decorations and sparkly lights to help bring the festive feeling! Plus, we're continuing the ever-popular food trucks (learn about them here) and we've organised 78 musicians to perform over two and half weeks across nine locations in the area - all paid for by Council and giving much needed work to musicians who have been doing it tough through COVID-19.

So what's on? Here's some of the highlights by suburb!

Coogee & Clovelly
Head down to Coogee one evening to see the big red and green pine trees that have been lit up at Goldstein Reserve. Plus, evening entertainment will take place on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Christmas Eve between 6pm - 9pm, creating a really lovely atmosphere for a picnic dinner. Over in Clovelly, check out the amazing walk-through ice-cream installation in Burrows Park - it's perfect for your Instagram! Plus, there's some Christmas wrapped trees to enjoy!

Kensington & Kingsford
Check out our window displays on the corner of Todman Ave & Anzac Parade. If you visit the weekend of December 18-20 you'll find an ice cream cart and entertainment, too! Plus, the tree lighting at Kokoda Park is pretty special. Drop by, grab a coffee from a local business and enjoy the pop-up music there on 12, 13, 19, 20 and 24 Dec. At Meeks Street Plaza, you'll see our Christmas Candy decorations and roaming elves will be visiting the suburbs on Sunday 13 December, so look out!

Little Bay & La Perouse
We don't want to forget your furriest of family members! So pop on over to Little Bay Shopping Village and snap a cute shot of your pup in our Christmas decoration for pets! While you're there, check out the wrapped trees along Pine Avenue. Plus, at Frenchman's Bay, you'll see the fun little Christmas installation for kids, right next to the playground. Plus, there will be pop-up music in both locations every Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning from 9am - Noon. ‘Give Your Dog a Christmas Bone’ - interactive installation for pets – Little Bay Shopping Village

Maroubra
Down at the beach you'll find another installation just for pets (just like the one at Little Bay) and check out the pretty amazing chalk art that allows you to put yourself in the picture! Plus, there's tree wrapping and roaming elves on Saturday 19 December. You'll also see our big 'Acts of Kindness' advent calendar down at Maroubra beach. Each day we open a door, we announce a winner on Facebook and Instagram and acknowledge someone for their act of kindness. Nominate someone here! If you need to pop to the shops at the South Maroubra Shopping Centre, you'll see Christmas lights and displays, which we hope you'll enjoy!

Matraville & Malabar
We've made Bunnerong Road sparkle with eighteen lit-up palm trees! While at Malabar shops, you can get your picture next to Santa! Plus, there will be pop-up music each weekend to enjoy. The roaming elves stopped in Matraville on 6 December and had a great time getting to know the locals!

Randwick
There's a beautiful Christmas tree on the corner of Avoca Street and High Street as well as some delightful chalk art in High Cross Park & Inglis Park, Newmarket. In Alison Park, we've wrapped some trees and hung Christmas banners. And on Frenchman's Road, we've decorated with stunning sea-side wreaths. In The Spot, there's a light-up Christmas tree, wrapped trees and night time music to enjoy on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Christmas Eve between now Christmas Day. Plus, the roaming elves will be in Randwick on Saturday 12 December!