A beachside celebration with a special tree lighting ceremony will be held at Coogee on Monday 1 December to officially launch Randwick City Council’s 2025 Christmas program.

The event will also feature free live music and entertainment, including carol singers, and a special visit from Santa.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker will lead the countdown to light up Coogee’s spectacular eight-metre interactive Christmas tree at Goldstein Reserve, in front of the Rainbow Walkway and beach.

“There’s nothing quite like an Aussie Christmas than a celebration by the beach,” Mayor Parker said. “This year, we will again kick off the festive season with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Coogee. It’s going to be a magical night that brings the community together and sets the tone for a joyful holiday season.”

The Christmas tree at Coogee is one of 10 being installed across Randwick City this year, but it will be the only tree to feature a LED display on which community members can request short messages to be illuminated. Council staff will be on hand from Friday to Sunday nights, from 5 December, between 6 pm and 10 pm, (except on Sunday 21 December) to help people illuminate their messages on the tree.

Christmas trees will also be installed at Maroubra, Malabar, Little Bay, Matraville, Kingsford and Randwick town centres, as well as in front of the Heffron Centre and Des Renford Leisure Centre in Maroubra, and The Spot in Randwick.

New photo opportunities will pop up at Burrows Park in Clovelly, where a festive totem throne will be installed, and Maroubra Beach promenade, where a Christmas-themed sandcastle archway will be on display. There will also be opportunities for snap-happy moments with “melting ice-cream” installations near The Boatshed restaurant at La Perouse.

The star-shaped archway installation from last year’s Christmas program will return at a new location in front of St Agnes’ Catholic Church in Matraville.

Council’s 12 Days of Christmas Word Scramble competition will be back, with 12 giant “presents” set to again line the Coastal Walkway between Coogee and Clovelly. Community members can enter the competition for the chance to win one of 12 dining vouchers worth $100 each.

Council staff will also be decking streets, beaches, and parks with Christmas lights and decorations.

Other major Council events include Coogee Carols, which will be on Sunday 21 December, Christmas markets at Maroubra Beach on Saturday 6 December and at Heffron Park netball courts on Sunday 21 December, and the Coogee Sparkles New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Council is also again supporting several community carols events this year in Clovelly, Matraville, and South Maroubra.

“Council’s 2025 Christmas program is packed with festive cheer and is all about bringing people together,” Mayor Parker said. “Whether you’re enjoying the lights, taking a selfie with one of the installations, singing carols, or just soaking up the atmosphere across our City, we can’t wait to celebrate with you.”

Randwick City Council Christmas program – launch event

Media enquiries
Rita Mu – 0429 347 999 or rita.mu@randwick.nsw.gov.au
Joshua Hay – 0402 351 459 or joshua.hay@randwick.nsw.gov.au