Christmas Holidays on the South Coast NSW 2026

Christmas on the NSW South Coast is all about sunshine, beautiful beaches and quality time with family and friends. From festive markets and Christmas carols to swimming, coastal walks and laid-back seaside celebrations, the region offers plenty of ways to enjoy the Australian summer holidays.

Planning your Christmas 2026 getaway? Our guide covers the best accommodation, festive events and holiday activities across Kiama, Sussex Inlet, Bendalong and Manyana, so you can choose the perfect spot for a family celebration, a waterfront retreat or a relaxed beach break.

Best Places to Spend Christmas Holidays on the South Coast NSW

Kiama – For a Lively Coastal Christmas

Kiama is a popular choice for Christmas holidays on the South Coast, particularly for families and couples who enjoy having beaches, attractions and dining options close together. Its lively seaside atmosphere makes it easy to combine outdoor adventures with relaxed holiday dining and local shopping.

Start your morning at the famous Kiama Blowhole, where waves surge through a natural rock formation to create spectacular ocean sprays. Families can spend the afternoon swimming at Kendalls Beach or Surf Beach, while those looking for a scenic outing can explore sections of the Kiama Coast Walk, which stretches approximately 20 kilometres from Minnamurra to Gerringong.

Visitors staying before Christmas can also enjoy the Kiama Seaside Markets on 20 December 2026, browsing local crafts, handmade gifts and regional produce beside the harbour.

For those extending their stay through New Year’s Eve, the Kiama NYE Sky Show returns to Kiama Harbour on 31 December 2026. This family-friendly celebration features live entertainment, food stalls, carnival rides and a fireworks display at 9pm, making Kiama an appealing destination for a Christmas and New Year holiday.

Sussex Inlet – For a Relaxed Family Christmas by the Water

For families who would rather spend Christmas on the water than in a busy coastal town, Sussex Inlet offers a relaxed holiday setting surrounded by rivers, beaches and natural beauty.

Located between St Georges Basin and the Pacific Ocean, Sussex Inlet is particularly popular for boating, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Families can explore the calm waterways, enjoy a picnic beside the inlet or head towards nearby Cudmirrah and Berrara for beach walks and summer swimming.

The town also hosts the Sussex Inlet Community Markets, with a December market scheduled for 12 December 2026. Visitors can browse handmade gifts, locally grown produce and crafts while experiencing the friendly atmosphere of this coastal community.

Bendalong – For a Christmas Surrounded by Beaches and Nature

Bendalong is an excellent choice for families who want a quieter Christmas holiday surrounded by beaches, bushland and coastal wildlife. This small seaside village has a relaxed atmosphere, making it particularly appealing to travellers who prefer outdoor activities and unhurried days by the water.

Washerwomans Beach and Boat Harbour Beach are popular places for beach outings, paddling and picnics when conditions are suitable. Visitors can also explore Inyadda Beach for surfing, take a walk along the surrounding coastline or watch for stingrays in the shallow waters around Bendalong’s boat harbour.

Christmas here is less about organised entertainment and more about enjoying the natural surroundings. Families can start the day at the beach, return to their holiday house for a BBQ lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing together.

Manyana – For a Peaceful Christmas Beach Escape

Located in the Shoalhaven region, this peaceful coastal village is known for its natural scenery, surf beaches and traditional beach holiday atmosphere.

Manyana Beach stretches towards Cunjurong Point and Green Island, offering beautiful coastal views and opportunities for surfing, fishing and beach walks. Visitors can also explore nearby Inyadda Beach, Bendalong and Lake Conjola, making it easy to enjoy several different coastal settings during a longer stay.

Unlike busier holiday towns, Manyana is better suited to travellers who enjoy a slower pace.

Christmas Events and Festive Activities on the South Coast in 2026

The South Coast celebrates Christmas with community carols, local markets, family entertainment and seaside festivities. Across Kiama, Shellharbour and the Shoalhaven, visitors can enjoy festive activities in the lead-up to Christmas, followed by summer celebrations over the New Year period.

Here are some events to consider when planning your Christmas holiday in 2026.

Discover Christmas Gifts and Local Produce at Coastal Markets

The Sussex Inlet Community Markets on 12 December are a convenient stop for families holidaying around the inlet, with stalls selling arts and crafts, plants, gifts and fresh produce.

On 20 December, the Kiama Seaside Markets bring local makers and food vendors together at Black Beach Reserve, offering the chance to browse handmade gifts with ocean views nearby. Travellers staying around Bendalong and Manyana can also visit Milton Village Showground Market on the same day for artisan products, local produce and market food.

For those enjoying a longer Christmas break, Berry Village Market on 27 December offers another opportunity to explore local stalls after Christmas Day.

Enjoy Santa Photos by the Beach and New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Families visiting the Jervis Bay area before Christmas can add a distinctly Australian touch to their festive photographs with Santa on the Beach. The experience replaces the traditional shopping-centre Santa backdrop with the beautiful South Coast shoreline, with professional photo sessions available by advance booking.

If your holiday extends beyond Christmas Day, Shellharbour is also hosting Skylights Shellharbour on 31 December 2026. Held at The Waterfront in Shell Cove, the event will feature the region’s first New Year’s Eve drone show, providing a memorable way to welcome 2027.

Many Christmas markets and carol events take place earlier in December rather than on Christmas Day itself. If you’re visiting between 24 December and New Year’s Day, check the event dates and plan a few beach outings, coastal walks or family meals at your holiday home alongside the seasonal celebrations.

Event dates, venues and programmes may change. Check the organiser’s website before attending, especially for markets affected by weather and activities requiring bookings.

Sing Along at Christmas Carols and Festive Shows

One of the most enjoyable ways to welcome the festive season is by joining a local Christmas celebration.

Shellharbour’s Carols by Candlelight returns to Croom Regional Sporting Complex on Friday, 4 December 2026. Families can enjoy live performances, traditional Christmas songs and food stalls in a lively community setting.

For something different, The Greatest Christmas Show comes to Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre in Nowra on 15 December. The family-friendly production brings together performers, music, magic and a special appearance by Santa Claus, making it a fun evening for visitors travelling with children.

Where to Stay on the South Coast for Christmas Holidays

South Coast Holidays offers a collection of holiday homes across Kiama, Sussex Inlet, Bendalong, Manyana and surrounding coastal towns, with options for different group sizes, budgets and holiday preferences.

Family-Friendly Holiday Homes

For families travelling with children, a self-contained holiday home makes Christmas celebrations more comfortable and convenient. Look for properties with multiple bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and enough living space for everyone to relax after a day at the beach.

Homes with outdoor entertaining areas, BBQ facilities and child-friendly amenities can be particularly useful when planning Christmas lunch or spending several days together.

For example, Surfleet Serenity in Kiama accommodates up to six guests across three bedrooms. Its open-plan living area, private courtyard, kitchen and family-friendly amenities, including a cot and highchair, make it a practical choice for families spending Christmas near Kiama’s beaches and attractions.

Large Holiday Houses for Christmas Gatherings

Christmas is often an opportunity for extended families and groups of friends to reunite. Choosing a larger holiday house allows everyone to stay under one roof while enjoying shared meals, games and festive celebrations.

In Manyana, Manyana Joyful Escape accommodates up to ten guests across four bedrooms. The home features two living areas, a well-equipped kitchen, an undercover deck with BBQ facilities and a fully fenced backyard, making it well suited to larger family holidays.

For the best Christmas experience, check that the property’s dining arrangements, bedding configuration and guest capacity suit everyone travelling together.

Pet-Friendly Christmas Holiday Rentals

For many families, Christmas wouldn’t feel complete without their pets. Choosing a pet-friendly holiday rental means your four-legged companion can join the celebrations instead of staying behind.

South Coast Holidays offers selected pet-friendly homes across the region, with some providing enclosed yards, outdoor entertaining spaces and convenient access to coastal walks.

Green Island Escape in Cunjurong Point is one such option, featuring a fenced yard, outdoor BBQ area and a nearby walking track leading towards the beach. The property welcomes pets outdoors, making it suitable for guests who are comfortable with that arrangement.

Before booking, check the individual property’s pet policy, including any outdoor-only requirements. Local beach access rules can also vary, particularly during the busy summer season.

Beachside and Waterfront Christmas Stays

Beachside properties are ideal for families who want to spend their days swimming, surfing and walking along the shore. In Kiama, Easts Haven sits above Easts Beach, with ocean views and access to the Kiama Coast Walk, making it a convenient base for a beach-focused holiday.

For a more relaxed waterside experience, Sussex Inlet offers holiday homes overlooking its waterways. The Quay to Sussex accommodates up to eight guests and features a private jetty, a fully equipped kitchen and an undercover outdoor entertaining area with BBQ facilities.

Christmas and New Year fall during the South Coast’s peak summer holiday period. Check your preferred property’s availability, minimum-stay requirements and booking conditions before finalising your trip.

Things to Do on Christmas Day on the NSW South Coast

Spend Christmas Morning at the Beach

Start Christmas Day with a refreshing dip in the ocean or a relaxed walk along the sand. In Kiama, Surf Beach and Kendalls Beach are popular options for families wanting to enjoy the coastline close to town. Further south, Washerwomans Beach in Bendalong offers a sheltered coastal setting, while Manyana Beach appeals to visitors who enjoy surfing and scenic beach walks.

Enjoy a Christmas BBQ or Lunch at Your Holiday Home

A Christmas lunch shared with family and friends is one of the highlights of an Australian summer holiday. Rather than organising restaurant reservations, many visitors prefer preparing their own festive meal and enjoying it in the comfort of a private holiday home.

South Coast Holidays offers properties with fully equipped kitchens, BBQ facilities and outdoor entertaining areas, making it easier to organise everything from a traditional Christmas roast to a relaxed seafood lunch.

Families can spend the morning at the beach before returning for lunch, exchanging gifts and enjoying the afternoon together. As Christmas Day is a public holiday in NSW, it’s worth purchasing groceries and other essentials beforehand, especially as some shops and services will be closed.

Explore Coastal Walks and Nature

For a change of scenery, spend part of Christmas Day discovering the South Coast’s natural attractions. In Kiama, the famous Blowhole and shorter sections of the Kiama Coast Walk offer beautiful ocean views, dramatic rock formations and opportunities for family photographs.

Around Bendalong and Manyana, visitors can explore coastal headlands, enjoy quiet beach walks and watch for local wildlife. Sussex Inlet also provides a lovely setting for a relaxed waterfront stroll or kayaking adventure when water and weather conditions are suitable.

With so much natural beauty close to the region’s holiday homes, Christmas Day can be as relaxed or adventurous as your family chooses.

Conclusion

Christmas on the NSW South Coast offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Australian summer with family and friends, from sun-soaked beaches and festive community events to peaceful coastal escapes. 

Whether you prefer a lively seaside town, a waterfront retreat or a spacious holiday home for a family gathering, Kiama, Sussex Inlet, Bendalong and Manyana each offer something special. Explore the range of holiday homes available with South Coast Holidays and start planning your Christmas 2026 getaway for a memorable festive season by the coast.

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