The Central Coast, one hour north of Sydney, is bursting with Ho Ho Ho-liday activities, Christmas fare and New Year's cheer. Escape the city crowds and gear up for Christmas on the Central Coast or relax afterwards with a much warranted break. Come for a day, a night or a week and soak up the distinctive blend of coastal ambiance and holiday spirit.
In the lead up to Christmas, come along to one, or all, of the local carol nights scattered around the Central Coast. These wonderful family nights provide the stage for everyone to belt out their favourite Christmas jingle. Dates and locations for the carol nights can be found at www.visitcentralcoast.com.au. After the carols, take a quick detour before heading home to 'ooh' and 'ahh' at a local Christmas lights display. Locations can be pinpointed at www.star1045.com.au/articles or www.expressadvocate.com.au.
Looking for gift ideas, large or small? Pay a visit to one of the six shopping centres, all operating on extended shopping times over the Ho Ho Ho-liday season. Erina Fair, the largest single level shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere is anchored by Myer and boasts over 300 stores. Shopping sprees can also be enjoyed at Deepwater Plaza Woy Woy, Imperial Centre Gosford, Lake Haven Shopping Centre, Stockland Bay Village and Westfield Tuggerah.
Shop at a different pace at The Entrance or Terrigal where you will find a broad range of independent stores and boutiques lining the water's edge. Alternatively, on Sunday, 12 December, local arts and craft will be showcased, amongst other things, at the Terrigal Christmas Fair.
Make this year the year to be tantalized by a Christmas feast at one of the region's restaurants, many flaunting stunning water views such as Crowne Plaza Terrigal's SeaSalt Restaurant. Bring the family or come alone, either way you will literally be bursting at the seams after enjoying the scrumptious Christmas fare!
Choose from a set or buffet style menu featuring traditional Christmas dishes, often blended with succulent seafood. A shortlist of options can be found at www.visitcentralcoast.com.au.
Seeing in the New Year on the Central Coast allows for all the reveling without the city crowds. Gosford City comes alive with a full day and night of activities starting with the Family Fun Race Day at Gosford Racecourse, followed by a Central Coast Mariners soccer game as they battle against Melbourne Victory FC at Bluetongue Stadium.
The culmination of the activities for the day is signaled by the fireworks display on Gosford Waterfront. The Entrance is the other key location for family reveling on New Year's Eve. The Entrance is proud to present a safe and alcohol free environment for families.
The free entertainment at Memorial Park kicks off at 5.30 pm with live bands and children's entertainment with a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by Mingara Recreation Club at 9.30 pm.
For your chance to join in the New Year's Eve Family Fun at the Gosford Racecourse, subscribe to our newsletter and tell us in 25 words what you are most looking forward to this summer and you will go into the draw to win a double pass to the Gosford City Council Family Fun Race Day on 31 December 2010. 100 double passes up for grabs. Terms and conditions apply and are detailed on www.visitcentralcoast.com.au.
Treat yourself to a range of world class entertainment at the Peats Ridge Sustainable Arts and Music Festival. This four day event begins on 29 December featuring the ARIA award winning Angus and Julia Stone headlining an extensive range of artists. Don't forget your fancy dress costume for the New Years Eve conga parade. Full details of the event can be found at www.peatsridgefestival.com.au.
Call the friendly staff at Central Coast Tourism on 1 300 130 708 or 02 4343 4444, who will take the hassle out of finding a vacancy during the Ho Ho Ho-liday season for a short break or longer escape. A complete range of activities and special offers are listed on:
www.visitcentralcoast.com.au
