School holiday activities for the festive season
Published on 23 December 2024
No social media for kids these school holidays? Dreading the chorus of "I'm bored"? Or maybe you're the type who loves getting out and about with the kids to soak up the festive spirit? Good news - there's a sleigh-load of activities waiting for you across council's facilities and right in the heart of the city!
No social media for kids these school holidays? Dreading the chorus of "I'm bored"? Or maybe you're the type who loves getting out and about with the kids to soak up the festive spirit? Good news - there's a sleigh-load of activities waiting for you across council's facilities and right in the heart of the city! From Christmas crafts at our libraries or with a touch of nature at the Botanic Gardens, to dazzling window displays and magical evening light shows in the City Heart, there's something for everyone. Hunt for Santa's secret presents, sing along to carols under the stars at the MECC, and wrap up the year with a bang at the ever-popular New Year's Eve River Party.
Bluewater Lagoon
Cool down at the Bluewater Lagoon, open over the school holidays from 9am to 6pm every day except Christmas Day.
Swim Centres
For changes in opening hours and closures over the Christmas period, visit our website here.
The BIG Summer Read!
The Big Summer Read is back! Inviting children and young people aged from birth to 18 to dive into books and keep their literacy skills strong over the summer holidays. Designed to combat the ‘summer slide’, this fun and inclusive campaign encourages reading for pleasure and connects families with the incredible resources available at their local library.
Register for the Big Summer Read online or at your local library.
Bedtime Stories
Thursday, December 18, 5pm to 6pm
Gordon White Library
Perfect for children from one to eight years of age and their families. This session will feature Christmas-themed nursery rhymes, stories, songs, and a festive craft activity. It’s a wonderful way to wind down and enjoy quality time together during the most magical season of the year. Don’t forget to wear your pyjamas and maybe a Santa hat for extra fun! Bookings required.
Movie Matinee
Friday, December 20, 2pm to 4pm
Gordon White Library
Grab your friends and settle in for a surprise big-screen adventure filled with laughter, excitement and entertainment. This event is perfect for kids aged 5 to 12 - don’t miss out on the ultimate movie day! Bookings are essential, so secure your spot now! Movie Matinee.
Christmas Craft for Kids (5-12years)
Monday, December 15, from 10am to 11am - Sarina Library
Tuesday, December 16, from 10am to 11am - Walkerston Library
Tuesday December 16, from 2pm to 3pm - Mirani Library
Wednesday, December 17, from 10am to 11am - Gordon White Library
Thursday, December 18, from 10.30am to 11.30am - Dudley Denny City Library
Spaces are limited - book now and make your holidays magical!
Visit the weekly markets at the Bluewater Quay where you will find kids activities every school holidays.
Mackay Farmers’ Market
Every Wednesday, 6.30am to 10.30am until December 17.
Visit their Facebook page for more information
Mackay Riverside Market
Every Thursday, 3pm to 7pm
Visit their Facebook page for more information and details of their last market for the year.
City Heart Christmas
Bright Lights ProjectionsFriday December 5 to Wednesday December 24, 6.30pm to 10pm
Wood StreetVisit Wood Street, grab a bite to eat and spot three locations between Victoria and Gordon streets that have been transformed into a tropical Christmas light show.For more information, follow the Facebook event.
Magical Christmas Window Competition
December 5 to December 16
Mackay City Heart
Our City Heart businesses have been busy decorating their windows full of Christmas cheer. Take a tour of the dazzling displays by following the map and vote for your favourite. To view the full list of businesses and their location, head to Magical Window Competition.
Santa’s Secret Present Search
Friday December 5 to December 16
Mackay City Heart
Join us for the most festive event of the season, "Santa's Secret Present Search", in the heart of our city! Gather your family and friends and search the city to collect the secret presents that Santa has hidden inside 12 of your favourite stores. Solve each clue to find the next stop on your quest and look out for the special Christmas yarn symbols to know you're in the right place. Play solo or in teams. Whether you're a seasoned puzzle solver or a first-time adventurer, Santa's Secret Present Search promises fun for all ages and is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Find the clues at Santa's Secret Present Search.
Triple M, Mackay Choral Society, The Culture Exchange and the MECC presents - Carols by CandlelightSunday, December 21, 2pmMECC AuditoriumMackay’s most beloved Christmas tradition returns as the community gathers under the artificial ‘stars’ inside the Entertainment Centre theatre for Carols by Candlelight. Families, choirs, and guest performers will fill the air with festive cheer in a concert of Christmas carols, joy, and togetherness.
This year promises magical performances, sing-along favourites, and the warm glow of thousands of lights. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the reason for the season with friends and loved ones and to make memories that will last well into the New Year.
Battery operated candles will be available to purchase. Purchase your tickets today at Carols by Candlelight
New Year's Eve River PartyWednesday, December 31, 2025, 6pm to 9pm
Bluewater QuaySay goodbye to 2025 and kick off the new year with a bang on Wednesday, December 31! The ever-popular New Year’s Eve River Party brought to you by Mackay Festivals and Mackay Regional Council is back. This free community event is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. There will be non-stop entertainment for the whole family topped off with fireworks, thanks to our fireworks sponsor Muscle Garden. Follow us onFacebook to find out more.
Get crafty this Christmas at the Botanic Gardens with these FREE kids' activities!
Create a Christmas Card or Gift Tag Monday, December 8 to Friday, December 12, 9am to noonMonday, December 15 to Tuesday, December 16, 9am to noonBotanic Gardens Visitor Information Deck
Drop in anytime between 9am to noon to make a Christmas card or gift tag to take home. All materials are provided. Short waiting periods may be required if tables are busy.
Twigs and Sparkle - Christmas Weaving for Kids Tuesday, December 9, 10:00am to 11:00amMonday, December 15, 10am to 11am and 1pm to 2pmBotanic Gardens Meeting Room
Join us for festive, hands-on craft experience designed for children aged 6–12 years. Parental supervision is required at all times. Spaces are limited – book early to secure your spot! Phone 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au to register your spot.
Seeds and Sparkle - Christmas Decoration Craft for KidsFriday, December 12, 10 to 11amTuesday, December 16, 11am to noon and 1pm - 2pmBotanic Gardens Meeting Room Get crafty this Christmas and join us to create a nature inspired decoration to take home. Suitable for children aged 6–12 years. Parental supervision is required at all times. Spaces are limited – book early to secure your spot! Phone 4952 7300 or emailbotanic@mackay.qld.gov.au to register your spot.
Open seven days a week, 9am to 4pm except: Closing Wednesday, December 24, 2pm (Christmas Eve) Closed Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day)
Closed Friday, December 26 (Boxing Day)Special kids tours of the Sarina Sugar Shed at 10.30am every day of the school holidaysCost: Adults at children’s prices $13.30 (bookings essential)
This fun, interactive session focuses on the kids, with the added bonus of adults being welcome at kids' prices!
During the 45-minute tour, the kids will discover the growing and harvesting of the sugar cane and complete a hunt for the critters that live in our sugar cane patch. They’ll enter our miniature sugar mill to see how sugar cane is crushed, and sample deliciously sweet sugar cane juice straight from our miniature mill, 'Bill the Mill Junior’.
Special stickers help the kids to understand the machines that work in the process from turning juice into sugar – they can touch and feel the different stages of the production from the bagasse to the sugar and taste the molasses! They’ll also receive a free information sheet at the end and a quick, fun quiz. Finally, everyone gets to a chance to taste our non-alcoholic ginger beer brewed onsite, and freshly spun fairy floss.
For more information or to book a tour online visit sarinasugarshed.com.au
The Sarina Youth Centre will host a range of school holiday drop-in activities for young people aged ten to 21 years. Programs will run from 11am - 2pm at Sarina Youth Centre (Corner of Anzac Street and Broad Streets, Sarina).
Tuesday, December 16 – Card making (cards are then distributed to Sarina Aged Care)
Wednesday, December 17 – Cookie baking & decorating
Thursday December 18 – Christmas movie
Monday December 22 – Creating personalised ornaments
Tuesday December 23 – Christmas lunch & Secret Santa
Sarina Youth Centre January 2026
Tuesday, January 6 - Learn to play Pool / Billiards, 11am – 2pmWednesday, January 7 - Cooking, 11am – 2pmThursday, January 8 - Outdoor games, 11am – 2pmTuesday, January 13 - Science experiments, 11am – 2pmWednesday, January 14 - Vision Boards, 11am – 2 pmThursday, January 15, Handball 10am – 12pmTuesday, January 20 - Cooking – baking damper, 11am – 2pmWednesday, January 21 - Aussie Day Arts and crafts, 11am – 2pm
Thursday, January 22 - Indigenous games / RSPCA visit, 11am – 2pm
Call Sarina Youth Centre on 4961 9278 or text 0448 941 077 to secure your spot!
The last day for programs will be Tuesday, December 23. Programs will commence from Tuesday, January 6, 2026.