FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER: From birthday cocktails at the village square to twilight tunes by the wharf, carols under the stars and Santa Runs with the RFS, Jervis Bay is turning up the volume this festive weekend. Here is your definitive guide to the best gigs, pop-ups, and festive events to add the sizzle into your summer.
Friday 19 December, Small Business Christmas Party: Even micro-businesses of the Bay & Basin can celebrate the season with a special Christmas edition of Bubbles, Beers & Business at the Greenhouse co-working space tonight at 5.30pm. Located upstairs from the 5 Little Pigs café, the casual networking event is catered with delicious canapes and drinks provided by Huskisson Chamber of Commerce. RSVP is preferred to this free event. Guests are encouraged to bring along an unwrapped gift or pre-paid Visa card to leave under the Giving Tree for SAHSSI.
Friday 19 December, The Castaways at Fishermens Wharf: Spend an evening with one of the South Coast’s most admired country/folk duo, The Castaways, in a very appropriate location waterside at Fishermens Wharf Huskisson. The tunes will be flowing during the twilight hours, 5.30-8.30pm and you can book your favourite table on 02 4441 6964 or fishermenswharf@jervisbaywild.com.au.
Friday 19 December, Happy Birthday to The Local Vincentia: It’s hard to believe that one of Vincentia’s beloved cafes in the village square, The Local is turning two and is celebrating this evening with cake! Come along from 4pm-7pm to help the team commemorate this milestone, have an early dinner and a cocktail.
Friday 19 December, Carols in Culburra: It’s Carols on the Green tonight at the Culburra Bowlo, from 4pm-9pm. Bring a rug/lawn chair and settle in for a great night including a performance by students of Stella Studioz, an appearance by Santa, food trucks and a sausage sizzle.
Saturday 20 December, Artfulmind Gallery Shop: Experience around 150 works from more than a dozen of the region’s finest local artists and makers at a special open day of the Artfulmind Gallery Shop in Erowal Bay, 11am-4pm this Saturday. Curated and hosted by Dr Natalie McDonagh and supported by Arts Muster, the gallery is full of delightful creations – from wearable art to wall-hung art, from paper, driftwood and stone to ceramics and textiles, there is a treasure trove to browse and buy. If you are still looking for the perfect gift, you will find something here. Read more about the Gallery. To rsvp for details about how to visit, email natalie@artsmuster.com.au or DM.
Saturday 20 December, Intricate Linocut Prints on Show: Immerse yourself in the artist’s presentation of what it means to be a sea person at Mariw Minaral Exhibition, opening today at 4:30pm at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. Works including intricate linocut prints as well as sculptural works, contemporary masks and film by Torres Strait Islands artist Alick Tipoti. He is respected for his work in regenerating cultural knowledge and language. Guided by the traditional cultural practices of his people, Tipoti’s storytelling encompasses traditional cosmology, marine environments and ocean conservation. The museum is open daily, 10am-4pm and entry is $14/$12.50. Until 31 May.
Saturday 20 December, Summertime Exhibition: Head to Culburra to see an exhibition by the Shoalhaven plein air painters and friends, Summertime, now on at The Common South Coast. From boats and birds to bikini bottoms, these works are all for sale and best enjoyed with a beverage in hand from the bar at The Common, open Thursday to Sunday.
Saturday 20 December, Tomerong Food Hall: The new-look monthly market, now called the Tomerong Food Hall is presenting a food-forward selection of stalls where you can shop for fresh produce, baked goods, pantry staples while enjoying a coffee and live music in the outdoor café area that is set up for the morning, from 8am-1pm.
Saturday 20 December, Yoga at Worrowing: New yoga classes are now on in a stunning new venue at Worrowing called Melaleuca, including an 8am vinyasa flow on Saturday with Mary Baseler. Classes start at $25 and can be booked online. Expect future classes to be on Fridays at 6am for sunrise flow, Saturdays at 8am for vinyasa flow ( first and third Saturdays of the month), and Sunday 4pm for restorative yoga. Also coming soon, one-off yoga and sound healing events. We will bring you the details.
Saturday 20 December, Christmas Markets in Milton: Get ready for a very special final Milton Village Showgrounds Market of the year, with around 150 stalls offering everything from fresh produce to handmade items, clothing, homewares, plants, and flea market style stalls. There will be live music, face painting for the kids and more from 9am-2pm.
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December, Vincentia Fire Brigade Santa Runs and Photo Opps: The Vincentia Brigade Elves will be escorting Santa around Vincentia and Bayswood this Saturday between 9.30am-12.30pm, whooping up Christmas cheer around the neighbourhoods in their tinsel-trimmed fire trucks.
On Sunday, the tour will take in Hyams Beach, Erowal Bay and Old Erowal Bay from 9.30am-12.30pm. Listen for the friendly hoots of the sirens and rush outside to greet the dedicated crews who always have our backs. Lorraine from the Brigade advises: “Santa has organised designated stops for a photo opportunity so follow our Facebook page for updates, we are looking forward to catching up with our community.”
Saturday 20 December, RFS St Georges Basin Christmas Wonderland: It’s your last chance to post your letter to Santa this Saturday afternoon from 4pm at the St Georges Basin Brigade of the Rural Fire Service. Head to their Christmas Wonderland to meet the crew and stay till twilight to walk through the lights.
Sunday 21 December, Pyree Art & Craft Markets: If handmade, unique gifts are your style this Christmas, head to the Pyree Village Art & Handmade Market for your last-minute shopping, out along Greenwell Point Road. From 9am-1.30pm you will find a wonderful selection of art, craft, plants, food and beverages. At the home of the Shoalhaven Potters.
Sunday 21 December, Irish Slow Sessions in Vincentia: Join a casual gathering of local musicians to play traditional Irish music and songs at a “beginner” pace, with sheet music provided. For final session of 2025, the venue is The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia Village, generously hosted by Vincentia Connections. BYO snacks and drinks and be there for a 3pm start. There are plenty of chairs and tables in The Hub. All skill levels and all instruments are welcome, singers are welcome and lyrics are provided, or simply come along to enjoy the ambience.
Sunday 21 December, Live Music Across the South Coast: If Irish tunes are not your style, we have some suggestions that might soothe your soul on a Sunday afternoon, starting at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla at 12.30pm where All the Fuss, a 5 piece band will set the vibe with their distinctive neo soul, funk and blues grooves.
Indie rock band The Chordroys will bring their unique mix of psychedelic guitar hooks, engaging choruses, harmonious ballads and tasteful rhythms to the beer garden at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co in Woollamia from 4pm.
Then for sunset cocktails with a soundtrack, head to the rooftop at Bannisters Pavilion in Mollymook, where Dylan & Jayne will smooth out your Sunday evening.
Sunday 21 December, Carols & BBQ in Vincentia: There’s no better feeling of community spirit than a night of carols under the stars, so head to the Jervis Bay Baptist Church this Sunday at 6pm for a free bbq followed by Carols at 7.30pm. Make a gold coin donation to help the organisation with their food pantry. Located on the corner of The Wool Road and St Georges Ave, Vincentia.
Wednesday 24 December, Carols in Sussex Inlet: Enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve with Carols By Candlelight at Ellmoos Reserve, in front of Sussex Inlet RSL Club, from 5.30pm. Bring a rug or lawn chair and soak up the atmosphere.
Thursday 25 December, Jervis Bay Portrait Prize Open for Entries: Have you started yet? Create a portrait of a Shoalhaven resident by any artist, to enter into the inaugural Jervis Bay Portrait Prize. There’s plenty of time to choose your subject, gather your materials including a 30x30cm canvas, and get started. Entries will be $30, and more details are to come on the venue and prizes for the final show. This portrait prize is being organised by Randall Sinnamon, Scribbly Studio and Vanessa Harries, who is available for questions via email, vjharries@gmail.com.
Thursday 25 December, What’s Open on Christmas Day: If you need sustenance on Christmas Day, read our story about which restaurants will be open for dining or takeaway.
Saturday 27 December, Summer Fair in Ulladulla: There’s a wonderful afternoon of street foods (including a special dessert section), artisans stalls, live music and carnival rides planned at the Ulladulla Civic Centre Summer Fair, starting at 4pm and wrapping up around 10pm. Directly across from the picturesque working harbour, where you can stroll along the waterfront.
Wednesday 31 December, Make Plans for NYE: Read our story by Hospitality Editor Narrell Tabone for the hottest tickets in Huskisson this New Year’s Eve.
Wednesday 31 December, Bottomless at Bud’s: Start your NYE celebrations (or end your year, depending which way you look at it) with a delicious Bottomless Brunch at Bud’s Tavern in Huskisson. For $75, you get endless refills of Lady Assassins combined with dumplings from 2.30pm-4.30pm. Book on the Bud’s website and prepare to indulge.
Saturday 27 December, Bands on the Bay pop up Starts Today: The twice-annual coastal pop-up that is a locals’ favourite joint venture between Jervis Bay Brewing Co and the Vincentia Sailing Club is on again at Plantation Point. Don’t forget the deal with the reusable cups – you will get your deposit back when you return your cup! On daily till 4 January. Check online for the full program of food trucks and music acts.
Thursday 8 January, Music at the Museum: On Thursday evenings throughout January, the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum is serving up sensational music by the pond, with the Whaler’s Bar open for a drink and a food truck or two offering snacks or an early dinner. Start with two incredible local acts with the unmistakable sounds of Kim Hair singing all the jazz favourites at 3pm, followed by the Jackee B Trio at 5pm. El Cantina will be serving Tex-Mex dinner and sweet Coastal Swirls for dessert.
