Christmas is only a couple of weeks away, and that means it’s time for get-togethers. Whether it’s family, friends or work, Christmas is a time to get out and celebrate, and if you’re spending the holiday period on the Northern Beaches, you’re especially lucky. North Narrabeen, Narrabeen, Elanora Heights, Ingleside, Warriewood and Mona Vale all have excellent places to get together, plus a few special events to get everyone in the spirit of the season.
Let’s take a look at a handful of the best places for a Christmas get-together on the Northern Beaches this year, and some upcoming events.
Where to celebrate Christmas on the Northern Beaches
Picnic Spots
These spots offer free parking if you have a local permit, otherwise you will have to pay a small fee to stay for the day.
Bilarong Reserve: A favourite local picnic spot, Bilarong Reserve is right on Narrabeen Lagoon and is a beautiful place for a picnic or BBQ. There’s a playground for the kids and paddling and splashing in the calm waters of Narrabeen Lagoon. For added fun, there are lots of whimsical sandstone sculptures scattered throughout the park that the kids will have a ball hunting down.
This is a great location for a pre or post Christmas catch up because older children can bring their bikes and set off on an adventure around the lagoon.
Winnererremy Bay Foreshore Reserve: Better known to locals as The Flying Fox Park, Mona Vale’s Winnererremy Bay Foreshore Reserve is an ideal spot for a Christmas gathering.
This park offers:
- A gorgeous, fully fenced playground complete with a lengthy flying fox
- A wide, flat grass area circled by a cycle/scooter/skateboard track
- The calm beach of Winnererremy Bay
- Picnic tables and benches
- A popular cafe
The Flying Fox Park has everything you need for a day out on the Northern Beaches this Christmas and is especially popular for families with young children.
McCarrs Creek Reserve: Another perfect picnic spot on the Northern Beaches, McCarrs Creek Reserve is a bit of a best-kept secret compared to some of the other locations on our list. This reserve is quiet and secluded with lots of space for picnicking, BBQ facilities and yet another calm and picturesque body of water for paddling and fishing. The best thing is you’re right on the edge of the Ku-Ring-Gai National Park but you won’t have to pay entry fees (although it’s definitely worth exploring the area if you haven’t already).
Venues
Park House Mona Vale: For an indoor celebration on the Northern Beaches this year, you can’t go past Park House in Mona Vale. Enjoy their wide array of drinks and delicious meals while you take in the renovated architecture that makes this building unique. Book for a group event, come for the bottomless lunch on Saturdays, enjoy the weekend entertainment such as live music and local DJs or pop in as a group for a great afternoon.
Christmas events on the upper Northern Beaches
Christmas paddle and carols: For something a little different, you could join the dragon boat paddle in Narrabeen. Decorate your dragon boat or join a crew for the Christmas lights paddle to link to the Christmas Carols on the lake. This event is happening this Saturday on December 19 from 6-9 pm, starting from Jamieson Park.
At the other end of the paddle is Carols by the Lake, in North Narrabeen. This event has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the major carol nights in the area. You can also get there without a dragon boat if you head to Lakeside Park at 6pm.
These are only a few of the fantastic places to have a Christmas do on the Northern Beaches. Make sure to tell us in the comments below if we still need to include any of your favourites.