Your guide to Christmas in the Territory

Whether you're spending the festive season in Darwin, heading down to the Red Centre or celebrating in one of the Territory's regional communities, there's something special happening across the NT.

Here's your guide to making the most of Christmas across the Territory in 2026.

Darwin and Greater Darwin

Darwin knows how to make the most of the festive season. With warm evenings, outdoor celebrations, Christmas markets and plenty of opportunities to get together, there's no shortage of ways to get into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas events to add to your calendar

Darwin Christmas Pageant, Christmas Makers Market and tree lighting, Christmas concert

Make an afternoon and evening of it in the Darwin CBD. Start with a little Christmas shopping at the Christmas Makers Market in The Mall from 4 pm, then find a spot to watch the Christmas Pageant from 6 pm. The Lord Mayor's Christmas tree lighting follows at 7 pm, before the celebrations continue with a Christmas concert at Civic Park from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

It's a lovely way to soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy local performances and pick up something special from Territory makers.

• When: Saturday 14 November 2026
• Where: Darwin CBD
• Cost: Free for the advertised community celebrations
• For more details: Christmas in Darwin 2026

Casuarina Christmas Pool Party

Swap the Christmas jumpers for swimmers and head to Casuarina Pool for a morning of swimming, music, games and family-friendly activities. It's a great way for the kids to burn off some energy and enjoy a little festive fun while keeping cool in the Territory heat.

• When: Saturday, 28 November 2026
• Where: Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre
• Cost: Free pool entry
• For more details: City of Darwin Page

City of Palmerston's Christmas Wonderland

Add Palmerston's Christmas Wonderland to your festive-season plans. Keep an eye on the City of Palmerston's event announcements for the 2026 program, activities and event details.

• When: 16 December - 23 December 2026
• Where: Palmerston Recreation Centre
• Cost: Free pool entry
• For more details: Christmas Wonderland 2026

Festive things not to miss around Greater Darwin Region

Put this on your list of things to do during the festive season in Greater Darwin Region.

Get your photos with Santa

Santa makes his way around the Territory during December, with plenty of opportunities for little ones to meet him and get that all-important Christmas photo. Head to Galleria in the CBD for a festive photo at Santa's Grotto, or visit Casuarina Square and Gateway Shopping Centre for their Christmas photo experiences. You can also keep an eye out for festive photo opportunities around the Darwin Waterfront and other local shopping precincts.

Go on a Christmas light hunt

One of the best ways to spend a December evening is to jump in the car, turn up the AC and the Christmas playlist and explore the neighbourhood lights.

Darwin, Palmerston, Humpty Doo, Howard Springs, Berry Springs and the surrounding rural areas are all worth keeping an eye on. The Darwin/Palmerston Christmas Lights Facebook group is a handy place to look for community-shared displays and locations.

Catch a community carol night

Bring a picnic rug, gather the family and enjoy a night of Christmas music under the Territory sky. Keep an eye out for:

• Carols by Candlelight
• Nightcliff Foreshore Carols by the Sea
• City of Palmerston Carols
• Light Up Carols at Light Church, Malak

Explore local Christmas activities

Don't forget to check your local libraries, community centres and shopping precincts. They often host Christmas craft sessions, children's activities, gift-wrapping workshops and visits from Santa. You can also check out Christmas Gift Hunt + Wrap & Bling.

Christmas dining

Not keen on cooking Christmas lunch? You're in luck. Darwin has a range of restaurants, hotels and waterfront venues offering special Christmas Day dining experiences.

Popular ones include:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin – a popular Christmas Day lunch with a festive spread and plenty of opportunity to enjoy Territory produce.
• PepperBerry Restaurant – Christmas lunch and dinner options, including Christmas Eve dining.
• Mindil Beach Casino Resort – another option for a special Christmas Day meal.
• Oaks Elan Darwin – a festive three-course Christmas feast.
• Novotel Darwin – worth checking for its Christmas Day lunch offering.

You can also look into Rydges Palmerston and Club Tropical Resort for festive dining options.

Local tip: Christmas Day dining can book out quickly, so don't leave it until the last minute. Check menus, prices and availability directly with each venue before making plans.

Katherine and Big Rivers

Christmas in Katherine is all about community spirit. From the annual tree lighting to carols and festive gatherings, it's a lovely time to get out, catch up with familiar faces and enjoy the celebrations around town.

Christmas events to add to your calendar

Katherine Christmas tree lighting

Get together for an evening of Christmas cheer as Katherine's Christmas tree lights up!

Expect festive lights, carols and photo opportunities with Territory Santa. The Meeting Place will also be open, with its usual favourites available, and Santa will be handing out gifts to some lucky little ones. Bring the family, enjoy the atmosphere and get into the Christmas spirit.

• When: Saturday 1 December
• Where: The Meeting Place
• Cost: Free
• For more details: Christmas Tree Lighting » Katherine Town Council

Festive things not to miss around

Put this on your list of things to do during the festive season in Greater Darwin Region

Sing along at Carols by Candlelight

Make a night of it at Katherine's Carols by Candlelight at Lindsay Street Complex. Gather the family, bring a picnic rug and enjoy an evening of Christmas songs and community celebrations.

Explore the local Christmas lights

Take an evening drive around Katherine and enjoy the festive displays popping up throughout the town. Katherine Town Council is also running its 2026 Christmas Lights Competition, inviting residents to deck out their homes and show off their festive flair.

Hop aboard the Christmas train

The Katherine Community Projects Association (KCPA), together with local businesses, is bringing Christmas train rides to the community on the 12, 19 and 24 December. It's a fun way for the kids to enjoy the festive spirit and celebrate Christmas around town.

Where to enjoy Christmas dining around Katherine

If you're planning to eat out on Christmas Day, there are a few local venues worth checking.

• Mimi's Restaurant at Cooinda Lodge: A Christmas Day dining option in Kakadu, ideal if you're planning to spend the festive season exploring the park. Find Christmas dining information.
• Savannah at Knotts Crossing Resort: Keep an eye on the resort's Christmas dining announcements.
• The Katherine Hotel (Tropical Hotel): Check out their website for the Christmas Day buffet arrangements.

Local tip: If you're heading out of town to celebrate, check travel times and book your dining experience ahead of time.

East Arnhem Land

Christmas in East Arnhem Land is a wonderful opportunity to come together, support local makers and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the community. If you're around Nhulunbuy in December, make sure you leave some time for a visit to the local markets.

Christmas events to add to your calendar

Nhulunbuy Twilight Markets Christmas Edition

Get ready for an evening of Christmas shopping, local talent and festive cheer at the Nhulunbuy Twilight Markets.

Brought together by Nhulunbuy Corporation and proudly supported by Gove FM, the markets will feature local stalls, food vendors, arts and crafts. It's a great chance to pick up a unique Christmas gift, enjoy something delicious and support local businesses and makers.

• When: Sunday, 6 December 2026
• Where: Nhulunbuy Town Hall
• Cost: Free
• For more details: Check Nhulunbuy Corporation and Gove FM's event announcements for the latest details.

Local tip: Arrive with a little time to wander around the stalls. You never know what locally made Christmas gifts or treats you might find.

Tennant Creek & Barkly Region

Christmas in Tennant Creek is a time to bring the community together and celebrate the festive season. Whether you're getting the little ones involved or catching up with friends and neighbours, make sure you leave room in your December calendar for a local celebration.

Christmas events to add to your calendar

Tennant Creek Children's Christmas Tree

Bring the family along for a festive community celebration at Purkiss Reserve. The Children's Christmas Tree is a great opportunity for local families to get together and enjoy a little Christmas magic.

• When: Saturday, 5 December 2026
• Where: Purkiss Reserve
• Cost: Free
• For more details: Tennant Creek Children's Christmas Tree

Local tip: Keep an eye on local community pages and council announcements for additional Christmas activities and celebrations across the Barkly.

Alice Springs & surrounds

Christmas in Alice Springs has a special Red Centre feel. Think warm summer evenings, community celebrations and festive gatherings with the MacDonnell Ranges as the backdrop.

Christmas events to add to your calendar

Alice Springs Christmas Carnival

Get together with family and friends and enjoy a festive evening at the Council Lawns. The Alice Springs Christmas Carnival is a great way to celebrate the season, catch up with the community and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

• When: Friday, 11 December 2026
• Where: Council Lawns
• Cost: Free
• For more details: Council Events » Town of Alice Springs

Festive things not to miss around Alice Springs

Visit the Bush Christmas exhibition

Bush Christmas is back! This much-loved free exhibition at Central Craft follows Kanga and their bush friends as they explore the meaning of Christmas in the Red Centre.

Wander through a charming display of felted birds, insects and animals, with creative backdrops made in collaboration with local schools and community groups. And with no tinsel allowed, it's a lovely little bush-inspired take on Christmas! While you're there, pop into Yaye's Cafe next door for a coffee.

• When: 14 November – 6 December 2026
• Where: Central Craft, Mparntwe (Alice Springs)
• Cost: Free
• More information: A Bush Christmas

Join the community for Carols by Candlelight

A Christmas tradition in Alice Springs, Red Centre Carols brings the community together for an evening of Christmas songs and celebrations.

Keep an eye on the event page for the 2026 date and program.

Go looking for Christmas lights

Pack the family into the car, put on your favourite Christmas playlist and explore the festive displays around Alice Springs.

The Alice Springs Christmas Lights Facebook group is a handy place to check for local displays and locations.

Where to enjoy Christmas dining in Alice Springs

If you'd rather leave the cooking to someone else this Christmas, there are a couple of festive dining options worth exploring.

• TALI Restaurant at Lasseters: Enjoy a Christmas buffet dinner featuring festive favourites, seafood and desserts on 25 December 2026. View the Christmas buffet details.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs: Enjoy Christmas Day lunch at the hotel from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm on 25 December 2026. Find Out More.

Local tip: If you're planning a Christmas meal out, check the booking details early. Special holiday dining experiences can fill up quickly.