STAY SAFE
If you're heading out during the summer holidays, please remember to abide by COVID-19 restrictions. Read the latest updates at nsw.gov.au/covid-19.
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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR
Hunter Valley Gardens' Christmas Lights Spectacular continues nightly until January 26 (closed Christmas Day). Tickets must be bought in advance at hvg.com.au.
LIBRARY WORKSHOPS
Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries will host a range of activities for kids of all ages throughout the school holidays, rhyme time and story time for the little ones, arts and craft sessions, and magic and chess workshops for teens. Bookings are essential; full program at libraries.cessnock.gov.au.
HOLIDAY PROGRAM AT PCYC
PCYC Cessnock's school holiday program runs 9am-4pm weekdays from January 4 to January 25. Creative craze, gymnastics, rock climbing, archery and multi-sports are among the activities on offer for kids aged 5-12. Find the full program at facebook.com/pcyc.cessnock. Call 4991 1407 for bookings.
TRAIN RIDES AND MORE AT RAILWAY MUSEUM
Ever wanted to ride a steam train? Richmond Vale Railway Museum is open from 9.30am every Sunday of the school holidays. The museum has a range of exhibitions on railway and mining heritage. Entry is $16 adults, $11 concession, $7.50 children 5-15, with under-5s free.
THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD AT CPAC
The stage version of beloved children's book The Gruffalo's Child will appear at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on Thursday, January 21. Read more here.
FREE SUNDAY SPLASH
Sunday Family Fun Days are underway at Cessnock, Branxton and Kurri Kurri pools until February 20, with free entry on Sunday for local residents. Conditions apply, read more here.
LIVE MUSIC
Abermain Bowling Club: New Year's Eve, Rock 'n' Mash.
Bellbird Workers Club: New Year's Eve, Jumpin' Jukebox. Tickets $5 each, proceeds to the Mark Hughes Foundation. Bookings essential, call 4990 2147.
Cessnock Leagues Club: Boxing Day, Tim Harding. New Year's Eve, Bobby C. New Year's Day, Hayden Johns. Saturday, January 2, Dr Zoom. Friday, January 8, Anyerin. Saturday, January 9, Kazzie Duo.
Chelmsford Hotel Kurri Kurri: New Year's Eve, Fuelstar.
Cypress Lakes Resort: Christmas Day, Daniel Arvidson. New Year's Eve, Luke Ligtenberg.
Dashville: A Fresh Start concert series runs December 31-January 2. New Year's Eve, William Crighton & The Bellbird Rats, Bloody Hell, The Blackwater Fever, Viragos. New Year's Day, Little Quirks, Magpie Diaries, Bones and Jones, Dashville Progress Society. January 2, Wagons, Hat Fitz and Cara, Huntress, Front End Loader.
East Cessnock Bowling Club: Boxing Day, Snowy. New Year's Eve, Vivian.
Harrigan's Irish Pub: Sunday, December 27, Kev O'Hara. New Year's Eve, All Access '80s (sold out).
Hotel Cessnock: Christmas Eve, The Core (3pm-7pm).
Huntlee Tavern: Sunday, December 27, Pistol Pete. New Year's Eve, Gen-R-8. Monday, January 25, Thirsty Merc (tickets on sale at trybooking.com).
Paxton Bowling Club: New Year's Eve, Daniel Arvidson. Saturday, January 16, Pete Gelzinnis. Saturday, January 23, Trinity Woodhouse.
Royal Federal Hotel Branxton: Saturday, January 2, Jess Knaus Duo. Saturday, January 9, The Levymen.
Vincent Street Kitchen and Bar: Boxing Day, Chris Saxby. New Year's Eve, Anthony Lee. New Year's Day, Max Jackson. Saturday, January 2, Pete McCredie. Sunday, January 3, Gianni.
Wollombi Tavern: Sunday, December 27, Tim Usher. New Year's Eve, Green Ginger.
