December is set to sparkle across the City of Casey!
Before your family celebration begins at home, join the celebration of your second family — the community —with a festive line-up of carols, markets, movie nights, Santa runs, and community feasts bringing thousands together to celebrate the season.
Across the month, one of the early highlights is the Community Neighbourhood BBQ on Friday 12 December at the Cranbourne West Community Hub, a family-friendly evening run by the Cranbourne Scouts and Venturers, complete with a fundraising sausage sizzle and games for kids.
That same night, Tooradin’s much-loved Christmas on the Foreshore will light up Western Port with food trucks, live entertainment and a fireworks finale.
Festivities ramp up over the weekend. On Saturday 13 December, Gethsemane’s Clyde Christmas Carols returns to Hillcrest Christian College oval, hosted by singer and pastor Kerrigan La-Brooy.
With rides, craft stalls, food vendors, giveaways and a “Christmas Miracle” gift for every registered child, the event continues to grow as one of Clyde’s biggest community celebrations.
Not far away, the Lynbrook Christmas Festival and Market brings together an energetic mix of market stalls, rides, stilt walkers, face painting, an animal farm, a full stage program and, of course, Santa.
In Cranbourne North, the Friends of the Tulliallan Elms host their third annual Christmas Under the Elms, a charming evening under heritage-listed trees featuring a free outdoor movie, face painting, hot food stalls, local vendors, performances from Melbourne Youth Chorale and free Santa photos.
Hampton Park joins the celebrations on Friday 19 December with the Casey City Church Carols, offering live performances, food trucks, rides and a fireworks finale at Cairns Road Reserve.
Markets take centre stage on Saturday 20 December, when the Pearcedale Community Market – Christmas Edition fills the historic hall and gardens with live music, produce stalls, handmade gifts, children’s activities and festive food.
Coastal villages mark the season with the Warneet–Blind Bight CFA Santa Run on Sunday 14 December, as Santa travels through town aboard a fire truck to the delight of local families.
There are also two major community celebrations on Sunday 21 December: the Find A Penny Foundation Christmas BBQ in Hampton Park, calling for volunteers to help feed and support families in need, and Turningpoint Lyndhurst’s Free Community Christmas Celebrations at Marriott Waters, featuring carols, games and a sausage sizzle.
Looking for things to do closer to the North side of Casey? Here’s a list:
Wilson Botanic Park is hosting a free and special Elf Scavenger Hunt as part of their 12 Days of Christmas initiative. Those involved can scour the grounds for cheeky Christmas Elves by looking for clues around the park, with a reward at the end.
If you’re looking for ways to give back this Christmas, there are many local organisations and charities that will be hosting soup kitchens, luncheons and gift donations throughout the month.
On Sunday 10 December, CFA Narre Warren will be making their rounds with Santa, who will be stopping at several locations. One of them includes Ray Bastin Reserve, where donations for non-perishable food items will be accepted, which will be taken to Transit Soup Kitchen.
Bk 2 Basics in Narre Warren will be accepting toys for children until 19 December at their hub. The local charity will be donating three to five gifts to each child who is referred by organisations around Melbourne.
A Giving Machine has also been installed in Fountain Gate, where those who take part can donate to a specific cause and charity in a vending machine-like process. From filling a pantry with food to supplying a backpack full of products for a child.
Bodega on High has collaborated with the Casey Council to bring a one-of-a-kind event to Berwick’s High Street. On Saturday 20 December, locals are invited to take a stroll along the main street, which has been decorated for the first time in years. The event is due to have a visit from Santa, face painters, roving performers and a range of shops and cafes to choose from.
On Christmas Eve, Max Pawsey Reserve will yet again be hosting its magical Christmas carols. The beloved event began in 1975, when generations of families attended in celebration of the season. Throughout the night, there will be rides, food trucks, a Santa visit and a firework show at 9.15pm.
And finally, if you’re on your own this Christmas day, experiencing hardship or just looking for good company, Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support will be hosting a special community Christmas Lunch. Lunch will be served at 12pm at the Transit Food support.
Those who want to donate a lunch can also do so.
For details on each event, please refer to the What’s On section of our paper.
