If you’re lucky enough to be at Byron Bay, Bangalow and the surrounding region at Christmas time, (or any other time for that matter) here’s a list of the favourite things to do:
1. BANGALOW CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVAL – 24th December
Get into the Christmas Spirit at Bangalow this Christmas Eve. The main street of Bangalow is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian-only zone for the night. There’s street stalls with great food, many street entertainers and the local restaurants and bars are also open. There’s a great Christmas atmosphere.
We recommend that you get there early as parking is a bit tricky.
When: 5pm-9pm
Where: Main Street of Bangalow
2. MARKETS
The last big markets before Christmas are:
Byron Bay Twilight Market – Saturday 21st Decemeber – 4pm-9m – Railway Park, Jonson Street (middle of main street), Byron Bay.. Stalls selling arts and crafts, jewellry and gifts from local artists.
Bangalow Market on Sunday 22nd – 8am – 3pm – Bangalow Showground. Large community market – gifts, arts and crafts, fashion, furniture, local produce, food, plants. Even get a massage and watch local entertainment.
There are many local markets in the area. There’s always a large community market every weekend and farmers markets at various locations. Get gifts, arts & crafts, fresh, local produce, tasty food and much more.
3. LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT
Check local papers and guides, there’s always a band on at The Beach Hotel, The Great Northern or The Rails in Byron Bay. The Byron Bay Community Centre regularly has plays and events running. See their official website here.
4. THE BEACH (ES)
There’s a lot of stunning beaches on the far north coast – from Byron Bay (Tallows, Belongil, Main Beach, Clarkes) to Lennox Head and several around Ballina. At Christmas time, one thing that you can be sure of – it’s going to be hot. So head to the beach for the sea breeze, warm sub-tropical waters and lots of fun activities to do or just relax and enjoy the view.
5. EAT & DRINK
Well it is Chistmas afterall! You’ll be spoilt for choice with the many restaurants and bars in the area. Many have won food awards. There’s something for all tastes and budgets though. From cafes to pubs and bars to fine dining.
If wanting to go to a restaurant over the festive season we recommend making a reservation (especially for Christmas Day) as they will get booked out fast.
You can also pick up great locally produce food from the local shops and markets. Cookies, coffee, chocolates, cheese, craft beer, local nuts (this is the Macadamia region) to name a few.
6. ACTIVITIES
Surf – this area’s renouned for great surfing breaks. Or try one of the local activites including surfing lessons, stand-up paddle boarding, hot air ballooning, horse riding on the beach and many more.
7. EXPLORE
The Byron Bay region isn’t just about the beach, the hinterland as World-Heritage listed national parks and sub-tropical rainforests. Climb Mount Warning, visit Nimbin, check the lookout at Minyon Falls. Enjoy lunch or buy some crystals at the Crystal Castle.
Take a trip to Ballina and fish in the river or hire a boat for the day.
Visit the local hinterland villages like Newrybar, Uki and Clunes.
8. RELAX AND REVITALISE
Get yourself relaxed for your holiday. There’s many day spa and wellness clinics around Byron Bay and Ballina. From massages, full day spa treatments to facials. Or try a yoga class – Byron Bay is known as the ‘yoga mecca of Australia’. There are no shortage of good yoga classes and instructors.
