‘Tis the season for many a festive gathering and my favourite time of the year.

And this week, I’ve been out and about promoting two must-do activities that Wollongong City Council will deliver over the next few weeks.

The first is the Carols in MacCabe Park, which is a fun community event for the whole family.

It’s on next Thursday 12 December from 7pm and will wrap up around 8.30pm. There will be performances from the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music’s Children’s and Youth Choir, the Wollongong City Brass Band and Cook Island Choir.

I’ve been told the big man himself, Santa Claus, might also make an appearance which is pretty impressive given his schedule and to-do list at this hectic time of year!

It’s also an opportunity for those who are in a position to do so, to bring along donations to the City of Wollongong Giving Tree so they’re truly spreading the Christmas spirit.

The second community event is the annual New Year’s Eve celebration that will be held around Belmore Basin from 5-9.15pm.

Sponsored by our Platinum Partner, ForHealth, there will be music and entertainment around the harbour area. Plus, there will be food trucks set up in Osborne Park to ensure no-one goes hungry.

We’ve opened bookings for the Accessible Viewing Area for people with disability or accessibility requirements, and their family, to watch the fireworks. Bookings can be made through Council’s website.

While these activities are both free for the community to enjoy and are an important part of Council’s commitment to delivering community events, they are not all we do to support creativity and culture.

I had the pleasure recently of visiting the Wollongong Art Gallery and it was a very pertinent reminder of what a fantastic regional facility we have on our doorstep!

It’s free to visit and, right now, enjoying the opening of two new exhibitions, plus boasting a fresh-look on its exterior with the installation of a new panel exhibition on its exterior.

If you’re in Wollongong doing your Christmas shopping or socialising with friends, why not spare some time to drop in to the Gallery and go for a wander? It’s a great way to recharge the creative batteries.