Explore Mackay & The Valley With Markets, Carols And More

Now - December 7

Lagoons Gallery Exhibition 
The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens’ Lagoons Gallery presents Gathered by Megan Thompson — a captivating celebration of colour, texture, and the beauty of nature. Featuring mixed-media artworks crafted from pen, ink, acrylics, and dried botanicals, the exhibition runs from November 12 to December 7, 2025. View Wednesday to Friday, 9am–2pm, and weekends, 8am–3pm, at the Botanic Gardens Café.
Location: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

November 22

Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Breakfast
9am
Celebrate the season and the launch of the first stage of the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail with a free community breakfast at the Pioneer Valley Sports Club, Gargett. Join in the fun on Saturday, November 22 — bike, run, walk or ride your horse your own way! Then cool off with a swim in Cattle Creek before enjoying breakfast from 9am. Coffee and cold drinks available. Sponsored by Mackay Regional Council and Bush Lemon Farm.
Location: Pioneer Valley Sports Club Gargett

Mackay Art Society Christmas Markets
22nd and 23rd November
Discover unique gifts and festive finds at the Mackay Art Society Christmas Markets, held indoors on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 December. Enjoy browsing local art and handcrafted items, with Devonshire teas available for $5. A perfect way to pick up stocking fillers and support local creativity.
Location: Mackay Art Society

December 6

Carols In The Gardens
4.30pm
It’s the most magical night of the year, with Star 101.9 and 4MK’s Carols in the Gardens returns for a Winter Wonderland celebration under the stars. Enjoy an evening of carols, sparkling lights, delicious food, and festive fun for the whole family. Saturday, December 6, from 4:30pm.
Location: Meadowlands Amphitheatre, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

December 7

Christmas In The Cane
From 2.30pm
Celebrate the spirit of the season at Christmas in the Cane on Sunday, December 7, from 2:30pm to 8pm at Carlisle Adventist College, Beaconsfield. Enjoy live performances by talented staff and students, festive market stalls, delicious food, and thrilling carnival rides—culminating in a dazzling fireworks display. A free, family-friendly event filled with joy, community spirit, and holiday magic.
Location: Carlisle Adventist College Beaconsfield

December 14

Northern Beaches Community Christmas Carols
From 3pm
Celebrate the festive season by the beach at Bucasia Esplanade on Saturday 14 December from 3:00pm to 6:30pm. Enjoy a relaxed, community-driven afternoon with live music, Christmas carols, choir performances, a Lions sausage sizzle, sweet treats from the Girl Guides, free face painting, and market stalls. Bring rugs, chairs, water, and your festive spirit.
Location: Bucasia Esplanade, Mackay

December 31

New Year’s Eve River Party
Ring in 2026 at Mackay’s iconic New Year’s Eve River Party on Wednesday, December 31. Hosted by Mackay Festivals and Mackay Regional Council, this free community celebration promises live entertainment, family-friendly fun, and spectacular fireworks display sponsored by Muscle Garden. A vibrant night by the river not to be missed.
Location: Mackay Riverside

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