The countdown to summer is on, and so is a season of unforgettable community celebrations, with Shellharbour's Summer of Events set to light up the city with festive cheer, family entertainment and a spectacular new way to celebrate New Year's Eve.
The program features the return of Carols by Candlelight and Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake, alongside Skylights Shellharbour, a unique event that will see the region's first-ever New Year's Eve drone show take to the skies above The Waterfront, Shell Cove.
Caption: Shellharbour's Summer of Events is set to light up the city. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the Summer of Events offered something for everyone, bringing communities together and creating memorable experiences throughout the holiday season.
"Summer is a special time in Shellharbour and our Summer of Events program gives people plenty of opportunities to come together, celebrate and enjoy everything our city has to offer," Mayor Homer said.
"Whether you're singing along at Carols by Candlelight, enjoying a relaxed morning at Breakfast by the Lake on Australia Day, or experiencing the Skylights Shellharbour drone show, there's something for all ages to enjoy.
"These events bring people together with family, friends and the wider community, giving them even more reasons to celebrate close to home this summer."
Carols by Candlelight
The festive season will begin with the return of Carols by Candlelight at Croom Regional Sporting Complex from 5pm to 9pm on Friday 4 December 2026.
The family-friendly event will feature live performances, Christmas carols, food stalls and plenty of festive cheer as the community comes together to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Skylights Shellharbour
Skylights Shellharbour will take place at The Waterfront, Shell Cove from 5pm to 9:30pm on 31 December 2026 and introduce the region's first-ever New Year's Eve drone show.
The free event will combine live entertainment, food and market stalls and family-friendly activities before hundreds of illuminated drones take to the sky at 9pm in a choreographed display of light and sound.
Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake
The summer celebrations will conclude with the much-loved Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake from 8am to 12pm at Reddall Reserve on 26 January 2027, providing an opportunity for the community to gather by the water and celebrate the day together. The event will again form part of Council's Australia Day program.
Mayor Homer said Council was proud to continue delivering events that celebrate community spirit and showcase Shellharbour as a destination.
"Our Summer of Events program reflects the relaxed coastal lifestyle that makes Shellharbour such a great place to live, work and visit," Mayor Homer said.
"We're looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to our events and sharing a summer filled with community connection, celebration and great experiences.
Further event information and program updates are available via the Shellharbour Events website(Opens in a new window).
KEY MESSAGES:
- Shellharbour's Summer of Events returns with festive favourites and exciting new experiences for the community.
- The program includes Carols by Candlelight, Skylights Shellharbour New Year's Eve drone show and Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake.
- Residents and visitors are encouraged to celebrate summer close to home and enjoy everything Shellharbour has to offer.
