Festive Season by the Sea: Christmas & New Year at Blueys Beach

Dec 1, 2025Latest News

Festive Season by the Sea: Christmas & New Year at Blueys Beach

Festive Season by the Sea: Christmas & New Year at Blueys Beach

Ditch the tinsel-stuffed shopping malls and swap them for sunshine, seafood, and surf. December at Blueys Beach is all about celebrating the holidays the Aussie way—barefoot, salty-haired, and with a cold drink in hand. Whether you’re here for a relaxed family Christmas or to toast the New Year by the water, there’s no better place to be.

Here’s your festive guide to spending Christmas and New Year by the sea at Blueys Retreat.

Christmas in Coastal Style

Forget heavy roast dinners and snowflakes—this is a Christmas with a coastal twist. Here’s how locals and visitors alike make the day unforgettable:

  • Fresh Seafood Feast: Skip the oven and head straight to the local Wallis Lake fish co-op or Monin seafoods in Tuncurry. Stock up on prawns, oysters, and lobster for a true Aussie Christmas lunch. (Pro tip: Pre-order to avoid missing out.)

  • Beach Picnics: Load up the esky, throw in a picnic rug, and settle under your beach umbrella at Blueys Beach or the calmer Elizabeth Beach. The sound of the surf beats is the ultimate way to spend Christmas Day.

  • Alfresco Dining: Several local restaurants offer special Christmas Eve and Boxing Day menus like Club Forster and Thirty Three Degrees. Think summer salads, local oysters, and chilled wines.

Surfing at Boomerang Beach

Festive Markets & Events

Christmas isn’t complete without a little browsing, music, and festive cheer. In the lead-up to the big day, check out:

  • Pacific Palms Markets (14th December 2025 [Christmas Market] and 28th December 2025): The perfect spot for last-minute gifts, from handmade candles to artisanal food.

  • Forster Christmas Carols: Bring a picnic blanket and sing along as the sun sets. Great for families.

🌟 Don’t forget: These events often run rain or shine, so bring a light jacket in case of an evening breeze.

New Year’s Eve by the Water

New Year on the coast has a magic of its own. Here’s how to ring in 2026 Blueys-style:

  • Fireworks in Forster: Head to the harbour foreshore to catch spectacular 9pm fireworks lighting up the water.

  • Fireworks in Pacific Palms: Head to The Recky foreshore to catch the 9pm fireworks display lighting up the water – this is the closest option nearest to Blueys Retreat.

  • Beach BBQs: Keep it casual with a BBQ at your villa or down by the sand. Many guests gather for community-style dinners outdoors—think sausages, salads, and sparkling wine.

🥂 Insider tip: Book transport early if you’re heading into Forster—taxis and Uber services get busy quickly as there a limited services available.There is also a courtesy bus available via The Recky for a gold coin donation.

Tips for Stress-Free Celebrations

Planning a coastal Christmas doesn’t have to be chaotic. Here’s how to keep things smooth:

  • Book Early: December is peak season. Villas at Blueys Retreat and local restaurants fill up quickly, so lock in your accommodation and dining reservations well in advance.

  • Pack Smart: Bring beach umbrellas, plenty of sunscreen, and a cooler bag for your food and drinks.

  • Stay Local: With beaches, cafes, and walking tracks all within minutes, you can leave the car behind and skip the holiday traffic.

  • Mix Traditions: Keep a few classic traditions—like a Christmas tree or pudding —but add in coastal favourites like prawns on the BBQ and barefoot beach cricket.

Mum and baby feet next to each other with sandy toes

Extra Festive Activities to Add to Your Stay

Want to stretch out the celebrations? Here are a few more ideas to make your holiday extra special:

  • Coastal Walks: Start Christmas morning with a stroll along Boomerang Beach or hike up Booti Hill for sunrise.

  • Water Adventures: Hire a kayak or paddleboard at Wallis Lake for a Boxing Day paddle.

  • Seal Rocks Day Trip: Just 25 minutes south, climb Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse for panoramic views.

  • Food & Wine Trails: Pair fresh seafood with local wines from boutique NSW vineyards; Great Lakes Paddocks at Wootton or Villa d’Esta at Dyers Crossing.

🎄

Celebrate by the Sea

Swap the city rush for a festive season by the sea at Blueys Retreat. From seafood feasts and sunset swims to fireworks and market strolls, this is the kind of Christmas and New Year you’ll remember for years.

👉 Book your villa now and secure your spot for the holidays. Availability is limited, and Christmas at Blueys is one of our busiest times of year.

 

🎅 Festive Season FAQs for Blueys Beach

Q: Is Blueys Beach busy at Christmas?
A: Yes, December is peak holiday season at Blueys Beach. Expect lively crowds on popular beaches during the day. If you prefer quieter spots, try Shelley Beach (the nudist beach!) or early morning swims.

Q: Where can I buy fresh seafood for Christmas lunch?
A: The best spots are the Wallis Lake fish co-op or Monin seafoods in Tuncurry. Pre-order your prawns and oysters to guarantee availability, as they often sell out on Christmas Eve.

Q: Are restaurants open on Christmas Day near Blueys Beach?
A: Some local restaurants and cafes offer special Christmas menus like Club Forster and Thirty Three Degrees, but bookings are essential as seating is limited. Many visitors opt for beach picnics or BBQs back at their villa.

Q: What family-friendly events happen over the festive season?
A: Families can enjoy the Forster Christmas Carols, Pacific Palms Markets, and early evening fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve at 9pm.

Q: Do I need to book accommodation early for Christmas and New Year?
A: Absolutely—Blueys Retreat villas and nearby holiday rentals are in high demand during December. It’s best to book 6–12 months in advance to secure your preferred dates.