Christmas in the Gardens is back for 2025!
Experience the magic of Christmas as the gardens come alive with twinkling lights, live entertainment, festive market and food stalls, and the warmth of our wonderful community. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season of joy, love, and togetherness under the stars.
When: Saturday 13 December 2025 from 5pm to 9pm
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, located at 99 Chiswick Road, Auburn - view on google maps
What to expect on the day:
Get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Christmas in the Gardens! This enchanting community event is bursting with Christmas cheer, the perfect way to make memories with family and friends under the twinkling night sky.
- Live Stage Entertainment – Enjoy a lineup of talented local performers bringing festive tunes, dance, and plenty of Christmas sparkle to the stage.
- Santa Meet & Greets – Make your little one’s Christmas extra special with a visit from Santa himself! Don’t forget your camera for that perfect holiday photo.
- Kids’ Christmas Craft – Little elves can get creative with hands-on festive crafts and activities designed to inspire Christmas joy.
- Delicious Food & Market Stalls – Wander through a selection of mouth-watering food stalls offering sweet and savoury bites to suit every taste and creative, fun market stalls
Bring a picnic blanket, your Christmas spirit, and your loved ones and enjoy a magical evening filled with lights, laughter, and holiday joy.
Program, activities and stalls
Stage Schedule
Join us as the stage comes alive with twinkling lights, joyful music, and heartwarming cheer—all led by the dazzling MC Cassy Bartolomei, your guide through an unforgettable evening of celebration.
| Time | Performance |
|---|---|
| 5:05pm | Welcome to Country and Prayer |
| 5:20pm | Move & Groove Christmas Show |
| 5:55pm | Cumberland Churches Choir |
| 6:20pm | Move & Groove Christmas Show |
| 7:00pm | Like Angels |
| 7:35pm | Together We Shine Performance |
| 7:50pm | Kids Pantomime Show |
| 8:30pm | Cassy’s Christmas Cheer |
Play and Sleigh
Step into the magic of the season, where joy is in the air and all activities are free! From letters to Santa to festive crafts and holiday games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you're crafting a keepsake, writing a letter to Santa, or simply soaking in the sparkle, this is your space to celebrate the season—together.
Activities include:
- Meet and greets with Santa
- Facepainting
- Glitter tattoos
- Letters to Santa
- Christmas stories and conversations with local Cumberland churches
- Decorate your Christmas keepsake
- Christmas bookmark giveaway
- Gingerbread decorating
- Colouring-in
- Community information from Council and State Emergency Services
• Activities are limited while supplies last - Please wait patiently and enjoy the festive atmosphere as our team works to serve everyone with holiday cheer.
Eat and Drink
| Stallholder | Sale Items | |
|---|---|---|
| Mate Burger | Variety burgers, hot chips and loaded fries. | |
| Coffee & Snow Cone to Go | Coffee, snow cone and popcorn. | |
| James & the Chocolate Berry | Chocolate dipped strawberries and fruit. Chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick. | |
| Jimmy’s Ice Cream | Soft serve ice cream and slushies. | |
| Volkswurst | German sausages. | |
| Potato Twisty Byzam | Chip on a stick with a variety of flavours |
Markets
| Stallholder | Sale Items |
|---|---|
| Showbags Galore | Variety showbags. |
| Glow Fun | Glow and light-up novelty toys. |
| Reclink Australia | Artisan products and craft information. |
Frequently asked questions
Where can I park?
Parking is available at Auburn Botanic Gardens, 99 Chiswick Road, Auburn. Street parking is also available on surrounding streets (Chisholm and Chiswick Roads). Please refer to parking signs to avoid any parking infringements.
What is the nearest train station/bus stop to this event?
Auburn Train Station is the closest station to Auburn Botanic Gardens.
What is the best way to get to this event?
This event can be accessed via any transportation option however we strongly encourage patrons to travel via public transport. Plan your trip by public transport.
A free shuttle bus will operate between Auburn Train Station (from South Parade) and the Auburn Botanic Gardens (from Chisholm Road). The shuttle bus is accessibility-friendly and runs in a continuous loop approximately every 15 minutes.
Shuttle services will start at 4:45pm, with the final service departing at 9:15pm.
Is there disabled parking and access at this event?
This event aims to be accessibly-friendly with wheelchair access, accessible bathrooms and accessible parking. For any accessibility requests, please email events@cumberland.nsw.gov.au.
Can we bring our own food?
You can bring your own food but why would you? There will be plenty of tasty and affordable food options on the day!
Are there Vegan / Vegetarian / Gluten Free food options?
Participating food vendors cater for various dietary needs. Please check with the food vendor if you are unsure.
Can we bring alcohol?
Auburn Botanic Gardens is an alcohol-free zone. Any alcohol brought onsite will be confiscated by the Police.
Can I smoke or vape at the event?
Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the gardens.
Can I bring a shade shelter/marquee?
For safety reasons you are unable to bring your own shade shelter/marquee to this event.
Is this event free?
This event is free to attend, and no tickets or registration is required.
Is this event 18+? Is this a family friendly event?
This event is a family friendly event.
What items are prohibited?
- Airhorns and silly string
- Animals (except for authorised guide dogs and assistance animals)
- Alcohol
- Clothing that is Suburb or Gang related
- Glass
- Fireworks, flares or explosives
- Illegal substances
- Poles, sticks and banners/flags.
- Weapons or knives
Is this event pet friendly?
Pets are not permitted into Auburn Botanic Gardens as they can harm native animals within the park.
You can bring your assistance animal into the park, provided you have reasonable proof that it is an assistance animal. One of the following items or documents is sufficient:
- A coat, cape, vest, badge or harness or similar visible item worn by the animal that is provided from the accredited organisation and clearly identifies the animal as an assistance animal.
- A permit from Transport for NSW, Guide Dogs Australia, mindDog Australia, Assistance Dogs International.
The person with the assistance animal is responsible for keeping the animal under effective control at all times and removing any faeces deposited by the animal.
What happens if it rains on the day?
In the event of adverse weather, Council may choose to cancel or postpone the event. Notification will be provided via Council’s social media channels. If you wish to confirm the events status, please call Councils Events Team on 02 8757 9020.
Can I be a Stallholder?
Stallholder applications have closed for this event.
Is there ATM’s available on the day?
No ATM’s are available at this event. However, all participating stallholders accept cashless payments.
Will there be fireworks at this event?
There will be no fireworks at this event.
What happens to lost property?
Any lost property handed to security or event staff during the event will be kept at the Event Site Office. Items not collected during the event will be taken back to Council’s Administration Building or handed to Police if not collected before the event concludes.
Will there be any road closures in place for this event?
There are no road closures in place for this event. All activities are contained to the park grounds.
Wanting more information?
Should you require any further information, please contact Council’s Events Coordinator on 8757 9000.
