As Christmas approaches, Mackay settles into one of the most enjoyable times of the year. The pace slows, the evenings stay warm, and the city comes alive with festive lights, family traditions and outdoor living.
If you’re wondering what there is still to do in Mackay in the lead-up to Christmas, there’s plenty happening right through to Christmas Day — whether you’re entertaining visiting family, keeping the kids busy or simply enjoying everything our region has to offer.
Christmas Lights Around Mackay
One of the most popular things to do in Mackay before Christmas is exploring local Christmas light displays.
Neighbourhoods across Andergrove, Mount Pleasant, Rural View, Beaconsfield, Marian and Northern Beaches are lighting up each night, with many families turning their homes into festive showpieces. Evening drives or walks to see Christmas lights have become a much-loved tradition for locals.
Community Facebook pages often share up-to-date Christmas light maps and recommended streets, making it easy to plan a festive night out close to home.
Last-Minute Christmas Activities for Families
While major events have wrapped up, there’s still plenty of festive fun available in the days leading up to Christmas, including:
Santa photos at Mackay shopping centres
Kids’ craft activities and pop-up entertainment
Live music and festive performances at cafés, clubs and local venues
Shopping centres such as Caneland Central continue Christmas activities right through to Christmas Eve, making it easy to combine last-minute shopping with a family outing.
Support Local Mackay Businesses This Christmas
The final week before Christmas is a great time to shop local in Mackay.
From boutique gift stores and homewares to cafés, bakeries and takeaway favourites, local businesses are buzzing with end-of-year catch-ups. Supporting local this Christmas means:
Finding unique, locally made gifts
Buying vouchers that keep money in the local economy
Enjoying the friendly, community atmosphere Mackay is known for
Enjoy the Mackay Lifestyle: Beaches & Outdoors
One of the biggest advantages of Christmas in Mackay is our outdoor lifestyle.
With warm weather and long evenings, many locals make the most of:
Harbour Beach, Eimeo and Blacks Beach
Sunset picnics and BBQs with family and friends
Evening walks along Bluewater Quay and the Mackay Marina
It’s a reminder of why so many people choose to live in Mackay — where Christmas often includes sand between your toes and dinner outdoors.
Community Carols & Local Gatherings
Smaller community carols, church services and neighbourhood Christmas gatherings continue throughout the week leading up to Christmas.
These events are usually shared via:
Mackay Regional Council’s events calendar
Local community Facebook pages
School, church and sporting club socials
They offer a quieter, more traditional way to celebrate Christmas and connect with the local community.
Christmas in Mackay: More Than Just a Place to Live
At Gardian, we see firsthand how much people value the Mackay lifestyle, especially at Christmas.
From family-friendly neighbourhoods and coastal living to easy access to parks, schools and local amenities, this time of year highlights that home is about more than just a property — it’s about the lifestyle and community that come with it.
Whether you’re spending another Christmas in Mackay, welcoming family from out of town or starting to think ahead to your plans for 2026, living in a connected, relaxed and vibrant community makes all the difference.
As locals ourselves, Gardian is proud to support the Mackay community — helping people buy, sell, lease and invest in homes that suit the way they want to live.
