Santafest Announces Its Return In 2024

Santafest previously known as the Santa Claus Pub Crawl is back as “Wollongong’s annual Christmas Party” for the 31st time, bringing with it a huge lineup of live music and entertainment across 11 venues.

Santafest was originally hosted by a small group of friends who wanted to raise their Christmas spirits but have fun at the same time. Now, Santafest has been reimagined as a festival of lights and music with a goal to help raise money for local charities.

In a statement on their official website, event organiser Neil Webster recalled the motivations behind the original Santafest and its charitable values.

“Back on Xmas Eve, 1997; I was attacked by 5 guys leaving a pub in Hurstville. They proceeded to beat the crap out of me - my jaw broken in 2 places, 3 cracked ribs, and a concussion - just because I wasn't going the same way down the street as them. Since that day I've vowed to not only bring some Christmas spirit back, but to also help change people’s attitudes towards socialising with alcohol at pubs – especially at Christmas time. The enjoyment, fun, laughter and friendships that everyone builds on, at the SCPC, are a testament to the fact that you can go out and not be a D*CK! Plus we make a lot of kids' lives better with the donations we raise.”

This year, North Wollongong Hotel, Humber and the Illawarra Hotel have teamed up with iconic Wollongong live music venues like Towradgi Beach Hotel, The Prince, LA LA LAs, Pepes, Heyday, Bevanda, Halfway and many others to curate a Santafest unlike any other.

The first lineup release reveals many local legends bracing the stages of neighbouring venues this Christmas season, including Aussie musical chameleons Furnace And The Fundamentals, remix project Fleetmac Wood, singer-songwriter and dance music producer KLP and DJ/producer Lenny Pearce.

Tickets for Santafest are $24.50 and get you access to all participating venues, as well as entry to the shuttle bus services throughout the event, and special discounts, with all ticket proceeds going to local charities in the community.

Santafest will kick off from 12PM on Saturday the 14th of December, and tickets can be purchased here.