What's on in Byron Bay — December 2026

Events, markets, live music and things worth making time for.

The Wet Fish headlines Byron Bay this December. We've pulled together 8 things worth your time — dated events, the beaches and walks locals rate, and where to eat. Hot, humid summer days average 28–30°C with afternoon storms — early starts, pools and air-con venues beat the midday heat.

Updated 3 Oct 2026

Top events this month

The Wet Fish
Sun 6 Dec

The Wet Fish

12-24 Fawcett Street, Ballina

Spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon by the Richmond River as The Wet Fish perform live at the Wharf River Club in Ballina. Hosted by Wharf Bar and Restaurant, th…

Carols on the Plateau
Fri 11 Dec

Carols on the Plateau

13-19 Daley St, Alstonville

Alstonville is getting into the Christmas spirit with the annual Carols on the Plateau! Returning bigger and brighter this year and proudly presented by the co…

Riverside Carols
Sun 13 Dec

Riverside Carols

Bentinck Street, Ballina

Riverside Carols is a community event held each year, where approximately 2,500 people spend an enjoyable evening of listening to and singing their favourite C…

NDIS Accessible Adventure Program - Byron Bay and NSW Rivers
Tue 15 Dec

NDIS Accessible Adventure Program - Byron Bay and NSW Rivers

117 Camp Drewe Rd, Lennox Head

Build confidence, create friendships and explore the outdoors in this NDIS-supported camp set in the beautiful Byron Bay and NSW Rivers! Access Adventure Club…

Lennox Lions Christmas in the Park
Fri 18 Dec

Lennox Lions Christmas in the Park

Ross Lane, Lennox Head

Celebrate the festive season with the Lennox Lions as Christmas in the Park returns for a relaxed, family-friendly evening by the coast. Bring a picnic blanket…

Damien Leith & Jason Ownen
Sat 19 Dec

Damien Leith & Jason Ownen

1 Grant Street, Ballina

Two of Australia's most loved voices come together for a special Christmas edition of their acclaimed Classic Favourites show. Damien Leith, Australian Idol wi…

Ballina Boxing Day Races
Sat 26 Dec

Ballina Boxing Day Races

Racecourse Road, Ballina

The Ballina Boxing Day Races return to the Ballina Jockey Club for another thrilling year of festive cheer, live local racing and relaxed, family-friendly fun.…

Alstonville New Years Eve Family Festival
Thu 31 Dec

Alstonville New Years Eve Family Festival

6 South St, Alstonville

The New Year's Eve Family Festival 2026 offers a relaxed and affordable way for families to celebrate the arrival of the New Year in a safe and welcoming envir…

Browse December by date

‹ December 2026
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
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Make December fit your dates.

  1. G'day! I know Byron Bay pretty well — tell me when you're here and who you're with, or pick one of these 🐾

Markets, food and live music

The Wet Fish

The Wet Fish

Spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon by the Richmond River as The Wet Fish perform live at the Whar...

Sun 6 Dec · 12-24 Fawcett Street, Ballina
Carols on the Plateau Fri 11 Dec · 13-19 Daley St, Alstonville
Riverside Carols Sun 13 Dec · Bentinck Street, Ballina
NDIS Accessible Adventure Program - Byron Bay and NSW Rivers Tue 15 Dec · 117 Camp Drewe Rd, Lennox Head
🗓️ Summer school holidays (NSW) — Summer school holidays (NSW) begin 2026-12-18 — expect busier beaches, booked-out activities, and family crowds.

Things to do in Byron Bay this December

Walks & Nature

Free hinterland and coastal trails.

Coming another month?

See what's on before you lock in your dates.

What's on nearby

Planning your December visit

Event details can change, so check before you go. Add anything you like to your plan and it stays in one place.

Cape Byron is the most easterly point of mainland Australia. The Cape Byron walking track climbs to the lighthouse for ocean views, and is a popular lookout for dolphins and, in season, hump...

Hot, humid summer days average 28–30°C with afternoon storms — early starts, pools and air-con venues beat the midday heat.

Is Byron Bay worth visiting in December?

Yes. December is one of the better months for Byron Bay, and there's plenty on including The Wet Fish, Carols on the Plateau, Riverside Carols.

How many days do you need in Byron Bay?

Two to three days covers the beaches, a hinterland walk and the month's main events. Stretch to four or five with kids or a slower pace — the planner below builds it around your dates.

Is Byron Bay busy in December?

Busier than usual — December overlaps school holidays, so book stays and popular activities ahead.

What's on in Byron Bay in December?

Highlights include The Wet Fish, Carols on the Plateau, Riverside Carols — the dated calendar above has the full list with times.

Explore more

Found something worth doing?

Add it to your plan, or ask Sunny to build the rest of the day around it.