At a glance
- When
- Friday 4 December 2026, 6pm to 9:30pm. Fireworks at 9:15pm
- Where
- John Street, Singleton Town Centre; fireworks are set off in Rose Point Park
- Cost
- Free, according to the Hunter Valley Wine Country listing. Rides and food are separate
- Road closures
- Sections of John, Pitt and Castlereagh Streets and Burns Lane, 1pm to 11pm
- Santa
- Free professional photos at Santa’s North Pole Grotto, supported by Singleton Rotary
- Who it’s for
- Families in Singleton and the Upper Hunter, and anyone planning to drive into the town centre that evening
- What to do now
- The council asks motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and follow traffic control directions
- Last checked
- Monday 2 November 2026, against the Singleton Council event page and the Hunter Valley Wine Country listing
- Not yet confirmed
- Parking arrangements, the arrival time for Santa, the timetable of acts, and what happens in wet weather
Christmas on John Street returns to the Singleton Town Centre on Friday 4 December 2026 from 6pm to 9:30pm, with a fireworks finale at 9:15pm, and sections of John, Pitt and Castlereagh Streets and Burns Lane will be closed to traffic from 1pm to 11pm. Singleton Council runs it, and the Hunter Valley Wine Country listing calls it the Hunter’s biggest community Christmas party. Times are New South Wales local time, which is on daylight saving in December.
This guide uses the Singleton Council event page and the Hunter Valley Wine Country listing, both read on Monday 2 November 2026.
What time does it start and finish?
The event runs from 6pm to 9:30pm, and the fireworks are set off in Rose Point Park at 9:15pm, 15 minutes before the end. The council’s page does not give a timetable for the music, performances or Santa’s arrival, so those times are listed as not yet confirmed.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Streets closed to traffic | 1pm to 11pm |
| Event opens | 6pm |
| Fireworks, Rose Point Park | 9:15pm |
| Event ends | 9:30pm |
Which streets are closed, and for how long?
Singleton Council says sections of John Street, Pitt Street, Castlereagh Street and Burns Lane in the town centre will be temporarily closed to traffic from 1pm to 11pm on Friday 4 December 2026. Signposted detours will be in place throughout the closures. The council encourages motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and follow traffic control directions.
| Street | Status on Friday 4 December |
|---|---|
| John Street (sections) | Closed 1pm to 11pm |
| Pitt Street (sections) | Closed 1pm to 11pm |
| Castlereagh Street (sections) | Closed 1pm to 11pm |
| Burns Lane | Closed 1pm to 11pm |
The pages checked do not say which sections are closed or where to park. The council says signposted detours will be in place throughout the closures.
What is on for kids and families?
The council describes John Street as turning into Santa Claus Lane, with roving entertainers, performances, food trucks, market stalls, a bar and a large range of free kids’ activities. The list for 2026 is below.
| Activity | Notes from the council |
|---|---|
| Free photos with Santa | At Santa’s North Pole Grotto, professional photos, thanks to Singleton Rotary |
| Kids’ activities | Circus workshops, face painting, a princess activity station, jumping castles, Putt Putt Golf and a silent disco |
| Youth Venue | Open for activities and icy poles |
| Council Sustainability team | An activity tent |
| Burns Lane | An activation by Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre; the listing describes an Australian native Christmas garden installation |
Santa and Mrs Claus arrive escorted by Singleton firefighters in a vintage 1960s firetruck, then make their way down John Street to the grotto.
Is there live music and entertainment?
Yes. The council lists the Singleton Town Band, music by the Denim Duo, a DJ, performances from local dance schools and roving performers. The Hunter Valley Wine Country listing names the same acts and adds local musicians. Neither page gives set times.
What can I eat, drink and buy?
There will be food and dessert trucks, and a bar serving local beer, wine and spirits. The council lists a bar with local boutique wines and a distillery, and the listing mentions local beer, wine and spirits. There are more than 40 market stalls and a large group of local business and community stalls. Retailers in the town centre stay open late, so you can do some Christmas shopping along John Street.
Where do the fireworks happen?
The fireworks are set off in Rose Point Park at 9:15pm, and the display is sponsored by Yancoal. The council describes it as the finale to the evening.
Will I be photographed?
Photography and filming will take place throughout the event to capture the celebrations and promote the council’s events. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, tell the photographer or videographer directly, or visit the Council Kiosk at the event to speak with council staff.
Who do I contact?
The Hunter Valley Wine Country listing gives the council’s email as council@singleton.nsw.gov.au and phone as 02 6578 7290. It also lists the event’s own website, christmasonjohnstreet.com.au.
What else is on in the Hunter that week?
Two other Hunter guides on this site: the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights guide and the Boyz II Men at Bimbadgen getting-there guide.
Sources
- Singleton Council — Christmas on John Street (date, times, activities, road closures, fireworks; checked 2 November 2026)
- Hunter Valley Wine Country — Christmas on John Street (free entry, contact details; checked 2 November 2026)
Featured image: an AI-generated illustration of a crowd watching fireworks, not a photo of the actual event (text added). Photos of Singleton railway station: Abesty, on Wikimedia Commons.
OZ Local Updates is an independent local guide and is not affiliated with Singleton Council. Times, closures and activities can change; check the council’s page before you go.