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The Hills is set to sparkle this festive season with a magical line up of Christmas celebrations, from dazzling light displays and a one-night only Christmas market to a joyful family fun day featuring Santa Claus himself.

The festivities kick off on Sunday, 30 November, with the Illuminate the Hills Christmas Markets at the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden, Baulkham Hills. From 5pm, visitors can wander through a glowing wonderland of fairy lights and festive installations, meet Santa, Mrs Claus and the Gingerbread Man, enjoy live carollers,

and browse more than 40 boutique market stalls.

A selection of food trucks will be on site serving delicious festive favourites to keep everyone fuelled and full of cheer.

The enchanting light displays will continue to illuminate the Rose Garden nightly from 1 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, transforming the much loved park into a twinkling spectacle from 7pm each evening. Highlights include a six metre walk-through Christmas tree, nativity scene, light up selfie frame, walk through gingerbread

house, star displays, and plenty more magical photo opportunities.

The Christmas joy continues on Sunday, 7 December, with the Mayor’ s Children’ s Christmas Party at Bella Vista Farm from 10am to 2pm. Open to all residents and visitors, the event promises a fun filled day featuring a visit from Santa Claus, free face painting, cookie decorating, Christmas crafts, inflatable games, and more. Rides, food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, said the events are a wonderful

Council’ s new grants policy has backed 25 projects across The Hills, including a New Year’ s Eve event for the whole community at Rouse Hill Town Centre.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said she was pleased with the range of projects this round of grant funding could support.

“ Over $ 158,000 has been awarded to projects that support our community groups, as well as arts, culture and events in The Hills,” Mayor Byrne said.

“ This is the first round of grant funding since the new policy was adopted by Council earlier this year. The aim of the new policy is to streamline the process for applicants, as well as prioritise new initiatives that need funding support to get off the ground.

“ I’ m particularly excited about the New Year’ s Eve event at Rouse Hill Town Centre. Council received a lot of feedback earlier this year calling for a public event where our residents can enjoy New Year’ s Eve fireworks. I’ m happy that we can make this happen for our community this year through our partnership with Rouse Hill Town Centre.”

More details about the New Year’ s

Eve event will be released in the coming months.

The full list of projects supported by this round of grants includes: Arts, Culture and Events Grants- Hills Youth Orchestra Training Program- The Sydney Contemporary Orchestra Inc. Sydney Hills Youth Orchestra

- Glenhaven Carols by Candlelight – Friends of Glenhaven Incorporated

- Hills Food and Wine Festival- Bosco W PTY LTD trading as Hills Food and Wine Festival

- Multicultural Theatre Festival- The Stage Theatre Production & Education Inc

- NYE at Rouse Hill Town Centre – The GPT Group Rouse Hill Town Centre

- Stations Easter Art Exhibition- Dayspring

- SAFAL Fest Gala Awards Night – Australian South Asia Forum Inc. trading as SAFAL Fest

- Parkrun for The Hills Shire –

Parkrun Australia Ltd Community Grants- Windows 10 and Windows 11 upgrade- Computer Pals for

Seniors- Diwali Festival 2025 – Council of

Indian Australians- Crestwood Tennis Play 2025-2026 – Crestwood Tennis Association Inc

- Outside Broadcast Van- Studio on Wheels- Cumberland Community Radio Incorporated( trading as Alive 90.5FM)

- 50 Years of AFL in the Hills Area- East Coast Eagles AFL Football Club Inc

- Beyond Survival: Mental Wellness through Story, Style & Support – Harman Foundation Limited

- Speaking of Mental Health in The Hills 2026- Headspace Castle Hill / Flourish Australia

- 25 / 26 Sustainable Multicultural Community Development / Wellbeing in Later Life – Hills Chinese Association Inc

- Family Fun Days Plus – Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc

- Once Upon a Symphony – The Magic of Disney in Concert – Hills Shire Symphony Orchestra- First Aid Training Course – Hills

Ultimate

- Community Connect 2025 – Norwest Sunrise Rotary- Project Belonging – Riding for

Disabled, Tall Timbers Centre

- Stronger Together Conference 2026: Empowering your Journey through Connections – Stronger Together Foundation

- Supporting Access and Participation: Venue hire for Hills Swimming and Lifesaving Club activities – The Hills Swimming & Lifesaving Club

- The Purple Nail Tribe Table Talk – The Lisa Harnum Foundation- Steeplechase hurdles for Winston Hills Athletics Centre – Winston Hills Athletics Centre

All grant funding provided to for profit recipients will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. To make a submission, visit www. thehills. nsw. gov. au and search for‘ Arts, Culture and Events Grant Funding.’

The grants were assessed by a panel of Council staff and independent external experts before being adopted by Council.

For more information about Council’ s grants policy, visit www. thehills. nsw. gov. au and search for‘ Grants’.