Santa, Fingal Bay Rural Fire Brigade and the fire truck will leave the station at 2.30pm and make its way through Fingal Bay. Residents are encouraged to track Santa's progress on the brigade's Facebook page on the day and say g'day when Santa is in the area.

December 24: Anna Bay. Time: 4pm.

Anna Bay rural Fire Brigade will escort Santa starting on Nelson Bay Road at the Gan Gan Road roundabout at about 4pm. They will travel to the Marsh Road intersection, the Bays Holiday Park in Port Stephens Drive then back to Gan Gan Road. The crew will work its way around Anna Bay onto Boat Harbour, One Mile and Echo Beach. Keep an ear out for the fire truck siren on the brigade's Facebook page.

December 24-January 30: d'Albora Marinas, Nelson Bay. Time: 12pm-3pm.

Live music on the marina main stage every Sunday from noon but also some Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays during the summer holidays.

December 26: Neil Carroll Park, Nelson Bay. Time: 8am-2pm.

An outdoor market that has been running for more than 25 years offering handmade art and craft, designer goods, collectables, plants and unique items. This market will be held January 9, 23, and Wednesday, January 26 (Australia Day).

December 30: Apex Park, Nelson Bay. Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm. Cost: Free but bookings required.

A free Zumba session held as part of Port Stephens Council's It's on! series. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance workout. Zumba with Lorna Davies is free but bookings are required. Register your attendance via text 0418 821 164 or email lornbrigole@yahoo.com.au.

January 2: Neil Carroll Park, Nelson Bay. Time: 9am-2pm.

Second-hand tools and clothes to arthritis cream, candle oils, handicrafts, local produce, art, pottery, plants and cakes. Held the first, third and fifth Sunday of the month.

January 7: Robinson Reserve, Anna Bay. Time: 4pm-8pm.

The popular Fingal Twilight Markets are expanding to Robinson Reserve. Locally owned and operated market. A family friendly market by the water. More than 80 stalls featuring locally handmade items, live music, nearby playground and skate park for kids, food vendors.

January 8 and 22: Fingal Bay foreshore (next to surf club). Time: 3pm-8pm.

These locally owned and operated markets offers a great selection of artisan and handmade products. There's always something buzzing at the foreshore market: 80-plus stalls with handmade items and local designs, hot food, coffee, drinks and sweet treats, live music. The market is pet friendly, there's a kids playground on site and offers fun for the whole family.

January 5-29: Nelson Bay foreshore, Victoria Parade (next to d'Albora Marina). Time: 4pm-8pm.

The Homegrown Markets will be staged along the Nelson Bay foreshore each Wednesday and Saturday afternoon in January. The markets specialises in handmade, eco and local designs. Other: Pet friendly, hot food and drinks, live music.

January 7, 14, 21: Apex Park, Nelson Bay. Time: 1pm-3pm. Cost: Free

Grab your picnic rug, call your friends and start the weekend off right by catching these talented performers play some epic tunes down at Apex Park on a Friday. Held as part of Port Stephens Council's It's on! series.

January 7: Bagnall's Beach Reserve (opposite Irambang Street). Time: 9am-11am. Cost: Free but bookings required.

As part of the Port Stephens Summer Coastal Activities program, discover hidden inhabitants that you never knew were among the Port's seagrasses such as baby squid, fish, prawns and crabs. A guided walk. Suitable for ages 5 plus. To book phone the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre on 1800 808 900. Also being held January 10 between 11.30am-1.30pm.

January 13: Boomerang Park, Irrawang Street, Raymond Terrace. Time: 10am-11.30am. Cost: Free but bookings required.

This free interactive workshop delves into the secret lives of insects and includes a field trip to find them in their own environment. Suitable for ages 4 plus. o book phone the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre on 1800 808 900.