Santa is making his list, checking it twice and heading for William Daku Park on Saturday 5 December 2026 for Cooktown’s much-loved Sunset with Santa celebration.
Families are invited to pack a picnic, bring a chair or rug and settle in for a festive afternoon by the waterfront as the sun goes down. There will be Christmas cheer, plenty of colour and prizes for the best dressed boy, girl and family, so it is time to dust off the tinsel and find those festive outfits.
A Tropical Christmas full of festive fun!
This year’s Sunset with Santa is bringing a tropical twist to Christmas! Dig out those Hawaiian shirts, tropical prints and festive outfits because the dress-up theme is Tropical Christmas, with prizes up for grabs for the best dressed boy, girl and family!
And the fun doesn’t stop there. Enjoy live music by The Whiskey Boat, bubbles galore with Bugzy Bumblebee, face painting by Crazy Bron and Christmas crafts for the kids by CDCC.
Little adventurers can burn off some energy on the inflatable obstacle course and bungy run, while the whole family can enjoy a bite to eat from Wild n Wingy, Driftwood Café or the community fundraising BBQ.
With plenty of entertainment, delicious food and Christmas cheer by the waterfront, it’s shaping up to be a wonderful afternoon for the whole family!
A note for parents and carers
Santa has asked for a little help with his gift list. If your child is 10 years or under, please let Santa know they will be there on the night via TryBooking.
He will take it from there, including the very important job of checking who has been naughty and who has been nice. Keep it between us, though. Santa likes a surprise.
Registration is only needed for children receiving a gift from Santa. Everyone is welcome to attend Sunset with Santa, with no general event ticket required.
Please note that registrations have closed as of Monday 2 November.
Sunset Christmas Markets
The celebrations will also include the Sunset Christmas Markets, offering the perfect chance to browse local gifts, artwork, handmade treasures and festive finds.
Local makers, artists, craftspeople and small businesses are invited to register their interest in a non-food stall by Friday 6 November. Find out more and register below.
