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Holly jolly moments in our villages
Friday, 12 December 2025
Tis the season to be jolly! And our villages are bursting with holiday cheer!
Residents and staff are diving headfirst into the the silly season with festive feasts, old and new traditions and meaningful events. In short, our villages are buzzing with fun, joy and togetherness. Take a look at how a few of them are celebrating!
Festive feasts and fun
Koorootang Court is alive with festive cheer. The community centre is brimming with decorations, including a stunning Christmas village display. A first-ever family Christmas BBQ was organised for residents and their families. The celebrations were such a success, kids had a blast with craft projects, decorating gingerbread and hanging out with Santa. The event had a great festive vibe with live music and sing-alongs. At Keperra Sanctuary, the resident Christmas party was a day of delicious food and great conversations as everyone celebrated the magic of the holiday season.
The joy of giving
The villages are also embracing the spirit of giving with charity drives and community kindness, making those in need feel special.
At Brentwood Village, assistant village manager Katina shares how their Christmas lunch is doubling as a chance to give back. “We’re combining the lunch with our annual toy drive for Aunties and Uncles, who collect, wrap and deliver toys to local families doing it tough. It’s such a lovely way to spread the joy of the day. Plus, our stage will be packed with donations to share with the volunteer groups our residents are involved in.”
The annual toy drive run by residents at Brentwood Village for Aunties and Uncles, who collect, wrap and deliver toys to local families doing it tough
Lisa at Pittwater Village is keeping the giving tradition in her village. “Each year, we support the Random Acts of Kindness group at Christmas and this time, we’re asking everyone coming to the Christmas party to bring an extra donation for the charity. It’s such an easy way to help out.”
Over at Forest Hills, the generosity continues with residents putting together hampers full of toys and essentials for Berry House and Vinnies — small gestures that make a big difference to those who need it most.
Village manager Kirsten from The Gardens on Lindfield says the village has a festive tradition that’s close to everyone’s heart. “The Salvation Army band comes by each year to play in the village, which is always a highlight. We also run a collection of food, treats, toys and gifts and hand them over to the local chapter at the start of December. It’s a simple way to make the season brighter for others.”
At Rochford Place, residents truly embraced the spirit of giving through the Christmas Giving Tree. They picked tags from the tree, each representing an age group and thoughtfully purchased gifts for those in need. All the donated gifts were delivered to the St Vincent de Paul Society, helping bring joy to individuals and families this festive season.
Holiday traditions
At Closebourne Village, the Christmas Carols tradition dates back to the 1970s when it started at St John’s Theological College in Morpeth. After the College relocated, the event found a new home at Closebourne for the past 11 years. With the support of Morpeth’s churches and Keyton, Carols at Closebourne now draws 500 to 600 visitors each year, bringing the community together through music and festive cheer.
Carols at Closebourne draws 500 to 600 visitors each year, bringing the community together through music and festive cheer
Over at Windsor Park, resident Robert has created his own tradition. “You’re talking to Santa!” he laughs. From the 1st of December, Robert dons Christmas outfits, decorates his house and greets the Christmas lights bus as Santa, handing out lollies. He’s also flipped the idea of holiday photos, offering October photo sessions where grandma sits with Santa for one-of-a-kind Christmas cards. Explaining how the idea came about, he says, “You know, grandparents usually get Christmas cards with the grandkids sitting with Santa. I thought, why not do the opposite? So, I dressed up as Santa and anyone who wanted a photo with me could have it done in October. That way, they could send out Christmas cards featuring 'Grandma with Santa' instead!”
Robert has created a tradition by dressing up as Santa and taking a photo with residents who use it as a Christmas holiday card - 'Grandma with Santa'
More celebrations
At The Grove, Ngunnawal, The Grove Singers are proving that retirement is anything but boring. This vibrant group meets weekly to share their love of music with friends, neighbours and the broader community. “It’s not village and vegetate; it’s village and activate,” says Renate, their enthusiastic conductress. Late last year, the group took their Christmas cheer on the road, carolling around the village. Starting with their core group of 25 singers, they stopped at pre-planned destinations and welcomed new recruits along the way. Santa led the way, lyrics were handed out and the joyful tunes grew louder with every stop.
“It’s not village and vegetate; it’s village and activate,” says Renate, the enthusiastic conductress of The Grove Singers.
Last year The Grove Singers took their Christmas cheer on the road, carolling around the village
Eaglemount Resort and the C&K Moranbah Community Kindergarten and Preschool came together for a special day. The kids spent time with their “grandfriends” from the village, sharing morning tea and lunch. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the connection between these two generations.
Read more about intergenerational programs happening in our villages
If you want to experience the magic of Christmas in our village and discover what makes retirement living so special call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
From festive events to a warm, welcoming community, there’s so much to love about life here. If you think your family or friends might enjoy this article, please share it with them.
