The Christmas spectacular at the church's new building, 8 -12 Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie, kicks off at 5.30pm with food, coffee, face painting, jumping castle and much more.

The carols begin at 7pm and there will be some special guests to lead the singing.

Brendon and Cathie Clancy and jazz musician Dr Bob (Jeff Crabtree) will perform plus guitarist Dave Holmes to Hillsong's Darlene Zschech.

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CELEBRATE the longest day of the year with a picnic at Shelly Beach this Sunday from 5pm with Port Macquarie -Hastings Council.

Council's Place Making team has coordinated some free fun family activities and you just need to take a picnic and a blanket.

There is a sandcastle competition from 5pm with some fabulous prizes on offer; free Santa photographs; goodie bags and beach safety tips from Port Macquarie Surf School and council lifeguards.

A highlight of the summer solstice party will be a twilight drumming circle with Ben Carey.

You can create some bongo beats to close out the longest day of the year from 7pm.

friday

Final CMNC Lunchtime Recital for 2014: Christmas Show by Wauchope Youth Theatre, Glasshouse Ross Family Studio, 12.30pm until 1.30pm, free

Christmas @ C3: 8-12 Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie, 5.30pm, carols at 7pm

Peter Helliar and Tom Gleeson: Panthers Port Macquarie, 8pm, $40 members, $45 guests

Andy & Besty's Funhouse: Port City Bowling Club, 7.30pm, free

Matty Devitt Band: Finnian's Irish Tavern, 8.30pm, free

Gotcha Covered: Paws Lounge, Port Macquarie Panthers, 7.30pm, free

It's Friday I'm In Love: Tasty Tunes at Zebu Bar + Grill, 5pm, $8 cocktail, $4 domestic beer, $10 tasting plates

Longpoint Vineyard Gallery: Tuesday to Sunday, 6 Cooina Place, Lake Cathie, 10am until 5pm

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre: Saved Photographic Exhibit, Shelly Beach, 9am until 4.30pm, free

Alpitye At Port: Aboriginal Art Gallery, Short Street, 10am until 5pm Mon - Fri (except Wed), 10am until 2pm Sat, closed Sun and public holidays

Hastings Valley Fine Art Gallery: Summer Breeze Exhibition by members, Thursday to Sunday, 10am until 4pm, free

Glasshouse Regional Gallery: The Last Supper by Ken + Julia Yonetani; Cardboard Cubbies by Shelly Evans; Guan Wei exhibit; all until February 1. Australian Iconic Houses curated by Karen McCartney, until February 15. Hours: Weekdays 10am until 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am until 4pm, free

Haven Fine Arts Gallery: Life's a Beach Exhibit by artists Fran Barratt and Steve McGrath, 2/524 Ocean Drive, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am until 4pm, free

Christmas Foreshore Markets: Hay Street forecourt, 9am until 7pm

saturday

Platform presented by Movement Studios: Glasshouse, 5pm, adult $29, child $15

Kids Christmas Disco and Mega Meat Draw: Lake Cathie Bowling & Recreational Club, 5.30pm

Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club Christmas Party: Mexican Fiesta theme, 6pm, $15

Dazed: Port City Bowling Club, 7.30pm, free

Jordan Jive: Paws Lounge, Port Macquarie Panthers, DJ from 7.30pm, free

OMG!: Finnian's Irish Tavern, 8.30pm, free

Byabarra Craft Market: St James Church, opposite Blue Poles Caf and Gallery, Byabarra, 9.30am until 2pm

sunday

Laurieton United Services Club Kids Christmas Party: For members' children and grandchildren, 3pm, free

Summer Solstice Family Fun: Shelly Beach, 5pm, free

Port Macquarie Art Society Market Bazaar: Hamilton House, 198 Hastings River Drive, 8am until 1pm

Laurieton Riverwalk Markets: Corner Tunis and Short streets, 8am until 1pm