There's no other time more cherished than that spent with family and close friends during the festive season.

It can sometimes be difficult juggling all the things that must be done at this time of year and we all want to make sure we are spending our time in the most meaningful ways.

Gifting an experience has become a popular Christmas gift option in recent times and it's hard to think of a local venue which offers a more well-rounded family experience than Jamberoo Action Park.

Being 100 per cent family owned and operated means that the Jamberoo experience delivers on several points which all help make for a truly memorable day.

The park, the gardens, the service - all impeccable. Not only are you greeted like a valued member of the family upon arrival - you are also welcome to bring in your own food and drink and set up for the day in many of the well-manicured lawn or picnic areas, or you can bring your own shelters.

There's also the drawcard of world-class rides and attractions. The location of the park amidst rolling hills further emphasises the natural Australiana vibe and provides all the gravity needed for the latest in themed thrill rides.

The new Velocity Falls precinct and the TRULY hair-raising zero gravity features of the new Stinger and Octo-Racer rides will definitely get your adrenaline pumping.

For those that prefer to splash out a bit on their day, there are all sorts of huts and shelters to hire, as well as the new Velocity Falls Cabanas and Billabong Beach Shacks.

You can even order food online directly from these areas and it will be delivered at a time of your choosing to your location. For larger groups, there's the option of catering - the Jamberoo team will prepare your food and have it ready for you at a pre-arranged time.

There really is something for everyone at Jamberoo. Young families will appreciate Banjo's Billabong, The Mushroom Pools, Billabong Beach and Kiddies Cove. There's even Landscape Golf.

Thrill seekers must try The Taipan, Funnel Web and Perfect Storm - called the trilogy of tube rides - are you brave enough to ride all three?

Jamberoo also has a range of food and beverage outlets, a surf shack and souvenir shop with everything you could possibly need to round out your day.

Admission to the park covers all rides and attractions. Parking is free and a ticket to Jamberoo is a great gift idea for anyone looking to create a meaningful and lifelong memory.

The park is open daily through December and January (except Christmas day). Find out more and get tickets at jamberoo.net.

What's happening in your township or village this Christmas?

This year, Wingecarribee Shire Council is doing Christmas a little differently. We have partnered with communities across our Shire to bring a range of different festive decorations, fun activities and community celebrations. Together, we're sharing the Christmas spirit far and wide across the Southern Highlands this holiday season.

Download the Christmas Unwrapped program from Council's website to discover the many ways you can enjoy the magic of Christmas across our Shire. And check with your local community association to find out what they have planned in partnership with Council.

Shop local for your Christmas gifts and soak in the holiday season vibes of festive flags and fairy lights in Bowral, along with pretty Christmas trimmings in each village.

For your convenience, we've made it easy to Shop local online via our Visitor Information Centre website. Or pop-in to see the team at Mittagong to pick up some unique gifts from across our region, such as distinctive cool climate Highlands wines, local jams and preserves. Pick-up a ready-made and beautifully presented regional produce hamper, or have one customised with your choice of locally-sourced artisan goodies.

Council increased our contribution to the Festival of Lights this year to expand on the spectacular lighting installations and many kilometres of fairy lights brightening our Shire. Snap a festive pic with family or friends at Leighton Gardens, Corbett Plaza or Winifred West Park and share the Christmas magic on socials.

Keep your eyes and ears open for pop-up carols by community groups in your township or village, and feel free to join in!

Put December 15 in the diary for a special free outdoor screening of Christmas Movie ELF at 8.30pm in the Mittagong Community Centre. Book now.

Planning on lots of entertaining? The more the merrier - and messier! We've organised weekly recycling collections from December 18 to January 12 to help you handle that mountain of gift wrap, packaging and plastics.

To help you go greener at home these holidays and have some fun doing good for the local environment, we've shared 12 Sustainable Days of Christmas on Council's website.

However you choose to connect and enjoy Christmas across Wingecarribee Shire, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Check Council's website for our Christmas opening hours.

Join Council's Your Shire e-news community and follow us on socials for weekly updates on news, events and opportunities to participate in decision-making.