Christmas is coming early for Sydney’s four-legged friends! On Sunday 15 November 2026, Centennial Park will transform into a festive pet paradise as Santa Paws returns for a morning of Christmas celebrations, adorable animals, dog competitions and family entertainment. Best of all, entry is completely free!
If your family loves dogs, cats or simply enjoys a fun community event, Santa Paws is one to add to the calendar.
From 8 am to 1 pm, Centennial Park’s Federation Valley will come alive with food trucks, retail stalls, animal rescue organisations, pet-care professionals and plenty of Christmas cheer.
And this isn’t just about dressing up dogs for Santa photos. The event raises much-needed funds for animal rescue charities across NSW, helping homeless animals receive the care and support they need to find loving families.
With more than 3,500 people and pets expected, it’s shaping up to be a wonderful Sunday morning in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
What’s Happening at Santa Paws 2026?
There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, whether you’re bringing your own dog or simply coming along to enjoy the atmosphere.
Expect a busy morning of activities, including:
- Santa photos with your pet: Create a festive keepsake featuring your furry family member.
- The Doggy Dash: Cheer on the energetic dogs racing towards the finish line.
- Best Dog Tricks: Watch clever canines show off their skills in a competition with Sassy Treats.
- Best Dressed: Christmas costumes, festive bandanas and perhaps even matching outfits for dogs and their owners.
- Pet-care consultations: Speak with veterinary and animal health professionals.
- Rescue animal meet-and-greets: Meet dogs, puppies and kittens looking for their forever homes.
- Christmas shopping: Browse retail stalls for gifts, treats and pet accessories.
- Food trucks: Enjoy breakfast, snacks or a coffee while exploring the festival.
- Raffle and silent auction: Support animal rescue while having the chance to win some fantastic prizes.
General entry is free, while selected activities, including competitions, consultations and Santa photos, can be pre-booked from $40.
7 Fun Facts About Santa Paws You Might Not Know
1. Last Year’s Event Raised More Than $97,000 for Animal Rescue
Santa Paws is much more than a Christmas celebration.
In 2025, the community came together and raised over $97,000, helping organiser Ozzie Tails of Hope support animal rescue organisations and charity partners.
That’s an impressive achievement for a community event centred around our furry friends!
Every booking, raffle ticket and fundraising contribution helps support animals in need.
2. Dogs Can Have Their Own Christmas Photos with Santa
Who says Christmas photos are just for children?
At Santa Paws, your dog can take centre stage in a festive photo session with Santa.
Whether your pup is a natural poser or more interested in investigating Santa’s boots, it’s a lovely way to capture a Christmas memory.
And if your family loves matching outfits, this could be the perfect opportunity to coordinate your Christmas look with your dog.
Santa photo sessions are among the paid activities, so booking ahead is recommended.
3. The Doggy Dash Is a Crowd Favourite
Some dogs are born athletes. Others are easily distracted by an interesting smell or a nearby friend.
That’s part of the fun of The Doggy Dash!
This popular competition celebrates enthusiastic pups and their owners, with plenty of excitement for spectators.
Even if you’re not entering a dog, it’s a fun activity to watch with the children.
4. There Could Be a New Family Member Waiting to Meet You
Thinking about welcoming a pet into your family?
Santa Paws brings together several animal rescue organisations, giving visitors an opportunity to meet dogs and puppies looking for loving homes.
Participating rescues include Denise at Paws, Greyhound Rescue, Pound Rescue and Wiener Crew Rescue.
Families can speak with rescue representatives, learn about different animals and find out what’s involved in responsible adoption.
Adopting a pet is a long-term commitment, so it’s also an opportunity to ask questions and consider which type of animal might suit your household.
5. There’s a Kitten Wonderland!
Dogs might be the stars of Santa Paws, but cat lovers haven’t been forgotten.
Kittie Kat Rescue will be bringing its Kitten Wonderland to the event.
For children who adore cats, it’s an opportunity to learn more about kittens in rescue care and the important work involved in finding them permanent homes.
Even if you’re not looking to adopt, it’s a lovely way to support an organisation helping vulnerable animals.
6. You Can Book a Pet Health Consultation While Enjoying the Festival
Here’s something that makes Santa Paws different from an ordinary Christmas market.
The event brings together a range of pet health professionals offering consultations, examinations and advice.
Services include:
- Holistic vet Dr Caroline Kim: Titre testing.
- Eye Clinic for Animals: Comprehensive eye examinations with specialist veterinary ophthalmologists.
- Vet HQ: One-on-one veterinary consultations.
- SASH Vets: An open Q&A and animal first-aid information.
It’s an opportunity to learn more about your pet’s health and wellbeing while enjoying the festivities.
Some services require paid bookings, so check availability in advance.
7. You Don’t Need to Own a Pet to Join the Fun
One of the nicest things about Santa Paws is that everyone can enjoy it.
You don’t need to bring a dog — or even own one — to attend.
Families can watch the competitions, browse the stalls, meet rescue organisations and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
For children who love animals, it’s also an opportunity to learn about kindness, responsible pet ownership and the importance of giving rescue animals a second chance.
And with free general admission, it’s an accessible Christmas outing for local families.
Meet the Animal Rescue Organisations
At the heart of Santa Paws is a mission to help homeless animals.
The festival gives rescue organisations a platform to connect with the community, raise awareness and introduce animals looking for loving homes.
Among the organisations attending are:
Denise at Paws – Helping rescue animals find safe and loving homes.
Greyhound Rescue – Dedicated to finding homes for rescued greyhounds.
Pound Rescue – Supporting animals in need of rescue and rehoming.
Wiener Crew Rescue – Helping dachshunds and other dogs in need.
Kittie Kat Rescue – Caring for rescued cats and kittens, including those featured in Kitten Wonderland.
For families considering adopting a pet, meeting rescue volunteers in person can be a valuable first step.
Looking After Your Pet? Meet the Professionals
Santa Paws is also a chance to learn more about your pet’s wellbeing.
Several animal health professionals will be attending the event.
Holistic Veterinary Care with Dr Caroline Kim
Holistic veterinarian Dr Caroline Kim will be onsite offering titre testing.
Titre testing measures certain antibody levels and can help veterinarians assess aspects of a pet’s immunity when making vaccination decisions.
Eye Examinations with Eye Clinic for Animals
Specialist veterinary ophthalmologists from Eye Clinic for Animals will provide comprehensive eye examinations.
One-on-One Consultations with Vet HQ
Pet owners can book a consultation with Vet HQ to discuss their pet’s health and wellbeing.
Animal First Aid and Q&A with SASH Vets
SASH Vets will also be involved, offering an open question-and-answer opportunity and information about animal first aid.
These sessions provide useful opportunities for pet owners to learn more about keeping their animals healthy and happy.
Check the event booking page for consultation details, prices and availability.
A Christmas Celebration That Gives Back
Santa Paws is the main annual fundraising event for Ozzie Tails of Hope Ltd, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of animals in need.
The organisation works to raise awareness about homeless animals and support rescue groups helping pets find permanent homes.
Its broader mission is to promote compassion, respect and dignity for animals.
The festival brings that mission to life by combining a fun community event with practical support for rescue organisations.
After raising more than $97,000 last year, the organisers are hoping for another successful fundraising celebration in 2026.
Visitors can contribute through activity bookings, the raffle, silent auction and other fundraising opportunities.
Tips for Families Visiting Santa Paws
With a large crowd expected, a little preparation can help make the morning more enjoyable.
Arrive early. The festival runs from 8 am until 1 pm, so an early start gives you more time to explore.
Bring sunscreen and water. November mornings in Sydney can be warm, particularly for dogs.
Consider your dog’s personality. Some pets love busy environments, while others may feel overwhelmed by crowds and unfamiliar animals.
Book activities in advance. Santa photos, competitions and pet-care consultations have limited availability.
Teach children how to approach dogs safely. Always ask the owner before patting an unfamiliar dog.
Allow extra time for parking. Centennial Park can be busy during popular community events.
Make a morning of it. With food trucks, shopping stalls and plenty of entertainment, there’s no need to rush.
Santa Paws 2026 – Event Details
Date: Sunday 15 November 2026
Time: 8 am – 1 pm
Location: Federation Valley, Centennial Park, Sydney
Entry: Free general admission
Paid activities: Selected consultations, competitions and Santa photos available to pre-book from $40
Organiser: Ozzie Tails of Hope Ltd
Book activities: Santa Paws Tickets
More information: Ozzie Tails of Hope
Don’t Miss This Festive Family Outing!
Christmas is a time for family, community and giving — and Santa Paws brings all three together, with a few extra wagging tails.
Whether you’re hoping to capture a Christmas photo with your dog, cheer on the Doggy Dash, meet adorable rescue animals or simply enjoy a fun morning in Centennial Park, there’s something for everyone.
And knowing that the event supports animals waiting for their forever homes makes it even more special.
So save Sunday 15 November in your calendar, bring the family and get ready for a morning of Christmas cheer, furry friends and a wonderful community cause.
Event details, participating organisations and booking availability may change. Please check the official Santa Paws website for the latest information before attending.
Santa Paws 2025 – A Paw-fect Day Out for Pets and Families at Centennial Park
