Letter-Writing Activities Australia: December 2026

Seven Amnesty International supporters holding yellow pens beside a Write for Rights campaign banner.

December gives us plenty of reasons to write. A child’s carefully prepared letter to Santa, a message of encouragement to someone spending the holidays in care, or a letter supporting human rights can each carry something meaningful.

Across Australia, December 2026 brings opportunities to join letter-writing campaigns and festive community activities. Whether you prefer writing quietly at home or gathering around a table with others, here are some ways to take part.

Write for Rights: letters with a purpose

Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign brings people together to support individuals and communities whose human rights are under threat. Its origins are connected to Human Rights Day on 10 December, and December remains a central month for the campaign.

The Australian 2026 toolkit includes case information and resources for writing appeals and solidarity messages. You can participate individually, invite friends over for a writing session, or organise an activity with your community group. Follow the instructions for each case so your letter reaches the appropriate recipient.

Visit the Write for Rights 2026 toolkit to get started.

Pip the Koala cooking at a backyard Christmas barbecue with Poppy the Pavlova and Bonnie the Bon Bon. — Image: Australia Post.

Australia Post Santa Mail: a little Christmas magic

Children can bring their letters to Santa into participating Australia Post offices from 11 November to 20 December 2026. Australia Post says children receive Santa’s reply on the spot, making the visit part of the experience. Large-text and braille replies are also available through its partnership with Vision Australia.

The program operates at more than 3,300 participating post offices. Letters should be placed in an envelope, with no stamp or return address required.

Before writing, encourage your child to think beyond their wish list. What made them happy this year? What are they proud of? What would they like to tell Santa about their family?

Check Australia Post Santa Mail for participation details.

Hands holding a Christmas card and pen on a wooden table surrounded by festive cards, envelopes and decorations. — Image: LELAN / Humanitix.

December Letters: sharing kindness over the holidays

LELAN’s December Letters project invites people to write thoughtful messages for those admitted to mental health care during the holiday period.

The organisation also welcomes enquiries from people wanting to arrange their own letter-writing activity at a workplace, library, community centre or café. Contact the organisers for guidance on what to write and how to submit letters in time for delivery.

See the December Letters event listing for details.

Sydney: write to Santa at Darling Harbour

Santa leaning towards children gathered beside the outdoor stage at Darling Harbour. — Santa greeting families at an earlier Darling Harbour Christmas celebration. Photo: Anna Kucera / Darling Harbour.

Darling Harbour’s free Christmas Festival takes place on Saturday 19 December 2026, from 4.30 pm to 9 pm, at Tumbalong Park.

Its Creative Corner includes Christmas crafts, face painting and the opportunity to write a letter to Santa. Families can also enjoy live entertainment, games and Santa’s arrival, with fireworks rounding out the celebrations.

View the Darling Harbour Christmas Festival program.

Canberra: Christmas letters among the market stalls

Visitors browsing market stalls beneath tall trees and white bunting at Haig Park in Canberra. — Haig Park Village Markets. Image sourced from the VisitCanberra event listing.

The Haig Park Christmas Markets return to Braddon on 6, 13 and 20 December 2026, with the listing advertising market hours of 8 am to 2 pm.

Alongside gifts and festive food, children can write letters to Santa, make Christmas crafts and enjoy lawn games. The program also includes Santa photos and musical entertainment.

Find out more about the Haig Park Christmas Markets.

Brass musicians in red shirts and festive headwear performing at Brass on The Grass in Victoria Gardens. — Image: Visit Perth — photograph from an earlier Brass on The Grass event.

Perth: letters and carols in Victoria Gardens

Brass on The Grass takes place on Sunday 6 December 2026, from 4 pm to 7 pm, at Victoria Gardens, 10 Royal Street, East Perth.

The free community event includes Christmas music, face painting and letters to Santa for children, plus a visit from Santa and his elf helper. Food vendors will be available on site.

View Brass on The Grass event details.

Make room for one more letter

You don’t need an organised event to make letter writing part of December. Put some paper, envelopes and coloured pencils on the kitchen table and write to someone you have been meaning to contact.

Thank a teacher. Share a favourite memory with a grandparent. Tell an old friend something you appreciate about them.

For help getting started, read our guide to writing an amazing Christmas letter. You might also find inspiration in reconnecting with someone you met on your travels.

Your letter does not need perfect handwriting or several pages of news. A few thoughtful sentences can be enough to let someone know they are remembered.

Event details can change. Check the organisers’ linked pages before attending. All event times are local.