Sydney is especially magical at Christmas time. There’s so many ways to embrace the festive season. From towering Christmas trees to spirited neighbourhood festivals, and it wouldn’t be the holidays without Christmas markets to stock up on gifts and indulge in festive treats.
There’s also some uniquely Sydney Christmas experiences to enjoy. You can celebrate Christmas in Sydney with stories for little ones on the lawns at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, a festive trail through the beautiful Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, and Santa makes an appearance in locations across the city… including at Bondi Beach!
So if you’ve been wondering what’s on in Sydney this Christmas, you’re in the right place.
Christmas Markets
The Martin Place Christmas Markets take place from 11am until 9:30pm Thursdays, Friday, and Saturdays from 27 November until 20 December. You’ll find artisan goods and festive food under Sydney’s tallest Christmas tree.
Meanwhile, from Thursday 11 December until Sunday 21 December, you’ll find the Jolly Christmas Night Markets at The Rocks and Circular Quay. These are Sydney’s largest Christmas markets and will host 120+ stalls so you can enjoy festive food while you shop and live music every night as well.
And don’t miss the Makers and Shakers Christmas Market at White Bay Cruise Terminal in Rozelle on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December from 10am until 4pm. This incredible market is the place to go if you’re on the hunt for some truly special gifts this Christmas. With 140 stalls hosted by makers, crafters, and creators selling Australian handmade goods. Entry is $5, find out more.
Sydney’s Christmas Trees
Sydneysiders love a good Christmas tree. You’ll find a few of Sydney best and brightest Christmas trees in locations across the city including:
- Martin Place is home to the largest Christmas tree in NSW, its 800 branches lit up by an incredible 110,000 LED lights
- Darling Harbour is where you’ll find a floating Christmas tree, glistening by day and lit up by night
- Customs House at Circular Quay plays host to a Christmas tree that stands tall against a backdrop of sandstone
Canopy of Light at Pitt Street Mall
Pitt Street Mall is a bustling crush of shoppers at the best of time, but there’s no busier time of year to hit the shop’s in central Sydney than in the lead up to Christmas. And while not much can be done about the Christmas shopping crowds, the Canopy of Light hanging over the mall will bring a whole lot of festive cheer as 80,000 lights twinkle overhead. The lights will be on every evening from Friday 28 November until Friday 2 January.
Santa by the Surf
In the market for Santa photos this Christmas? You won’t get a more iconic Sydney Santa photo than when you visit Santa by the Surf at Bondi Beach. You can even bring your pet. Santa will be at the forecourt on the Bondi Beach promenade near North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club on Saturday 6 December, Sunday 7 December, Saturday 13 December, and Sunday 14 December. Bookings are essential.
Christmas Concerts & Carols
Come December and the festive spirit is in full swing with Christmas concerts taking place all over the city. Ready for a rundown? Here’s where you can celebrate the season:
- Glebe Christmas Concert at Bicentennial Park on Saturday 6 December from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
- Rushcutters Bay Christmas Concert at Reg Bartley Oval on Sunday 7 December from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
- Carols by the Sea at Bondi Park on Wednesday 10 December from 5pm until 8pm
- Christmas by the Beach at James Meehan Reserve, Dee Why on Friday 12 December from 4pm until 7:30pm
- Carols by the Sea at Lady Robinsons Beach, Brighton Le Sands on Saturday 13 December from 6pm until 9pm
- Christmas Carols in Parramatta Park on Saturday 13 December from 3pm to 10pm
- Alexandria Christmas Concert at Alexandria Park on Sunday 14 December from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
- Coogee Carols at at Goldstein Reserve, Coogee Beach on Sunday 21 December from 6:30pm until 8:30pm
- Carols by Candlelight at Frenchs Forest on Saturday 21 December from 4pm until 9pm
Christmas Festival at Darling Harbour
Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour plays host to an evening of family friendly fun with the Christmas Festival that’s happening Saturday 13 December from 4pm until 9pm. There’ll be live music, roving performers, and of course, a visit from Santa.
Surry Hills Christmas Fair
The Surry Hills Christmas Fair is a fun and festive neighbourhood party taking place on Saturday 13 December from 11am to 10pm. Crown Street will be closed to traffic for a day of live entertainment. There’ll be plenty to see and do from the Santa Paws Dog Parade to the silent disco, a movie screening of Elf, and the all-important Santa’s sleigh ride.
Christmas at the Cathedral
Christmas at the Cathedral is a nine day festival taking place on the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral from Wednesday 17 December until Wednesday 25 December. There’ll be festive markets stalls and entertainment, and the star of the show, illuminated projections lighting up the cathedral.
Carols in the Domain
Sydney’s biggest carols celebration is undoubtedly Carols in the Domain. Now in its 43rd year, Carols in the Domain is an icon of Sydney’s festive calendar. It’s all happening on Saturday 20 December from 1pm until 11pm (don’t miss the closing fireworks!) and you attend live at The Domain, or you watch along at home on Channel 7 and 7plus from 8pm.
Christmas Trail at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden
If you’re entertaining children this festive season, Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is the place to be. With a Christmas Trail scavenger hunt (lookout for the elves!), an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and post it to the North Pole, and a Christmas colour competition too. It’s all happening at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden at St Ives from Wednesday 3 December until Wednesday 24 December.
Santa’s Studio at the Royal Botanic Garden
Another fun festive activity the kids will love is Santa’s Studio and Christmas Stories hosted at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December. Kids can get creative with Christmas crafts in Santa’s Studio, and laugh along with Elfis and Elvin the Elves in Dreaming of a Green Christmas. These activities are recommended for kids aged 4-12 years old. Both events are ticketed, so book early to avoid disappointment!
