It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Sydney. Here are the events, markets and places to have a merry ole’ time this festive season.
Following a sleigh ride from Circular Quay to Martin Place with a 65-piece marching band and elves on reindeer tricycles, Santa will officially light the Martin Place Christmas tree on November 28 under a glittering fireworks display. The festive display will take place from 6.30-8.30pm, whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
The tallest Christmas tree in NSW is decorated with more than 110,000 lights and 330 glossy baubles, the Martin Place Christmas tree’s colourful sound and light show will take place every 15 minutes, 8pm to midnight. November 28, 2024 – January 3, 2025, whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
From November 28, a shimmering canopy of 80,000 suspended lights will help Pitt Street mall shine, with 8,000 icicle fairy lights spanning Martin Place. Dazzling projections featuring Christmas baubles will light up the QVB façade along George Street, whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
The much-loved Christmas at Sydney Town Hall is a spectacle of carols, festive music, readings and pageantry, and will be taking place at 8pm on December 17. Hear Titus Grenyer, organist and the City of Sydney’s new recital program producer, in his maiden Christmas performance. Enjoy mass and children’s choirs, soprano, harp, NSW Police band and other musicians and performers. A truly memorable night for the whole family, in one of Sydney’s most beautiful buildings, whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Head to Harbour Village for Christmas sing-a-longs with beloved children’s acts Emily Who and Nyssa nd the Outback Band, laugh out loud at hilarious story time sessions and dance your heart out with live DJs. Those who love to get creative can get crafty at Santa’s workshop. There will even be a visit from the big man himself. 11am-2.30pm, December 21 & 22, darlingharbour.com/whats-on
The NCE Sydney Choir will perform classic Christmas carols on Thursday evenings from 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm. The stunning performances will take place from November 28 – December 22, qvb.com.au
Choirs will sing all your Christmas favourites at the Martin Place Christmas tree. Choirs include the Australian Girls Choir, the Jingle Belle Singers, the Sydney Street Choir and Coastal Acapella. 6pm to 8pm, December 1-24, whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Make a virtual trip to the North Pole at the first Wunder Store in the heart of Sydney CBD. Located opposite the QVB on the corner of York Street and Market Street, Wundrful World of Christmas will transport visitors to an animated North Pole. Throughout the walk-through experience guests will encounter reindeer, elves and Santa himself. From $25, 7 days a week, 9.30am – 6pm, until December 24, whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
A 6-metre-tall Christmas bauble will light up Darling Harbour this Christmas. The colossal decoration will shine bright until December 26, darlingharbour.com
Martin Place markets will take place from 11am-9pm, Thursdays to Saturdays from November 28 till December 21. The markets feature more than 40 stallholders selling gifts, Christmas goodies, clothes, toys, homewares, art and food. The merry markets will also be open for just one Sunday on December 1, whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Wrapped in Christmas magic, Darling Quarter will become the home of Living Christmas Presents this festive season as large-scale vertical gardens boxes, dressed in red bows, make their way to the precinct. Get ready for show-stopping photo moments as these picture perfect flowers create the ultimate backdrop for insta-worthy memories. On display til December 26, darlingharbour.com
Darling Harbour’s Christmas Tree is hitting the water at Cockle Bay this festive season. The floating installation will be the stunning centrepiece in the precinct that is a magical display day and night. On display until December 27, darlingharbour.com
Don’t miss this event that the whole family will have fun at. There’ll be live music and a bunch of festive-themed activities. 6-8pm, December 14, whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Join Diver City, The Quokkas, Whistle & Trick and Soul Empire to sing and dance in the spirit of Sydney Christmas. Santa will also make a special guest appearance. There’ll be craft activities, table tennis and giant Jenga and other games for the kids (and the kids at heart). Pack your picnic rug and get in early for the best spots. 6-8pm, November 30, whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Taking the stage is Diver City, Whistle & Trick, Soulfood Chorus and La Fiesta Sound System to ring in the festive season. Santa will also be there as well as fun activities for the little and big kids, alike. 6-8pm, December 1, whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
