Christmas in Sydney is a magical time of the year. What the city lacks in snow and cosy vibes, it makes up for with festive markets, candlelit concerts and holiday treats. One of the best parts of the holiday season is seeing the city come alive with millions of twinkling lights. With Christmas around the corner, the lights are about to switch on very soon, taking the festive vibes to a whole new level. Get in the spirit of the season and check out these magical Christmas light displays in Sydney.
1. Martin Place Christmas Tree
The Martin Place Christmas Tree stands tall in the heart of Sydney CBD, decked out with a dazzling array of lights and baubles. As the tallest Christmas tree in NSW, it’s a true showstopper, featuring 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4-meter colour-changing star, and 330 glossy baubles. Each year, thousands gather to capture the perfect Christmas shot, as the tree shines brightly at night from 8pm to 1am. Don’t miss your chance to see this beloved Sydney icon — on display from November 28 to January 3, 2025. Get more info here.
2. Canopy of Light, Pitt Street
A stroll along Pitt Street is a must during Christmas, not only for some of the best shopping in town but also for its breathtaking light display right in the heart of Sydney. Thousands of twinkling lights adorn the entire stretch of Pitt Street in this stunning light display. See it every evening from November 28 to January 1, 2024, 8pm to 1am. Get more info about the dreamy Canopy of Light.
3. Christmas at the Cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral
St Mary’s Cathedral is a classic Sydney Christmas tradition, famous for its beautiful light displays and stunning visual effects that illuminate the church each year. The magical lights are complemented by a talented Christmas choir that delights visitors with nostalgic carols during the holiday season. You can see the lovely display from December 12 to 25, 5.30pm to 10.30pm daily.
4. Queen Victoria Building, Sydney CBD
The Queen Victoria Building is a must-visit all year round but it’s especially lovely during Christmas, offering a mix of festive lights and shopping all under one roof. Home to Australia’s largest indoor Christmas tree, the QVB transforms each year with immersive soundscapes and enchanting light shows, making it an excellent stop on your Sydney Christmas lights trail. Read all about it here.
5. The Grounds of Alexandria
A visit to The Grounds is a treat year-round, but it’s especially magical at Christmas. This year, they’re embracing a whimsical Sugarplum Christmas Wonderland theme, with everything decked out in pink along with twinkling lights, festive eats, and more. The enchanting display is now open to dining customers and will be on show throughout the holiday season. Make a booking here.
6. Darling Harbour
While Darling Harbour has yet to announce its official Christmas program, the popular waterside precinct is known for its jam-packed lineup of holiday activities. In previous years, visitors have enjoyed everything from a festive harbour village and lively dance-offs to mini golf and delicious holiday treats. Christmas light lovers can look forward to giant baubles, weekly fireworks, and much more throughout the season. Get all the details here.
7. The Golden Tunnel, Darling Square
Darling Square is embracing the holiday season with festive eats and dazzling light displays from November 15 – January 20, 2025. This year, their Instagram-worthy golden tunnel of fairy lights, stretching along The Exchange Building, will once again light up the precinct. To top it off, local favourites like Gelato Messina, Auvers, and other cafés will be serving up delicious festive treats and more making this an ideal place to get into the holiday spirit. Get more info here.
8. Christmas Lights Spectacular, Hunter Valley Gardens
Despite being a 2.5-hour drive from the city the Hunter Valley Christmas Light Spectacular has become a beloved holiday tradition for Sydneysiders. Spanning 14 hectares of gardens and featuring over 4 million twinkling lights, this spectacular display is truly a must-see. As the Southern Hemisphere’s largest light display, it offers plenty of picture-perfect moments, including a towering bauble tree, Santa’s Cave, fireworks, carnival rides, and much more until January 2025. Read more here.
9. The Rocks
Christmas at The Rocks is a celebration of pretty lights, holiday-themed markets, heaps of festive dining options and stunning harbour views. Plan a trip expecting joyful holiday music, glittering fairy and festoon lights and glowing Christmas trees from November 15 to December 25. The Rocks’ Market is also a fail-safe option for all your holiday shopping.
10. Hillsong, Norwest
Hillsong goes all out with its gorgeous Christmas light displays. Their glittering Christmas installations include a tunnel of fairy lights, giant trees and reindeer decked out in lights. It’s a beautiful festive sight; even the Grinch would melt. Just be prepared for crowds, as it’s a favourite spot amongst Instagrammers and families. The lights typically make their debut in early December.
11. Candlelight concerts
If you’re not interested in battling the crowds to see the lights, consider spending an evening at one of Sydney’s charming Candlelight concerts. The multisensory musical concerts take place in some of Sydney’s most IG-worthy places, surrounded by candles. There are two sublime Christmas-themed Candlelight concerts taking place this year: Candlelight Holiday Special: A Night of Christmas Classics and
Candlelight Christmas Special: A Night of Christmas Classics.
12. The Strand Arcade
The best thing about shopping at The Strand during Christmas is all the beautiful lights that make the place extra magical. The old-world, Victorian-style shopping centre puts on a festive display that pays tribute to native Australian flora. Admire a native flower installation hanging from the ceiling, featuring red budding flowers, a four-by-four meter gumnut sculpture adorned with golden baubles and twinkling lights, and over 27,500 individual lights sparkling throughout the centre.
13. Woolworths at Town Hall
Catch a glimpse of the twinkling LED light curtain on the Woolworths building at Town Hall, located at the corner of George and Druitt Streets. With over 90,000 lights, this light curtain is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and a lovely sight. It will be on display every night from 7.30pm.
14. Barangaroo
Snap a festive photo at the Barangaroo Bells — three huge interactive Christmas bells with swings, near the waterfront and Watermans Cove, plus enjoy a charming trail of mini native Christmas trees, along with carols, outdoor movies, holiday treats, and plenty of other fun activities.
15. Macarthur Square
The light displays at Macarthur Square are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Even better — the centre extends its trading hours this time of year to let you bask in the warm glow of the lights just a tad bit longer. Find more information here.