Christmas is just around the corner and Sydney is gearing up for a delightful festive takeover. From holiday light spectaculars to colourful markets and festive Candlelight concerts, there is no better time to be in Sydney than Christmas. Whether you’re looking to shop for artisanal goods or take in the city’s most beautifully lit-up neighbourhoods, Sydney offers a truly wonderful time during the holiday season. Fill your days and nights with joy and sparkle and check out our guide to the best things to do in Sydney for Christmas 2024.
1. Grab one-of-a-kind gifts at these festive markets
Sydney boasts a variety of vibrant Christmas markets, each offering unique finds and holiday cheer in abundance. It’s no surprise, then, that the city has been named the top Christmas market destination for 2024. Get your fill of festive treats, baked goods, giftware, seasonal produce, and a lot more at the following markets.
🛍️ Le Jolly Market
🛍️ Martin Place Christmas Market
🛍️ Summer Night Markets
🛍️ Good Food and Wine Christmas Market
🛍️ The Finders Keepers
🛍️ The Rocks December Market
🛍️ Sydney Fish Market 36-Hour Seafood Marathon
Find the full list here.
2. Be mesmerised by Christmas at the Cathedral
Christmas in Sydney is incomplete without a trip to St Mary’s Cathedral. The light display at the Cathedral is back this year with beautiful light shows and projections telling the story of Christmas. Visitors can also look forward to food stalls, markets, Christmas trees, and live entertainment. The event will be held from December 12-25 from 5.30pm until 10.30pm.
3. Discover a Christmas wonderland at The Rocks
The Rocks may be small in size, but it’s big on festive charm. Head to the neighbourhood’s delightful Christmas village and spot replicas of iconic local spots around the area. The historic neighborhood is buzzing with a range of celebrations as part of this year’s “Homegrown Christmas” program, showcasing the best of The Rocks during the holiday season. Some key events to look out for include:
🎥 Free Christmas movies at Laneway Cinema — Every Wednesday at 7pm.
🎀 The Rocks Market, Christmas Edition
4. Experience a Christmas Candlelight Concert
Candlelight is back this time for a festive edition. Enjoy your favourite Christmas classics surrounded by candlelight this December. From timeless classics to Christmas movie soundtracks, get treated to beloved Christmas songs and carols at a dreamy concert by Candlelight.
Candlelight Holiday Special: A Night of Christmas Classics
Candlelight Christmas Special: A Night of Christmas Classics
5. Hit the road for this spectacular light display
The Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens is a holiday essential and for good reason. In the 14 hectares of garden space, visitors will find a stunning light show filled with Christmas trees, rides, holiday treats and so much more. The beloved event is on until late January 2024. Don’t miss out. Get more information here.
6. Shop at a magical French Christmas Village
Le Jolly Market is back just in time for Christmas. Guests can look forward to a delightful French-inspired experience that includes cosy wood huts, jazz music, indulgent cheesy treats, fresh oysters, and shopping from December 13 to 22. The evening gets even more magical at 7pm each night with Christmas jazz music and falling snow around a towering Christmas tree. Get the details.
7. Don’t miss Elf at the Sydney Opera House
Elf: The Musical is making its Australian debut in a special presentation at the Concert Hall from December 19 to 29. This festive stage adaptation brings a fresh musical spin to the beloved Christmas classic, featuring a talented cast of 16 performers and a live band of 15. Tickets for this joyful, high-energy festive celebration are now on sale, get yours here.
8. Admire NSW’s most famous Christmas tree
The tallest Christmas tree in NSW is once again enchanting visitors from Thursday, November 28 to Friday, January 3. This magnificent tree is adorned with 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4-meter star, and over 300 custom-designed festive baubles. Its 800 branches are beautifully decorated with 15,000 flowers, showcasing nine iconic Australian species, including banksia, waratah, flannel flower, and more and it’s a true Sydney icon.
9. Sing along at Woolworths’ Carols in the Domain
Sydney holiday favourite Woolworths’ Carols in the Domain is returning this year with heaps of festive fun and cheerful carols on the cards. Join in on the fun on Saturday, December 21. This is also their 42nd anniversary so celebrations will be huge with a host of Aussie talent taking to the stage including The Wiggles, Samantha Jade, Hugh Sheridan, and more.
10. Check out Darling Square’s Christmas activation
Darling Square’s famous light tunnel will be back for Christmas transforming the precinct into a magical wonderland and a go-to spot for Instagram enthusiasts. Plus, groove to live DJ sets featuring crowd favorites and top hits on Saturdays — December 7, 14, and 21. Many crowd-favourite eateries in the area will also be dishing out festive eats including Auvers, Messina Gelato, Toastie Smith and Wingboy.
11. Watch Love Actually in concert
With December around the corner, it’s time for our annual rewatch of Love Actually. This year, you can level up your movie night by experiencing Love Actually in Concert — complete with a live orchestra performing the iconic soundtrack as the film plays on the big screen. Catch the show at the ICC, on December 21 with two screenings at 3.30pm and 8pm. Tickets are on sale now.
12. Celebrate Christmas at Sydney Zoo
Each year, Sydney Zoo brings wholesome family fun to town with their much-loved Christmas event. Guests will be treated to a craft zone, sparkling lights, thrilling rides, festive treats, and photos with Santa. Visitors also enjoy access to the zoo to see animals up close. The Christmas Spectacular will run from December 7 to 24, book your tickets on the website.
13. See these stunning neighbourhood light displays
From Bondi to Castle Hill, Sydney is currently decked out with some incredible light displays for the holiday season. Explore streets filled with giant inflatables, dazzling snow, and smoke shows, stunning projections, and more, as some of the city’s brightest neighbourhoods come alive for the festive season.
14. Join the festivities at the QVB
The Queen Victoria Building is gearing up to celebrate Christmas in style with a series of festive events and stunning displays. Expect carol performances, light installations, a traditional high tea with Santa at the Tea Room QVB, and more. The historic building is also home to Australia’s largest indoor Christmas tree, inspired by the legendary Wollemi Pine. See the full program here.
15. Book a Christmas-themed high tea
Loftus Lane’s super festive Christmas-themed high tea is back for 2024. Served on a Ferris wheel, this joyful offering is packed with sweet and savoury treats with options to upgrade to a cocktail high tea. You can make a booking from Monday to Friday, 6.30am to 3pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 3pm. Head here to secure a spot.