Sydney is packed with festive cheer already, from dazzling holiday light displays to charming Christmas markets. For an extra dose of Yuletide magic, don’t miss a trip to one of Sydney’s top shopping centres that are bringing the Christmas cheer in full force this season. From millions of twinkly lights to delightfully decorated windows and trees, if you’re scouring for sparkling places to add to your list, check out these festive shopping centres with Christmas lights in Sydney.
1. The Strand Arcade
The Strand Arcade always gives me a sense of nostalgia, especially when it’s decked out in Christmas lights. Offering a mix of old-world charm, twinkling lights, boutique shops, and a generally cosy ambience, the heritage-listed, Victorian-style retail arcade feels like a hidden gem, even in the middle of all the holiday chaos. This is one of the most beautifully-lit shopping centres in Sydney to get all your shopping done under one roof. See what’s on this Christmas here.
📍412-414 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
2. Westfield Sydney Central
Westfield Sydney is home to 150 shining, shimmering, splendid Christmas trees, covered in half a million LED lights and inspired by the Eucalyptus or the Christmas Gum. It’s a visual feast decked out in lights and a prime spot for your holiday photos. And there’s more — check out the 3D Matrix light display near Zara, the sparkling Christmas forest leading down the Grand Staircase to the Food Court, and the glowing green pillars at the Market Street entrance with a cheeky sign. Find opening hours and more information here.
📍Cnr Pitt St Mall and, Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
3. The Queen Victoria Building
Despite being one of the busiest shopping spots in town, the QVB offers plenty of hidden nooks and cosy corners to explore. Its historic architecture combined with festive decorations makes it an incredibly charming shopping spot during Christmas. The heritage-listed, 19th-century building is also home to the largest indoor Christmas trees in NSW and it’s a brilliant sight. Visitors can also enjoy carol singing, and festive events like High Tea with Santa. Check out their full Christmas program here.
📍455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
4. David Jones, Elizabeth Street
A trip to the David Jones flagship in the CBD is incomplete without checking out the Christmas window display. The windows along Elizabeth Street display a festive wonderland, with creative and whimsical scenes featuring puppets and moving figures each year. This year’s display celebrates the beloved Australian children’s book A Very Wombat Christmas by Lachlan Creagh. Don’t forget to reserve a spot for Santa’s Workshop of Wonder, another colourful experience at the store this Christmas. Find their Christmas catalogue here.
📍86/108 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000
5. Market City
Market City Shopping Centre has transformed for Christmas into a super sweet Candyland with giant lollipops, candy canes and seasonal treats at every turn. Plus, explore an interactive light forest to walk through, let the kids get creative in the craft zone and find plenty of Instagram-worthy spots throughout the centre. Find more info and opening hours here.
📍9-13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000