32 Totally Terrific Things To Do In Sydney This Weekend

Summer is officially here and after days of rain and gloom, it’s time to head out and make the most of what the city has to offer. From a new drive-in cinema to epic Christmas markets around the city, there are heaps of cool and exciting events happening around town. Here is our definitive list of all the things you can do to make the most of the first week of Summer this weekend.

1. Check out the Sunset drive-in cinema, perfect for summer nights

Who doesn’t love a drive-in movie? There is an irreplaceable appeal to the whole experience. It’s old-fashioned, nostalgic and heaps of fun. Now that we’re in the middle of summer, the idea of a late movie at the drive-in post sunset is even more delightful. Luckily for us, Sunset Drive-in cinema is hosting some brilliant movies and there’s still some time left to soak in all the outdoor movie magic we’ve missed out on in the last year.

2. Head over to this Christmas market for all your festive needs

We love a good market and we love it even more when its Christmas themed. The Cambridge EQ Ultimate Christmas Market is easily one of our favourites since they’re all about the shop small, shop local philosophy. So you’ll be supporting local businesses and artisans while getting your hands on some seriously unique gifts and delicious treats.

3-10. Make the most of the sun at these 8 stunning Sydney gardens

In just a matter of moments, parks and gardens can transport you away from the hustle and bustle of city life to a place where time lingers, thoughts slow, and nature’s beauty abounds. Whether you go there to look at the flowers and plants, or for a wander along the paths, they are the perfect place to kick back, relax, and take a moment for yourself. What I love about gardens is that they are like stories in the sense that a person has crafted them and given them shape.

With summer finally here, we decided to do a roundup of 8 Sydney gardens that you should head to asap.

11. Go on a Farmgate Experience with these collect and cook adventures

Skip the supermarket and head out to the country to pick up ingredients for your roast dinner with Farmgate Experiences. Meet the growers, farmers and producers of the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious dinner. There’s even wine or cider to collect on your adventure.

12. Maccas has announced its summer menu and it includes two old faves

For the whole month of December, Maccas will be serving some new and seriously delicious menu items. The fast food chain is bringing back the beloved chicken Big Mac after a three-year long hiatus. Also on the Maccas summer menu are onion rings with BBQ sauce and the bacon Big Mac.

13-22. Brave the weather and head out to experience these 10 twinkling light displays around Sydney

We might not have snow, a crackling fireplace or eggnogs but December in sunny Sydney is as magical and contagious a time as anywhere else in the world. Nostalgic carols drone all around, Christmas markets put their best foot forward, restaurants bring out their seasonal fave menus, and strangers actually smile at each other on the street!

One thing Sydney does particularly well are the lights and decorations. The whole city transforms into a magical wonderland with glittering lights and a kaleidoscope of colour as far as the eye can see. If you’re looking to have a memorable time this Christmas, you might want to weave into your day these brilliant Christmas light displays around the city.

23. A super Instagrammable Willy Wonka experience in on at The Rocks

If you have a sweet tooth you’ll remember the Museum of Love by Sugar Republic earlier this year. Complete with confetti showers and gorgeous backdrops, it was a true feast for the eyes — and for the Instagram feed. Now the team behind the exhibit is bringing a glorious, nostalgia-inducing Willy Wonka themed immersive experience to town and it’s the perfect Summer escape.

24. Get into the holiday spirit with this 11-course Christmas degustation 

Is there anything more magical than Christmas? Everything is fresh and exciting, the atmosphere is filled with hopeful anticipation and you get to experience all the nostalgia-filled magic before saying goodbye to the year. Christmas this year is all the more special for Sydneysiders after months of being in lockdown and living in uncertainty. To make this season even more memorable Chef Nelly Robinson of nel. Restaurant  has brought back his incredibly charming and imaginative 11-course Christmas degustation.

25. Get a free coffee in an edible cup thanks to MILKLAB

If you like your caffeine as much as we do, you’ll want to head down to Bondi to fill your cup with FREE coffee thanks to Aussie milk label MILKLAB. MILKLAB oat float — the travelling pop up café will be hitting Sydney streets to get you your free coffee in an environmentally and socially conscious manner.

So much so, that the first 100 coffees will be served in fancy edible cups. Who doesn’t like a caffeine fix and a healthy snack all in one?

26. Let your hair down at this Saturday party and Sunday rooftop shindig

While we’re keen on Blueprint’s four-hour sunset boat cruises, we might be even keener on their 12-hour deep house, disco and techno fiestas at the Kings Cross Hotel. The four-to-the-floor beats and deep basslines will be on heavy rotation thanks to the likes of Blueprint’s current roster including Ben Nott, Cassette, Alex Dowsing, Andy Ef and Emily Harkness.

With the bar fully stocked, the dance tracks selected, and guest DJs every week, the Kings Cross Hotel is going to be heaving from 3pm to 3am. Catch the sunset on the rooftop and then head back down into the red room for more thumping tunes. Dance until you can dance no more.

27. Check out this luminous art installation that has taken over Darling Harbour 

It’s been a long two years and its certainly been a long Winter. But the times they are a-changin’ and to usher in a brighter, more hopeful season, a vivid art installation called Sky Castle is landing in Darling Harbour tomorrow.

From Friday, November 13 until Sunday, December 26, Sky Castle will take over Darling Harbour with its luminous rainbow arches filled with light and colour. Created by art and technology company studio Eness, who have brought many dazzling works of art to the city, the striking arches are free to visit until later this year.

28. Plan a weekend trip to Hunter Valley to experience this epic Christmas lights display 

Since we’re bang in the middle of Summer in December, Christmas always looks a little different down under. Hot weather notwithstanding, Sydney still manages to pull out all the stops for a splendid Christmas with giant Christmas trees, glowing window displays and some truly magnificent light shows.

The countdown to Christmas has officially started and to really get you into the mood for Christmas — Hunter Valley Gardens is back with their magical Christmas Lights Spectacular.

29. Have a fun night out with the girls at Magic Men Live

Magic Men are Australia’s best male dancers and their shows serve up a heart-racing and sweat-inducing spectacle. From the hunky stars in their eye-catching costumes to the gorgeous waiters, who will be serving you a glass of sparkling on arrival and carrying around complimentary finger food for you to bite down on in the case it all gets a bit much, this is one cheeky show that is not for the prudish.

30. Pick up a new skill at this Turkish mosaic lamp workshop 

Turkish mosaic lamps are stunning. Their unique geometric patterns and designs and range of stunning colours and forms make them a superb addition to any space. But while an original lamp handcrafted in Turkey can set you back a pretty penny, Art Masterclass is teaching the ancient mosaic tradition here at its Turkish mosaic lamp workshops here in Sydney.

31. A new rooftop bar has come to town and it offers uninhibited views of the Blue Mountains 

The Lady Banks rooftop bar is bringing some serious chops to the rooftop bar game. Located on the 10th floor at the Flinders Centre, you can expect glittering views of the Sydney skyline, aesthetically pleasing neutral tones and a freestanding fireplace.

32. Want a chill weekend at home? Here’s everything coming to Netflix Australia in December 

There’s a palpable excitement in the air thanks to the holiday cheer and spirit. Although there are heaps of festive events happening around the city, Netflix is still pulling all the stops with its massive December line-up. The highly anticipated season 2 of The Witcher is back this month as is the second season of everyone’s guilty pleasure Emily in Paris. Needless to say, heaps of Christmas themed shows and movies will grace our screens too. Here is everything coming to Netflix Australia this month.