Warmer weather and festive vibes are upon us and Sydney is ready to put on a show with dazzling light displays, outdoor adventures, and holiday cheer. As November rolls in, the city will host vibrant street parties, captivating art exhibitions, immersive dining experiences, and the first signs of Christmas festivities. Highlights include a fascinating Machu Pichu exhibition, exclusive Magritte retrospective at the AGNSW, the return of outdoor cinemas like Mov’In Bed, and the twinkling Martin Place Christmas Markets. Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, or music buff, this is the perfect month to be out and about in Sydney. Get in the spirit of the season with all the brilliant events and experiences the city has to offer. Here are some of the best things happening in Sydney this month.
1. Shop at the Martin Place Christmas Markets
The festive season is kicking off in style with the return of the popular Martin Place Christmas Markets. Shop for Christmas goods, toys, accessories, clothes and feast on festive treats this November and December. The markets will be held from Thursday to Sunday on November 28, 39, 30, and December 1 from 11am to 9pm and then on December 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21 from 11am to 9pm. Get more info here.
2. See a surreal Magritte exhibition
René Magritte produced some of the most iconic artworks of the 20th-century surrealist movement, unveiling the mystery and poetry in everyday objects and scenes. The exhibition “Magritte” is set to open on October 26 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales with over 100 exemplary artworks in what will be the first-ever retrospective in Australia. Book your tickets here.
3. Go on a trip to Machu Picchu
Sydney is gearing up for an exciting exhibition that will transport you to the ancient landscapes of Peru. Opening in November at the Australian Museum, the “Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru” exhibition will immerse you in the fascinating history of ancient Peru with artefacts, amazing gold collections, VR experiences, and more. Get your tickets.
4. Catch a free movie at The Rocks’ outdoor cinema
The Rocks’ Laneway Cinema has returned for its spring-summer season with a host of exciting, and free, movie screenings for all. Expect bean bags, deck chairs, and titles like Spirited Away and Chicken Run this November. Read all about it here.
5. Enjoy the last of Sculpture by the Sea
Sydney’s iconic Sculpture by the Sea exhibition wraps up its 2024 edition on November 4. There are over 100 impressive artworks to discover along the 2km Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk. Don’t miss out. Get more details about Sculpture by the Sea.
6. Get tickets for the Mov’in Bed Beach Cinema
Sydney’s beach cinema is returning just in time for summer. 160 queen and king-sized beds will take over Barangaroo’s Harbour Park which is set to transform into a beach for this outdoor cinema offering. Screenings include Gladiator II and The Joker: Folie à Deux among others. Mov’in Bed kicks off on November 29 and will run until March 2025. Find the details here.
7. See the roar-some Dinos Alive exhibition
Can’t get enough of Dinosaurs? You’re in luck because Dinos Alive is delighting Sydneysiders with giant animated replicas of these majestic creatures. See the T-rex, Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Velociraptors, and many more up close in this interactive experience perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Get your tickets.
8. Make a splash in this free pontoon pool
Pier One is set to kick off summer in style with a chic new pontoon pool right next to the Pier Bar, and the best part? Entry is completely free. Enjoy refreshing dips, stunning harbour views, and a vibrant atmosphere as you soak up the sun and relax with friends. Make a booking for your group here.
9. Enjoy all the street food at a new night market
The Burwood Chinatown team has brought its buzzy neon lights and lively atmosphere to Sydney’s inner west with a brand new food market. Spicetown Leichhardt is now open and features 20 food vendors and a bar, and it’s open late into the night. Read all about it here.
10. Head to the Horizon of Khufu experience
This fascinating VR experience promises to transport visitors to Ancient Egypt. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, you can step back in time and relive the reign of King Khufu, see giant pyramids up close, and learn more about the golden age of Egypt. The interactive experience will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park throughout November. Get your tickets.
11. Get spooked at Ghost in the Rocks
The Rocks is set to host a brand new Halloween event and it promises to be a hoot with street parades, zombie discos, spooky markets, and a whole lot of fun across 4 days. It’s being touted as Australia’s first Halloween festival and the event will be held from October 31 to November 3, get your tickets here.
12. Step into a rainforest right here in Sydney
Alchemy of a Rainforest is an exciting new experience at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney that allows you to immerse yourself in a vibrant rainforest atmosphere without leaving the CBD. See beautiful sculptures, leafy canopies, and one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere throughout October. Read more here.
13. Get tickets for a dazzling ballet show
A sparkling light and dance show is coming to Sydney inviting guests to experience the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty in a brand new light. Set to take over the Seymour Centre, the luminous show blends modern technology with classical ballet and it’s a feast for the eyes. Get your tickets.
14. Glam up for Six the Musical
Six the Musical has returned to Theatre Royal Sydney after a successful run in 2022. Featuring an original story by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the musical tells the story of the six wives of Henry VIII in the style of a fun pop concert. Tickets to the energetic and fun musical are now on sale; get them here.
15. Fill your bags at the Finders Keepers Market
The Finders Keepers Sydney Design Market returns this November, showcasing Australia’s top designers and makers at Carriageworks. Enjoy live music by local DJs, indulge in delicious food, sip from various bars at the market and get ahead of your Christmas shopping at this 3-day event from November 15-17. Find more information here.
16. Be dazzled by a Candlelight Concert
Attend one of Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight concerts and get lost in a number of familiar tunes this November. Tickets are available to tribute shows to Taylor Swift, Joe Hisaishi, Queen and more.
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works & More
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
🕯️Candlelight: Best of 80’s
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Punjabi Hits
🕯️Candlelight: Rings & Dragons
17. Hop aboard the Titanique for a musical experience like no other
It’s one of the world’s greatest love stories, but a whole lot more slay. Titanique recharts the story we know and love, putting global icon Celine Dion and her greatest hits at the very centre. This hysterical, uplifting show was a mega hit in New York, and has now set sail in Sydney. Titanique is now playing at The Grand Electric for a limited season. Swim, don’t walk to get your tiquets!
18. Fill your bags at the Cronulla Christmas market
The Cronulla Christmas markets will be back on November 16 and 17 with a variety of Christmas goods, gifts and homewares, fashion and more along with a hot food experience right outside the beach. Get more information here.
19. Get ready for Eurovision on tour
Are you a Eurovision superfan? For the first time since its debut in 1956, the iconic Eurovision Song Contest is hitting the road. Enjoy live performances from 18 legendary Eurovision artists in this unforgettable experience. Catch it in Sydney at the Enmore Theatre on Sunday, November 17. Get your tickets here.
20. Enjoy live music in a heritage-listed building
Simon Tedeschi is back at the Great with a captivating lineup of timeless jazz standards, featuring excellent Australian artists. Enjoy an evening of classical music at one of Sydney’s most beautiful buildings. Get your tickets.
21. Amplify your taste buds with Dining in the Dark
Have you ever had dinner blindfolded? At the unique Dining in the Dark experience, you can look forward to a delicious 3-course menu at the Italian restaurant Capriccio Osteria, and Surry Hills restaurant and bar, Beast & Co in complete darkness.
22. Go hunting for ghosts at the Royal Botanic Garden
Have you ever been to the Royal Botanic Garden after hours? Now’s your chance. At their Ghostly Garden tour, you’ll get the chance to discover grottos and corners of the garden ponds and hear creepy stories from the past. Grab your tickets for garden tours on November 1, 15 and 29 here.
24. Go hunting for Jacaranda in Sydney
Jacaranda season is here and there’s only a short window of opportunity this November to enjoy the lilac blooms. Check them out at some of our favourite locations around Sydney including:
💜 Kirribilli
💜 Lavendar Bay
💜 Royal Botanic Garden
💜 The University of Sydney
💜 Circular Quay
25. Head to the Chinatown Night Markets
Chinatown’s popular Friday Night Markets are one of the best spots to get your late-night shopping done with local designers and vendors setting up shop and a number of street food stalls. They take place every Friday from 4pm to 11pm. Get more info here.
26. Check out this Christmas Lights Spectacular
Drive out of town for an amazing Christmas light display in the Hunter Valley Gardens. Over 4 million lights will be on display throughout the festive season from November 1 to January 26, 2025. Get your tickets.
27. Catch Hamilton at the Sydney Lyric Theatre
Hamilton is running in Sydney for a limited time, and you can see it at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until the end of this year. Set to a score that combines hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway the Olivier and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is a revolutionary story that you can’t afford to miss. Get your tickets here.
28. Have a fun day out with Sydney Streets
Sydney Streets is back and encouraging people to get out and about with a program of food, music, live entertainment and more. The event will take over the neighbourhoods of Surry Hills, Pyrmont, Darlinghurst, Redfern, Haymarket, Glebe and Potts Point for free one-day-only celebrations. Learn more here.
29. Slay Christmas at a fabulous seasonal drag show
For the very first time, some of the biggest names in drag are coming to Australia for a one-off Christmas spectacular. The Slay Belles 2024 tour will welcome the likes of Alyssa Edwards, Kitty Scott Claus, Tessa Testicle and a host of local and international queens take the stage for an evening of glitz, glamour and incredible performances. The Sydney show takes place at The Roundhouse on 16 November – get your tickets here.
30. Take a family tour at the Sydney Observatory
Sydney Observatory is organising family tours throughout the month of November where kids and adults can learn more about flag signalling, weather measurement and the fascinating scientific history of Sydney Cove’s highest natural point before heading inside the Observatory building. Book your spots here.