The streets are aglow with holiday lights and the Christmas vibes in the air have put a little spring in our step. With exhibitions, new restaurant openings, festive events, nostalgia-filled art crawls and dazzling musicals, Sydney is ending 2022 with a flourish. The silly season is stocked to the brim with activities for cultural connoisseurs, foodies and music buffs. Here are some exciting things to do this December in Sydney.
1. Get ready to move it, move it with Madagascar the Musical
It’s been an excellent year for theatre in Sydney but the fun isn’t over just yet. The highly anticipated Madagascar the Musical is making its way to the Sydney Coliseum Theatre and it promises to be a wild adventure for the young and old alike. Catch a show from December 16-31.
2. Visit this giant new art gallery
Sydney Modern is an ambitious project by the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the NSW Government and it’s set to be Sydney’s biggest cultural offering in the last 50 years. Some of its many incredible features include a converted WWII naval fuel bunker, a gallery dedicated to time-based art, multiple courtyards, stunning harbour views and more.
3. Have fun at a Carnival-themed long lunch
It’s officially summer which means longer days, shorter nights and lots of outdoor dining to soak up the rays. Aiding in this is YCK Laneways, returning this time with an epic long lunch featuring acrobats, dancers and street performers. Plus you can ride on a Ferris wheel smack in the middle of George Street on Friday, December 2.
4. Show your support for the dynamic Blak Markets
The Blak Markets are switching up their regular Bare Island location to The Rocks on December 3-4. The markets are renowned for highlighting and celebrating the work of First Nation small business owners with 100% of the proceeds going back to Indigenous communities. Shop from 20 indigenous stalls, take part in craft workshops and enjoy traditional entertainment across two days.
5. Get into the holiday spirit with Love Actually in Concert
What’s a better way to usher in the festive season than binging on Christmas classics? This December you can elevate the experience and watch Love Actually with a live orchestra on December 17 at the ICC. The Christmas staple is still super rewatchable and even better with a live orchestra playing the movie’s memorable soundtrack.
6. Rediscover the magic of Christmas with Noël
Noel is a charming new Christmas event taking over the Royal Botanic Garden from December 9-24. Find digital forests, nightly sky shows, light trails, festive markets and more at this extravagant festive event.
7. Put your detective hat on for a murder mystery experience
Murder Mystery in Sydney has added more dates so that true crime enthusiasts can continue to explore the grand and historic Elizabeth Bay House. Get your friends together and search for clues in exquisite rooms, interrogate witnesses in front of gleaming Sydney Harbour views and play games to uncover the truth.
8. Spoil yourself with a luxe glamping experience
Mayfield Garden is back with a cosy glamping experience to help you say goodbye to 2022 in style. Recharge and relax in the glamping tents located by Mayfield’s Obelisk Pond, fitted with several luxury furnishings from December 27-January 26, 2023. It’s also quite the view to wake up to.
9. Get pumped for Rufus Du Sol at the Domain
The only way a dance party at The Domain can be made better is if the band performing is Rufus Du Sol. Dance it out with the Australian band this weekend on December 2.
10. Sing along to Christmas classics with an award-winning vocal group
Soulfood — an award-winning vocal group is bringing popular and traditional holiday music to help you get in a holly jolly mood on December 18. The 50-piece ensemble will fill the main auditorium at Chatswood’s Zenith Theatre with jovial songs that will lift up your spirits in time for Santa Claus.
11. Get your fashion fix at the Carla Zampatti retrospective
Carla Zampatti is one of Australia’s most renowned names in fashion and she’s being honoured with a large-scale exhibition at Powerhouse Ultimo. The exhibition spans over five decades and sheds light on the Italian-born designer’s illustrious career starting from the establishment of her business in 1965 to her most recent work. It’s also completely free to visit.
12. Take your shot at the Pixar Putt mini golf experience
The beloved mini-golf sensation, Pixar Putt, is coming back to Sydney for the summer holidays. This open-air experience is made up of interactive putt-putt holes, inspired by the stories and characters from some of Pixar’s most iconic films. Pixar Putt will take over Darling Harbour from December 16 to February 5.
13. Enjoy a multisensory event by Australian Geographic
Australian Geographic: Our Country is an immersive, multi-sensory experience that uses large format multi-screens to take the audience into the very heart of Australia’s vast wilderness. It’s on now at the Sydney Exhibition Center.
14. Pick up one-of-a-kind art at The Other Art Fair
The Other Art Fair is a one-stop shop for art lovers with interactive exhibitions, stunning installations, DJ sets, food and drink trucks and late-night art sessions. It’s back this month with over 100 artists exhibiting their works at The Cutaway, Barangaroo.
15. Wind down with a traditional tea ceremony
Drink various exotic teas and learn all about them at this intricate and tailored tea ceremony by Altitude Teas. An excellent way to unwind and unplug from your daily worries, this ceremony features over 30 rare and exotic tea samples for you to try.
16. Fill your bags at the Twilight Christmas Market
Carriageworks’ popular Christmas market is returning for one day of food, produce and artisanal gifts. The markets are a huge celebration of all things local and you’re likely to find all your Christmas needs under one roof at this giant shopping event.
SEE ALSO: 12 Splendid Christmas Markets In Sydney To Visit In 2022
17. Have yourself a Merry little Christmas with Mimmynvovo
At this exclusive photo studio, you’ll find multiple rooms and props to pose with. But for Christmas, they’re switching things up and transforming four rooms into a selfie heaven. From a winter wonderland concept to selfies with Santa, this is the place to go to for the perfect festive picture.
18. Dig out your beret for this fancy French market
The team behind the Bastille Festival is bringing a fresh new market to town and it comes with snow flurries, dreamy jazz music, authentic wood huts and all the French food and vibes. Plus there’s jewellery, toys, distillery, Christmas snow globes, clothing, organic tea, and French gourmet goods. Find it in front of Customs House from December 16-21.
19-29. Be dazzled by a Candlelight Concert
Watch Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight concerts and get lost in a number of familiar tunes this December. Grab tickets to tribute shows to Taylor Swift, Radiohead and more. There’s also a special Christmas edition to get into the spirit of the season.
🕯️Candlelight: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake & More ft. Ballet at The Concourse
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons St. Stephen’s Uniting Church
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift at the SMC
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Radiohead on Strings at The Eveleigh by The Grounds
🕯️Candlelight Open-Air: Fantasy Film Scores at The Calyx
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Adele at The SMC
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen at The Eveleigh by The Grounds
🕯️Candlelight Open Air Holiday Special: A Night of Christmas Classics
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi at St. Stephens Uniting Church
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at The Grand Lodge, SMC
30. See a magical concert at The Great Synagogue
There are few buildings at stunning at The Great Synagogue. Sydneysiders can now enjoy live concerts within this historical institution on Wednesday, December 7.
🎷Live at the Great: Klezmer, Cantors and Chutzpah
31. Visit the most famous Christmas tree in NSW
The Martin Place Christmas tree is back and shining brighter than ever before. Sydney’s most popular Christmas tree and the largest tree in all of NSW is covered from top to bottom in hundreds and thousands of LEDs, a giant colour-changing star and over 300 baubles. The trees’ branches are adorned by a staggering 15,000 flowers representing 9 different kinds of Australian flowers.
SEE ALSO: 9 Of The Prettiest Christmas Trees To See In Sydney This Year
32. Watch these performers sing before they make it big
A New-York style Broadway diner has come to town with singing waitstaff, huge neon signs, burgers, shakes and live performances each night. The offering comes to town courtesy of the team behind Karen’s Diner so you know you’re in for a good time.
33. Get your disco pants on for this funky new restaurant
Kissuu is a new Japanese restaurant that is bringing disco vibes to Oxford Street. The multi-level venue is combining Japanese cuisine, quirky cocktails and endless dance parties for a fun night out. The restaurant will feature a rotation of local DJs, flavourful Japanese bites and all the good vibes.
34. Spread the cheer with Tokyo Lamington’s Christmas gift boxes
Tokyo Lamington is bringing a festive twist to its popular menu offerings. For Christmas, you can expect delicious fruit mince tarts but with a hit of Ume along with festive gift boxes and rich Japanese Nama Chocolate by Mamé Cocoa.
35. Be amazed by a spectacular Christmas show
The State Theatre’s Christmas spectacular will combine music, circus, dance and magic for a uniquely fun evening for all age groups. Titled Christmas Spectacular – a Magical Wonderland, the Sydney-exclusive event will be on for two days only on December 22 and 23 at the State Theatre.
36. Pretend You’re at ‘The White Lotus’ at this new Italian cafe
La Bottega is a sunny new cafe in Leichhardt serving up some serious Italian coast vibes. Aside from a delicious menu featuring classic Italian fare and drinks, they also have a pup-a-licious menu exclusively for pups.
SEE ALSO: 21 Of Sydney’s Most Instagrammable Cafés You Just Have To Visit
37. Get delighted by the Hunter Valley Christmas lights
Get whisked away to a magical place with over 3 million dazzling lights on display at the Hunter Valley Christmas Spectacular. The most stunning holiday display in the Southern Hemisphere comes with a light sequence set to music, a massive bauble tree, Santa’s Cave — along with Santa and his little helpers making for some festive photo opportunities. You can see the lights until January 2023.
38. Say goodbye to Frankie’s Pizza with an epic party
Although we knew the day was coming, it’s still pretty sad to see one of Sydney’s most iconic late-night institutions shut its doors to make way for a new metro line. But because it’s Frankie’s, they’re not going out quietly. They’ve planned a series of late-night gigs with some of the best local talent and everyone’s invited to partake.
39. Get your fill of brews and burgers at BrewDog’s first Sydney venue
In more good news for both the hospitality industry and Sydney foodies, Scottish- born brand BrewDog is set to open its very first Sydney outpost this December. The huge new venue will accommodate 720 patrons inside and 190 outside. It also boasts an expansive indoor dining space, bar, and vast communal beer garden.
40. Get your pinkies up for a Christmas-themed high tea
Loftus Lane is giving its popular Ferris wheel tea a Christmas-themed spin with cheery Christmas treats stacked three tiers high with fun, festive drinks to match.
41. Watch your favourite Christmas movies under the stars
The Rock’s super charming outdoor cinema needs no introduction. The free for all cinema hosts weekly movie nights at the beautiful cobblestone laneway of Atherden Street. This December they’re screening Elf, Love Actually and more Christmas staples.
SEE ALSO: The Rocks Is Getting A Glittery Christmas Village Decked With Holiday Lights And Giant Snow Globes
42-52. Get dazzled by all the Christmas light displays
Some truly magnificent Christmas lights have taken over the city. From hotels and establishments to homes, churches, streets and shops, Sydney is drenched in glowing lights and colour for Christmas. These are the must-visit spots to see Christmas lights in Sydney.
✨Martin Place Christmas Tree
✨Canopy of Light, Pitt Street
✨Queen Victoria Building, Town Hall
✨Darling Harbour
✨The Golden Tunnel, Darling Square
✨Christmas Lights Spectacular, Hunter Valley Gardens
✨The Rocks
✨Hillsong, Norwest
✨The Grounds
✨Noel
✨Macarthur Square
53. See the wonderful Cinderella musical
The long-awaited Tony Award-winning Broadway production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella has opened at the Sydney Lyric Theatre and it’s an absolute blast. Expect stunning sets and costumes and excellent performances by leads Shubshri Kandiah and Ainsley Melham. Watch it until January 29, 2023.
54. Enjoy dinner and a show at The Magician’s Cabaret
The Magician’s Cabaret is super popular for its extravagant shows and excellent dinners. There’s no other show in Sydney quite like The Underground Burlesque Experience or La Belle Rose—Sydney’s longest-running cabaret show. Grab your tickets before they sell out.
55. Explore Australia’s oldest museum
The Australian Museum is back and bigger than ever before. Currently, visitors to the Australian Museum can find on display an exhibition that dives to the depths of the ocean and back in time to bring us a hands-on, family-friendly exhibition titled Sharks.
56. See the ballet production of Romeo and Juliet
Experience the timeless classic Romeo and Juliet with a fresh new production from December 1-21. John Cranko’s version of Shakespeare’s heartbreaking love story features emotionally charged performance by the Australian Ballet under Artistic Director, David Hallberg.
57. Give your Instagram a boost at this huge Gucci exhibition
The Gucci Garden Archetypes exhibition has finally made its Australian premiere at Powerhouse Ultimo. Filled with colourful themed spaces, an infinity room filled with Gucci bags, a groovy dance party and intricate world-building of Gucci campaigns, it’s a must-see.
58. Take a trip to the 90s with the Unpopular exhibition
‘Unpopular’ is the latest offering by Powerhouse and it’s a must-visit for music lovers. The exhibition spotlights the never-before-seen archive of music mogul Stephen Pavlovic with behind-the-scenes footage of brands like Nirvana and Beastie Boys.
59. Have a cheeky night out with Magic Men Australia
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, this is one live show that is not for the prudish.
60. Head to Cockatoo Island for a riveting production of Carmen
Opera Australia’s ambitious production of Bizet’s Carmen has arrived at Cockatoo Island. Visitors will get the unique chance to enjoy world-celebrated opera under the stars, surrounded by picturesque harbour views. It’s all happening this December at Eastern Apron and Bolt Wharf.
SEE ALSO: A Vibrant Christmas Festival With Food, Floating Baubles And Fireworks Is Coming To Darling Harbour
61. Embrace being a kid again at Holey Moley Penrith
New Holey Moley and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq venues have arrived in Penrith. The ‘kidult’ quarter comes with bars, arcade games, six bowling lanes and golfing so gear up for some terrific summertime fun.
62. Explore the Blue Mountains with an astrophysicist
Walking through the Blue Mountains never gets old. On this guided tour, you’ll be accompanied by an astrophysicist who will answer all your questions. Get all the details plus tickets .
63. Experience luxury and magic at this magic show
A Magical Soirée, by Bruce Glen combines fantastic stories with fascinating magic tricks to leave audiences in awe and wonder inside a heritage building. Grab your tickets here.
64. Shop at a new gourmet produce market
Cambridge Markets is back with a new offering, this time bang in the middle of the CBD in front of Customs House. Get your hands on fresh food, vegetables, meats, pasta, cakes and a whole lot more on December 7.
65. Don’t miss the electric Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Enter a world of glamour, glitz and extravagance with Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Currently playing at the Capitol Theatre, this is one of the longest-running musical offerings of the year.
66. Bury the hatchet at Lumber Punks
Each axe-throwing session at Lumber Punks begins with a brief safety induction and training on how to best throw the SOG Tomahawks before you get to have a go yourself. Once you’ve got the hang of things and then you’ll move on up to the large Estwing Camp Axes and get a chance to blow off some steam.
67. Enjoy an alfresco movie night with Moonlight Cinema
Moonlight Cinema is one of the most exciting outdoor events of the year and it’s back in town for its summer season. Christmas enthusiasts will find heaps of holiday classics to fuel their excitement for the season with the December line-up. On the list is How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Holiday, Die Hard and Elf. Check out their website for more.
68. Grab plant-based goodies at the Sydney Vegan Market
The Sydney Vegan Market will be back on December 18 for a day of vegan treats, yoga, music and more. In its final edition of the year, the market is going big with lots of fun events lined up. Find them at the Sydney Olympic Park from 9am to 4pm.
69. Enjoy a staycation at West Hotel’s Christmas-themed rooms
West Hotel Sydney is getting into the Christmas spirit and launching two cheery Christmas-themed rooms. Find floor-to-ceiling candy cane striped wallpaper, life-size nutcrackers, giant candle bedside laps, tinsels and heaps more for all the festive feels.
70. Dive into an Italian feast at Calita’s 2-day pop-up
Italian Chefs, Stefano Marano and Andrea Sonnante are taking over Bondi’s Mexican restaurant Calita for a pop-up dining experience on Wednesday, December 7 and 14. Menu offerings include the Slipper Lobster Ravioli, Beef Tongue Taco, Oxheart Tomato Salad and creative cocktails. Snag a spot via Calita’s website.
71. Sing along to feel-good favorites with Michael Bublé
Celebrate the season of joy with the King of Christmas himself at the Qudos Bank Arena. Multi-Platinum-selling star Michael Buble is heading down under for a six-city tour this December. Mark your calendars for December 14. Tickets are still available.