Sydney loves to party and what better excuse than Christmas? The city is blanketed with festive decorations, including giant Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and colorful floral displays, and there are numerous events at which to get in the festive mood.
Sing to your heart’s content, listen to a choir, shop until you drop, sample festive foods, or avoid it altogether, pack your bathers and head for the beach, for the beauty of Christmas in Sydney is the glorious weather!
Christmas at Luna Park: Luna Park is a historic amusement park in Sydney that has been transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights, rides, and entertainment. It typically opens during the Christmas season starting in early December, with various events happening until early January. Keep an eye on their official website for precise dates and times.
Christmas lights at the Royal Botanic Garden: The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful places in Sydney, and it is even more spectacular at Christmas time. The garden is decorated with thousands of Christmas lights, and there are some special events held throughout the season.
Christmas markets: Various Christmas markets will pop up across Sydney from late November to December. These markets are great for holiday shopping, food, and festive activities. Specific dates and locations will be announced closer to the holiday season.
Christmas carols at Circular Quay: Christmas caroling at Circular Quay happens throughout December. You can expect a range of performances from different groups, with more specific times to be confirmed as the season approaches.
Blak Markets Christmas Festival at The Rocks: This festival will be held on Saturday, December 16, and Sunday, December 17, 2024, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Tallawoladah Lawn in The Rocks (Gadigal Country). Entry is free.
Blak Markets Christmas Festival at Bare Island: This festival will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2024, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Bare Island Fort, which is located at Bare Island Rd, La Perouse NSW 2036, Australia.. Entry is $2.50 for adults and free for children under five.
More details https://www.blakmarkets.com.au
Sydney Fish Market 36-Hour Seafood Marathon:
The Sydney Fish Market 36-Hour Seafood Marathon is an annual event that takes place on the 23rd and 24th of December. During this time, the fish market is open for 36 hours straight, from 5 am on the 23rd to 5 pm on Christmas Eve. This is a great time to stock up on fresh seafood for your Christmas feast.
The market is usually very busy during the 36-Hour Seafood Marathon, so it is important to plan your trip accordingly. If you can, try to go early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds. You should also bring cash with you, as some of the stalls may not accept credit cards.
The Sydney Fish Market 36-Hour Seafood Marathon is a great way to experience the unique culture of Sydney and enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the world.
For more information and updates, visit the Sydney Fish Market’s website: https://www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au
Christmas Lights
Christmas Lights Spectacular (Over 3 Million Lights) at Hunter Valley Gardens
The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular is a must-see event for anyone visiting Sydney during the festive season. With over 3 million lights illuminating the gardens, it is a truly magical sight.
The light displays are spread throughout the gardens, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are scenes from traditional Christmas stories, as well as more modern and whimsical displays. There is also a large light maze that is sure to delight children and adults alike.
The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular is open every night from 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm from November 3 until January 28, 2024 (excluding Christmas Day). Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
The Lights of Christmas at St Mary’s Cathedral
The Lights of Christmas at St Mary’s Cathedral is a stunning annual event that transforms the cathedral into a beacon of light and joy during the festive season.
From December 14 to 25, the façade of the cathedral is adorned with millions of colorful lights, creating a mesmerizing display of digital animations and projections.
The show features a variety of themes, including traditional Christmas motifs, scenes from nature, and contemporary artworks. The projections are synchronized to music, creating a captivating and immersive experience.
Visitors can also enjoy live performances, food stalls, and a Christmas market on the cathedral grounds.
Event: Every night from December 14 to December 25, 2024
Time: Every day, 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm
LOCATION: St Mary’s Cathedral Square, Cnr Prince Albert Rd & College St 2000, Sydney
PRICE: Free
WEBSITE: www.lightsofchristmas.com.au
Santa Festivals:
Santa Fest Water Spectacular
The Santa Fest Water Spectacular is held every night from December 1 to December 24, 2024, at 8:30 pm. The show is free to watch, and there is plenty of seating available on the wharf.
Annual Variety Santa Fun Run
The Annual Variety Santa Fun Run is a festive and charitable event that takes place in cities across Australia, including Sydney. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, support a good cause, and have some fun with family and friends.
- Date: Sunday, December 10, 2024
- Time: 9:00 am
- Location: First Fleet Park, Circular Quay
- Distance: 5km
- Cost: $35 for adults, $20 for children
Sydney Christmas Fireworks:
Santa Fest Water Spectacular Fireworks: These fireworks are held every night from December 1st to December 24th at 8:30 pm. The show is held at Cockle Bay Wharf, a popular waterfront destination in Sydney, and is a free and family-friendly event.
Sydney New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are the most iconic in the world, and they are held on December 31st at midnight. The show is a spectacular display of fireworks that light up the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Carols in the Domain Finale Fireworks: These fireworks are held at the end of Carols in the Domain, a popular Christmas caroling event held in the Domain on Sunday, December 17th at 8:30 pm. The show is a fantastic way to end the evening and celebrate the festive season.
Christmas in the Domain Fireworks: These fireworks are held on Christmas Eve, December 24th at 9:00 pm. The show is held in the Domain, a beautiful park in the city center, and is a free and family-friendly event.
Darling Harbour Christmas Fireworks: These fireworks are held every Saturday night from December 2nd to December 23rd. The show starts at 9:00 pm and features a dazzling display of pyrotechnics that light up the Sydney skyline.
Christmas Projections – Sydney Town Hall
The Sydney Town Hall Christmas Projections are a must-see for any visitor to Sydney during the festive season. From November 27th to December 25th, the Town Hall façade is transformed into a dazzling canvas for a series of stunning projections.
The projections are set to a soundtrack of classic Christmas carols and tell the story of Christmas through a series of enchanting scenes. The projections are free to watch and run for approximately five minutes each night.
The best time to see the projections is from 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm. The projections are also visible from several other vantage points around the city, including Darling Harbour and Circular Quay.
The Sydney Town Hall Christmas Projections are a popular event, so it is a good idea to arrive early to get a good spot. The projections are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and create lasting memories.
For the full program, visit sydneychristmas.com.au
Christmas Concerts
Here is a list of some of the best Christmas concerts in Sydney:
Surry Hills Christmas Concert: The Surry Hills area is hosting some delightful Christmas events in 2024. One highlight is the Club Tog x Sydney LPP Christmas Party, taking place on December 11 at Mark and Vinny’s on Waterloo Street. This event will feature dinner, wine, and a celebration of the year’s achievements, perfect for professionals in the photography and lifestyle industries.
Additionally, Vine Church in Surry Hills will be hosting its Christmas Festival on November 29, featuring artisan markets, live music, food trucks, and festive activities. They will also have Christmas Eve services on December 24, including family carols with a festive BBQ and an evening candlelight carol service. On Christmas Day, a morning service will take place at 9:30 am.
Rosebery Christmas Concert: The Rosebery Christmas Concert 2024 will be held at Turruwul Park, providing a festive, family-friendly celebration. This free concert will feature live performances, Christmas carols, and activities for children, including crafts and a special visit from Santa. Attendees can enjoy food stalls, and the event will conclude with a fireworks display.
Woolworths Carols in the Domain: One of Sydney’s largest and most popular Christmas events, this concert features well-known artists performing holiday favorites. It will take place on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at the Domain. The event is free but ticketed.
Christmas at Carss Park: This family-friendly event will happen on December 7, 2024, from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm. It includes live Christmas-themed performances and fireworks. Entry is free.
Sydney Town Hall Christmas Organ Recital: On December 17, 2024, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sydney Town Hall will host a free organ recital featuring the grand organ. This event offers a classical Christmas music experience in a beautiful setting.
Alexandria Christmas Concert: This concert will be held on December 3rd, 2024 at 7:30 pm in Alexandria Park, Alexandria. It will feature performances by local artists, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.
Darling Harbour Christmas Concert: This concert will be held on December 4th, 2024 at 7:30 pm in Darling Harbour. It will feature performances by local artists, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.
Circular Quay Christmas Concert: This concert will be held on December 5th, 2024 at 7:30 pm in Circular Quay. It will feature performances by local artists, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.
Carols by Candlelight at Carols Cove: This concert will be held on December 6th, 2024 at 7:30 pm in Carols Cove, The Rocks. It will feature performances by local caroling groups.
Christmas at the Rocks: This concert will be held on December 7th, 2024 at 7:30 pm in The Rocks. It will feature performances by local artists, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.
Christmas in the Domain: This concert will be held on December 8th, 2024 at 7:30 pm in The Domain. It will feature performances by some of Australia’s biggest stars.
New Year’s Eve at Darling Harbour: This concert will be held on December 31st, 2024 at 7:30 pm in Darling Harbour. It will feature performances by some of Australia’s biggest stars, as well as a spectacular fireworks display.
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is an annual 628 nautical mile (1,166 km) offshore yacht race from Sydney, Australia to Hobart, Tasmania. The race is one of the most prestigious and challenging in the world and is known for its often treacherous conditions.
The race was first held in 1945 and has been run every year since except for 1973, when it was canceled due to a fuel crisis. The race is organized by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) and is open to yachts of all sizes.
Whether you enjoy a barbecue on the harbor foreshore, a picnic on the beach, or watch from a harbor cruise, the flotilla of colorful yachts sailing out to the sea makes for a wonderful sight.
Based on current information, the next Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is scheduled to take place on December 26, 2024. However, please note that this is subject to change. The race organizers, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), will release the official start date closer to the event.
In the meantime, you can stay up-to-date on the latest information by visiting the CYCA website https://rolexsydneyhobart.com/ or following the race on social media.
Enjoy these events if you are in Sydney.
Some event dates could be changed or rescheduled. Follow these websites will have up-to-date information on upcoming events in Sydney.
- Destination NSW:https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/events
- Sydney.com: https://www.sydney.com/
- Time Out Sydney:https://www.timeout.com/sydney
I went through this page and feel very informative. We are plannign to celebrate our Christmas Party and Boxing Day Celebration Cruise on Sydney Harbour. And we have booked seats in a luxury cruise name Magistic.
Hope next time we will have another one to celebrate.
Yes, its Christmas and its time to party. Even i found this article very informative .We have decided to have our staff Christmas party on the Harbour Ballroom and have made necessary arrangements. Last Christmas party was in a hotel and next year we have to find out a different place.
A well written resource thanks for postng