Is it worth celebrating Christmas down under? The simple answer is YES!
The holiday season is in full swing as Sydney’s streets light up with festive cheer during the sunny summer months. From classic harbour-side Christmas feasts to enchanting light displays and joyful carolling. There are tons of activities to ensure you make the most of this magical season.
Here are the places to visit in Sydney during the Christmas season
Fun Festive Markets
Each year a magical market pops up in the historic district of The Rocks. It adorns the cobbled streets with twinkling fairy lights. In the market, you’ll find people selling unique Christmas decorations, fancy handmade jewellery, and stylish local clothing. Plus, there’s delicious holiday-themed street food to enjoy.
Don’t miss the free movie screening at The Rocks and Christmas Wonderlanes, an amazing setup that completely transforms The Rocks’ charming streets. Also, remember that the Mosman Christmas Night Markets are returning in 2023. They’ll be lighting up Mosman Square & Village Green on 7th December.
Martin’s Place Christmas Market
The Martin Place Christmas Concert & Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, 26 November 2023 from 11:00 AM to 6: 00 PM. The festivities will begin with a free children’s concert featuring popular Christmas songs and carols, performed by talented local artists. The concert will be followed by the arrival of Santa and the Lord Mayor of Sydney, who will together light up the iconic Martin Place Christmas tree.
The Martin Place Christmas tree is one of the largest and most spectacular Christmas trees in Australia. It is adorned with over 110,000 LED lights and is a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
In addition to the concert and tree lighting, there will also be a variety of other activities available for families to enjoy, including:
- Face painting
- Balloon twisting
- Arts and crafts
- Roving performers
- Food and drink stalls
The Martin Place Christmas Concert & Tree Lighting is a free event and is open to the public. It is a great way to kick off the festive season with family and friends.
While you shop, you can enjoy the holiday spirit under the Martin Place Christmas tree and twinkling fairy lights. Additionally, you can enjoy the food stalls, live music, Santa visits, and a warm community atmosphere. You can check their schedule here.
Carriageworks Christmas Farmers Twilight Market
The Carriageworks Farmers Market is one of Sydney’s most popular and beloved markets, and it’s even more magical at Christmas time. This year, the Christmas Twilight Market will be held on Wednesday, December 21 from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The market will showcase more than 80 local growers, farmers, and artisans offering the finest and freshest seasonal produce. You’ll find everything from Christmas hams and seafood to award-winning cheeses, freshly baked bread, and delicious desserts. There will also be a wide range of gift stalls, selling everything from handmade ceramics and tableware to candles, picnic rugs, and beeswax wraps.
It is a great place to stock up on all your Christmas essentials, as well as find unique and thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. And of course, no Christmas market is complete without a visit from Santa Claus! He’ll be at the market from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, so be sure to bring your camera and get a photo.
The Carriageworks Farmers Market Christmas 2023 is a great way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. With its wide range of stalls and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Christmas Wonderland at Darling Harbour
The Christmas Wonderland at Darling Harbour is a magical Christmas experience for the whole family. This annual event features a variety of Christmas activities, including a Christmas market, ice skating, live entertainment, and more.
The Christmas market is a great place to find unique gifts for your loved ones, as well as delicious Christmas treats. You’ll find everything from Christmas ornaments and decorations to handmade jewellry and clothing.
The ice skating rink is a popular attraction for both children and adults. The rink is located on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline.
The live entertainment at the Christmas Wonderland includes a variety of acts, such as Christmas carolling groups, dancers, and magicians. There are also a number of children’s activities available, such as face painting and balloon twisting.
The Christmas Wonderland at Darling Harbour is open from November 26 to January 2, 2023. Entry to the event is free, but there are charges for some activities, such as ice skating and the Christmas market. The Christmas Wonderland at Darling Harbour is a great way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. With its diverse range of activities and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Glebe Christmas Market
Glebe Christmas Market in Sydney is a special and diverse market. You can discover handmade crafts, tasty food, vintage clothes, and even get a photo with Santa! There’s also live music and loads of fun stuff to do all day.
The market is held in the heart of Glebe, on the corner of Glebe Point Road and Johnson Street. It is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, throughout November and December. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones and soak up the festive vibes. You can spend a delightful weekend with friends and family here!
Le Jolly Market
Le Jolly Market is a French-inspired Christmas market happening at the Customs House forecourt in Circular Quay, Sydney, from December 15th to December 22nd, 2023.
This market will have charming wood hut chalets filled with handpicked artisanal goods, including:
- Delicious French treats like crêpes, macarons, cheese, and more.
- Unique French gifts, such as jewellery, home decor, clothing, and accessories.
- Festive items like Christmas decorations, gifts, and food.
You can also enjoy live music and entertainment at the market, making it a wonderful place to celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones.
Le Jolly Market is a free event, open to everyone. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and savour a touch of France right here in Sydney.
Christmas Carol in Sydney
With the festive season on the horizon, Sydney is preparing to host numerous Christmas carol events in December. Two major events to look forward to in 2023 are Carols at the House and Woolworths Carols in the Domain.
Carols at the House
This ticketed event will showcase a 600-member choir, a full symphony orchestra, and renowned soprano Julie Lea Goodwin. Expect a delightful program blending traditional Christmas carols with festive favourites.
- Date: December 15-17, 2023
- Venue: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Woolworths Carols in the Domain
Join the festive spirit at this free event, one of Australia’s biggest Christmas carol gatherings. Enjoy a star-studded lineup featuring a headline act, a children’s choir, and various musical and dance groups.
- Date: December 17, 2023
- Venue: The Domain, Sydney
Apart from the two major events, Sydney has more Christmas carol gatherings to add to the festive cheer. Look out for “Carols on the Common” on 17th December 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Get ready for a delightful evening filled with not just carols, but also food stalls, rides, and activities for the little ones.
Sydney Attractions Open on Christmas Day
Wondering what to do with the kids once the presents are all opened? Don’t worry, there are plenty of options to keep the fun going on Christmas Day in Sydney. You can visit exciting attractions like Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, all of which stay open.
Plus, many cinemas in the city, like those by Hoyts, Event Cinemas, and Palace Cinemas, welcome visitors on Christmas. And if you prefer the great outdoors, consider a day at the beach, a scenic hike, or a delightful picnic in the park. There’s no shortage of ways to make Christmas Day memorable!
We hope this list helps you enjoy Sydney this holiday season
If you’re thinking about attending any of these Christmas events and require a comfortable place to stay, be sure to visit our website and book a stay with us to make your Christmas celebration even more special!
