The Most Festive Christmas Events in Sydney 2024

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Christmas in Sydney is a seriously magical time of the year, and while we don't have snow, our gorgeous city still transforms into a magical wonderland!

Make the most of Christmas in Sydney in 2024 by adding the best Christmas events to your festive calendar. Merry merry!

The Most Festive Christmas Events in Sydney 2024

1. City of Sydney's Christmas Events, Lights and Decorations

Kick off your Christmas in Sydney with a festive bang as the city lights up in spectacular style! The City of Sydney is delivering a magical lineup of events starting with the grand lighting of the southern hemisphere's tallest Christmas tree in Martin Place and Santa's whimsical sleigh ride. The city will be abuzz with dazzling lights and holiday cheer around every corner until Christmas Eve, with carolers, roving entertainment, projections and a self-guided walking tour to explore the festive displays.

Plus, don’t forget to dust off those reindeer ears for free Christmas concerts in Pyrmont, Surry Hills, Rosebery, Rushcutters Bay, Glebe, and Alexandria. 

Where:   Martin Place, Pitt St Mall and throughout the City of Sydney local area
When:    28 November to 24 December 2024
Cost:      FREE

2. Darling Harbour's Rockin' Christmas

This year, Darling Harbour's Christmas is rockin' with free concerts, workshops, and a floating Christmas tree!

Celebrate Christmastime with the family at Darling Harbour, where the festive season comes alive with Christmas villages, Santa selfies, sparkling displays, live entertainment, and so much more. The famous Christmas Festival is back from 14-15 December with dance parties, sing-a-longs, famous faces, and live performances from Samantha Jade, Anthony Callea and the big man himself ... Santa! Discover Sydney's first floating Christmas tree. A dazzling 10m tall spectacle illuminating the Cockle Bay skyline. Little elves are invited to the enchanting Harbour Village from 21-22 December for a Christmas Storytime featuring Emily Who, and Nyssa and the Outback Band, and don't miss the FREE crafting station at Santa's Workshop. Plus, there are giant Christmas presents, light installations, pedal boats, and loads more.

Where:    Darling Harbour
When:     15 November to 25 December 2024
Cost:       FREE entry

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3. David Jones Christmas Window

It wouldn't be Christmas in Sydney without stopping off and seeing the iconic David Jones Christmas Windows! What's in the window this year? Get ready for a Very Wombat Christmas!

Year after year, these stunning displays transform the windows of David Jones' Elizabeth Street flagship store into festive scenes, each telling a unique story through intricate puppets, animatronics, and breathtaking designs. This year's adorable installation pays homage to one of Australia's favourite children's stories, A Very Wombat Christmas by author and illustrator Lachlan Creagh. Come along and see Creagh's whimsical illustrations brought to life as David Jones' own creative team narrates the tale.

Where:      86/108 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
When:       6 November 2024 to January 2025
Cost:         FREE 

4. Wundrful World of Christmas Immersive Experience

Embark on a magical animated journey to the North Pole this Christmas at the Wundrful World of Christmas Immersive Experience. 

This immersive, mixed-reality experience is perfect for the whole family. Step through the Wundr Door and let your trusty elf pilot guide you to the snowy North. Along the way, you’ll see reindeer in their paddocks, watch busy elves at work in Santa’s workshop, and enjoy the delightful treats Mrs. Claus is preparing. Keep an eye out for Santa himself in his cosy cottage!

Where:   Wundr Store, 31 Market St, Sydney
When:    Friday 1 November - Tuesday 24 December 2024
Cost:      Depending on session time and visit, $29 per child and $39 per adult for peak sessions | $25 per child and $35 per adult for off-peak

5. High Tea With Santa

Santa is back at the QVB! High Tea With Santa returns on 9 November under the magical chandeliers of the iconic Tea Room.

Santa will of course be in attendance as guests dine on a bespoke Christmas-themed Traditional High Tea designed by Executive Chef Rob Crichton. Don't worry about documenting the moment on your phone - there will be professional photographers on hand to capture your special moments with Santa. 

Where:   The Tea Room at the QVB
When:    From 9 November to 24 December 2025
Cost:      $95 for adults 13 and over; $75 for kids 1-12 years; infants under 1 go FREE 

6. Sugarplum Christmas at The Grounds

The Grounds of Alexandria have done it again! The masters of creating whimsical installations are bringing the Nutcracker ballet's "Sugar Plum Fairy" to life with one of the pinkest displays we've ever seen!

Experience a Sugarplum Christmas at the Grounds this season with giant ballet Christmas trees, friendly snowmen, sugarplum-inspired decor, magical laneways (that light up at night!) and a delicious menu to match. 

Where:      7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria
When:       On now until early January 2025
Cost:         FREE entry, however, access to the laneways and installations is for diners at The Grounds only.

7. A Homegrown Christmas at The Rocks

Everyone's favourite historic precinct, The Rocks is transforming into a Christmas wonderland this festive season with decorations, installations, food, drinks, merriment, and more! 

For those keen to enjoy a Christmas filled with Aussie charm, a Homegrown Christmas at The Rocks is right up your festive alley. Every corner of the famous precinct will be sprinkled with festive magic, from sparkling Christmas trees to bustling markets and tasty holiday treats. Plus, there are heaps of activities for everyone to enjoy together.

Where:      The Rocks Precinct
When:       15 November to 25 December 2023
Cost:         FREE entry

8. Christmas Village at The Vineyard

Have you heard the news?! The Vineyard in Western Sydney has undergone a major redevelopment, which includes a fancy new beer garden, restaurants, accommodation, a kids' playground, and more! The new digs are officially open and to celebrate, The Vineyard is constructing a magical Christmas Village.

The Christmas Village kicks off on 1 November and will bring festive cheer with carols, Christmas lunches, immersive installations, activities, nightly Christmas lights, and plenty more. Entry is completely FREE!

Where:   The Vineyard, 725 Windsor Rd, Vineyard
When:    Daily from 1 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Cost:      Entry is FREE. Bookings are required for Christmas Day lunches

9. Christmas Movies Under the Stars

Add watching Christmas movies under the stars to your December itinerary, as Moonlight Cinema is coming back to Sydney in December with a stellar lineup of Christmas movies to catch from the comfort of Centennial Park. 

See the full lineup of movies here. 

Where:      Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park
When:       22 November 2024 - 30 March 2025 | Movies start at 8.30 pm
Cost:         General Admission $20 | Cinebuzz members $18 | Gold Grass $41 |
                  Family Pass $65

10. Christmas Markets

Christmas in Sydney just isn't Christmas without a little market shopping!

From the famous Mosman Christmas Night Markets to the Hawkesbury Country Markets, Carriagewoks Christmas Markets, and Christmas at The Rocks, there are loads of festive Christmas markets popping up in Sydney this season. 

Where:  All across Sydney
When:   From November 2024
Cost:     FREE

11. Illuminate The Hills

The Hills Shire is set to sparkle once again as The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden gets decked out with thousands of twinkly lights for the annual Illuminate The Hills festival.

The 2024 instalment of the much-loved festival kicks off on 28 November with carols, free coffee, ice creams, a sausage sizzle, plus, a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus! The magical Christmas installations will be switched on from 7.30 pm on the 28th and will light up the rose garden each night until 2 January 2025.

Where:   The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden, 43 Roxborough Park Rd, Baulkham Hills
When:    Nightly from 28 November 2024 to 2 January 2025 from 7.30 to 10.30 pm
Cost:      FREE

12. Home Alone in Concert

Is it even a real Christmas if you don't watch Home Alone with the kids?! Well, this year you can watch the holiday classic in front of a live orchestra!

Home Alone in Concert will be showing at the Concert Hall at Sydney Opera House from 6-8 December 2024. Watch the hilarious escapades of the McAllisters along with John Williams' icon soundtrack performed live by the Sydney Symphony - magical!

Where:  The Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
When:   6-8 December 2024
Cost:     Tickets from $59

13. Train Rides With Santa at The Zig Zag Railway

He may be a very busy man at this time of the year, but that's not stopping Santa from making a very special stop for Train Rides With Santa at the Zig Zag Railway!

Grab your tickets for a special meet-and-greet with Santa as you hop aboard Zig Zag Railway's iconic locomotive. Families will get the chance to ride Zig Zag with Santa, receive a small gift, and snap an iconic annual picture at the heritage site before the Man in Red rides off to the North Pole to begin his fantastical journey. 

Where:      Zig Zag Railway, 840 Chifley Rd, Clarence
When:       7-8 December 2024 from 9 am to 4 pm
Cost:         From $25

14. Sydney Santa Spectacular

Santa is coming to town! Step into a magical Christmas spectacle right in the heart of Blacktown at the Sydney Santa Spectacular.

The Sydney Santa Spectacular transforms the showgrounds into a festive paradise, complete with an Enchanted Forest, circus performances, sing-alongs with fairies and elves, a petting farm, toboggan slides, a giant Christmas tree, carnival rides, food trucks, and loads more.

Where:   Blacktown Showground
When:    12-26 December 2024 from 12-3 pm
Cost:      Tickets from $49

15. Lights of Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral

As far as Christmas events in Sydney go, few are as iconic as the Lights of Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral.

In true Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral style, the facade of Sydney's grand cathedral will be aglow with magical lights set to music, plus, there will be more yuletide festivities with market stalls, plenty of food, activities for the kids, live entertainment, vivid light projections and more. 

The entertainment usually kicks off at 7.30 pm with choir performances, and the illuminations begin at 8.30 pm. 

Where:    St Mary's Cathedral Square, College Street, Sydney
When:     12 to 25 December 2024 from 5.30 to 10.30 pm
Cost:       FREE

16. Taronga Christmas Concert

Kick off the festive season and kick up your heels at the Taronga Christmas Concert. Relax with a picnic in the enchanting grounds of Taronga Zoo, with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, and enjoy a magical summer night of family-friendly entertainment, with a special guest all the way from the North Pole!

Gather your family and friends and embrace the holiday spirit at a special event filled with Christmas cheer and festive fun, all whilst contributing to the conservation of wildlife. 

Where:   Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman
When:    14 December 2024
Cost:      $29 per adult, $24 for children aged 4-15, children under four FREE

17. The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents The Nutcracker

Another one of the top Christmas events in Sydney for 2024 for those who love live music, The Australian Chamber Orchestra's The Nutcracker is the perfect family-friendly event for the festive season.

The true spirit of Christmas awaits at The Australian Chamber Orchestra as audiences join Clara and her Nutcracker on a magical journey in this stunning adaptation featuring live classical music and ballet created in collaboration with David McAllister.

Where:  Australian Chamber Orchestra, Suite 3, 13A Hickson Road, Dawes Point
When:   14-22 December 2024
Cost:     $39.00. Babes-in-arms are FREE

18. Elf: The Musical

Your favourite Christmas elf is coming to the Sydney stage for the first time in 2024!

Elf: The Musical is making its Australian premiere at Sydney Opera House this December in what is sure to be one of the most memorable Christmas shows on the calendar. The heartwarming adaptation of the beloved film includes all your favourite moments as Buddy the Elf goes to New York City to find his birth father, who just happens to be on Santa's Naughty List!

Where:  The Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
When:   19-29 December 2024
Cost:     Tickets from $99.90

19. Woolworths Carols in the Domain

One of our favourite Christmas events in Sydney, Woolworths Carols in the Domain is returning in 2024 to celebrate its 42nd year!

Mark Saturday 21 December 2024 in your diaries to celebrate Christmas with the stars at the 42nd Woolworths Carols in the Domain. As per usual, the Carols will be a star-studded event with Australia's finest talents taking to the stage. This year, you can enjoy the show in the lap of luxury in the Premier Reserved area with the beach club-style or the reserved picnic lawn in Tinseltown!

For those who can't make the event, you can watch it live on Channel 7 and 7Plus.

Where:  The Domain, Art Gallery Road
When:   Saturday 21 December 2024 from 1-11 pm
Cost:     The Festive Lawn is free. Seated tickets start at $155.90 per ticket.

Check out more of Sydney's top Christmas carols in 2024.

20. Sydney's Christmas Spectacular 

Get ready to sprinkle some serious holiday magic on your festive season with Sydney's Christmas Spectacular 2024!

This 90-minute, jaw-dropping production is set to light up your Christmas with world-class performances, unforgettable music, and all the festive sparkle you can imagine.

The Voice finalist, Prinnie Stevens, will lead you on a musical journey through all of your favourite Christmas classics—prepare to sing along and feel the holiday vibes! But that's not all—Australia's Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd will leave you spellbound with his mind-blowing illusions. Magic at Christmas? Yes, please!

Where:    Sydney's State Theatre
When:     20-22 December 2024
Cost:       Tickets from $69

21. Christmas Day Lunch

If you're keen to put your feet up and let someone else take over the cooking this silly season, indulge in an utterly delectable Christmas lunch in Sydney.

Restaurants all across the city are dishing up incredible meals from festive menus this season, and bookings are now open! 

Where:  Multiple venues across the city
When:   25 December 2024 

Further Afield

22. Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular

Featuring a breathtaking display of over 4 million Christmas lights, the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular promises to dazzle the entire family as you wander through meticulously themed gardens brimming with enchanting Christmas light exhibits.

There will be plenty of entertainment on hand, from roaming performers to thrilling amusement rides, not to mention a variety of food and beverages. Families have the chance to soak in the stunning vistas of Hunter Valley Gardens and the picturesque countryside from a towering 25 metres up on the Ferris Wheel. For thrill-seekers, the Swing Chair or Superslide promise plenty of fun, while the Venetian Carousel and Tea Cup ride are gentler options for younger kids.

Where:     Hunter Valley Gardens, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
When:      1 November 2024 to 26 January 2025
                 Open daily from 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm | Rides from 6 pm to 10 pm
Cost:        Day/Night Passes: 
                 Adult (16+) $58 | Child (4-15) $47 | Family Passes from $154 | Under 3s FREE

Hero image: Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular

Want More Christmas Cheer?

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The Top Christmas Gifts for Kids
The Most Festive Advent Calendars

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