2021 is almost over, and Sydney Christmas events are centre stage again. It’s time to get into the Christmas mood, and while that may be a little harder this year, we decided to bring all the options together so you can find all the best things to do in Sydney at Christmas, from festivals and Christmas markets to carolling and the prettiest Christmas trees.
Updated 10 October 2021
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Christmas Festivals and Special Experiences
Sydney Christmas Fair 2021
The Sydney Christmas Fair is on track to go ahead this year at The Entertainment Quarter and offers plenty to keep the whole family busy. With carnival rides, water activities, outdoor cinema, Santa photos and a gingerbread party house.
The Covid Safe plan will require bookings for 2-hour sessions. Some tickets may be available on the day if not sold out.
Where: 122 Lang Road, Moore Park
Cost: $5 entry, ride tickets from $10 – add a 2-hour unlimited ride ticket for $20 more.
When: Sat: 4th, 11th & 18th Dec: 2-hour sessions beginning hourly from 10am to 5pm
Sun: 5th, 12th & 19th Dec: 10am to 2pm (closing at 4pm)
Christmas Markets in Sydney 2021
There are a bunch of Christmas Markets running, and all your favourite regular markets will likely have some Christmas stalls.
The Ultimate Christmas Market at EQ
Come for 160 stalls, great food, fun times and great shopping in a Covid-safe environment.
When: Sunday 5 December 2021
Where: The Entertainment Quarter, Lang Rd, Moore Park
The Shire Christmas Market
This year the Shire Christmas Market will be held in Miranda, 150 stalls, kids’ rides, cool tunes, delicious international food and an appearance by Santa! Previously held in Cronulla, it has been moved to Miranda this year to allow for bigger crowds.
When: Sat-Sun 27-28 November 2021
Where: Miranda Park, 639R Kingsway, Miranda
The Pittwater Christmas Market
This year the Pittwater Christmas Market will be the first of the Cambridge seasonal markets this year.
When: Sunday 21 November 2021
Where: Winnererremy Bay, Mona St, Mona Vale
Mosman Christmas Market
Pop along and find all your Christmas gifts in one place. A range of quality artisan products including homewares, jewellery, clothing, Fair Trade and eco products.
There will also be plenty of indulgent Christmas treats and family entertainment.
When: Thursday 9 December 20214.30pm – 9.00pm 2021
Where: Mosman Square & Village Green Spit Junction
Fair Trade Christmas Market
Head to Chatswood to support the ethically sourced Fair Trade Christmas market. You will find handcrafted gifts at this annual Fair Trade Market.
When: 04 Dec 2021 | 10am – 4pm
Where: The Concourse, Victoria Avenue, Chatswood
The Rocks Christmas Market
No 2021 details released – stay tuned for updates.
While the Rocks will host a special Christmas Eve market, things are already pretty Christmassy right now with plenty of great decorations and gift ideas.
Where: George Street
When: Special Christmas Eve Market
Carriageworks Christmas Market
2021 details are not yet available – they may run in a similar way to last year.
Things will be a little different this year with bookings required for the Carriageworks Christmas Market. Register from December 1st to secure a one-hour shopping window. It is expected that this will fill fast, so perhaps set a reminder.
There will be 70 plus NSW growers, farmers and artisans, offering everything you need for a Christmas feast. With fruit and veg, seasonal produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, preserves, confectionery, baked goodies and festive tipples.
When: Wed 23 Dec, 4-8pm
Where: Carriageworks
Glebe Artisan Market
Held four times a year, the Glebe Artisans Market is a fantastic place to get your Christmas shopping done and support small operators.
When: 11 December 2021
Where: 140 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
Finders Keepers Market
A fantastic market for picking up unique Christmas gifts for the special people in your life
When: Fri-Sun, 10-12 December: Fri – 5pm – 9.30pm, Sat-Sun: 10am – 5pm
Where: The Cutaway Barangaroo
Christmas Trees you should visit
We expect Christmas trees to be going up across the city over the next few weeks or so and will update this page as soon as we have details.
The Rocks Christmas Tree
The Rocks Christmas Tree will be set up in the heart of the Rocks and feature plenty of Instagrammable spots for sharing your images with family and friends.
Where: Playfair Street and Argyle Street
When: November to Dec
Martin Place Christmas Tree
Martin Place is home to a 3.4m high tree decorated with 110, 000 lights and 330 colourful baubles. This year the tree will feature 15000 Aussie flowers and will be unveiled on 28 November. The area will also boast over 4 thousand fairy lights strung across Martin Place.
Where: Between George St and Pitt St at Martin Place
When: Saturday 28 November to Thursday 31 December.
QVB Christmas Tree
At 24m tall, the sparking Swarovski Tree Christmas tree in the QVB is the tallest Xmas tree in Australia and the largest indoor tree in the Southern Hemisphere.
With over 100,000 crystal ornaments and more than 60,000 lights, the tree reaches from the ground floor to the top of the dome.
Where: Queen Victoria Building George Street Sydney
When: 7 November – December 30 (approx)
Related: Find out more about Christmas in Australia
Christmas Drinks
Tinseltown
If you have an ugly Christmas sweater sitting at home waiting for an outing, this one is for you! Wonderland will host Tinseltown with Christmas tunes, an in house Santa and plenty of sugary treats.
Where: Wonderland Bar – 24 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point
Cost: $17 per person for a 90-minute visit, which gets you a mulled wine or festive cocktail (with or without alcohol)
When: 3pm to 11pm
High Tea with Santa
Why not join Santa for high tea? The Tea Room in QVB, along with delicious eats, there will be opportunities for photos with Santa – either professional or with your camera.
Sensory Santa Experiences are also available for a calm and comfortable environment.
Where: Level 3, QVB George St
When: Book a one-hour session between 7.30am – 12pm.
Cost: $55 includes a digital photo or Cocktails with Santa – Tickets cost $75 per person.
The North Pole Hotline
A video call with Santa – 2021 details have not been released.
You can book a zoom call with Santa (for free!) on the David Jones website.
Where: David Jones
When: Saturday and Sunday – 5th-6th Dec / 12-13th Dec / 19th-24 Dec 10am-3pm each day!
Santa Photos on top of the Harbour Bridge
How about going one step further than the average Santa photo and booking a Christmas Day Bridgeclimb. If you are unable to celebrate with family this year a Bridgeclimb will make things a lot more memorable than a picnic in the park!
BridgeClimb is open on the 25th of December, with Climbs departing during the Day, at Twilight and Night.
Where: Bridgeclimb
When: 25 December 2021
The Best Christmas Lights and Decorations in Sydney
Sydney city council have developed a self-guided walking app that will guide you around the city’s best decorations and light displays. The walk covers 4km and is estimated to take 1-2 hours, depending on how many stops you make.
Lights of Christmas – St Mary’s Cathedral
The best Christmas light show in the city takes place in front of St Mary’s Cathedral.
Where: St Mary’s Cathedral College St Sydney
When: Dates to be announced.
David Jones Christmas Windows
Over 6500 hours of labour went into creating the displays in this year’s David Jones windows. Claris, The Chicest Mouse in Paris, designed by international fashion illustrator Megan Hess is packed with cleverly hidden surprises, so take some time to find them all when you visit.
Where: David Jones, 86-108 Castlereagh St, Sydney
When: 24 hours a day from 12 Nov – 3 Jan (avoid peak shopping hours for the best experience)
Cost: free
Darling Harbour
Giant Christmas gifts – These enormous 1.8m Christmas presents create a perfect Instagram shot – sparkling silver and pink packages can be found in the Harbourside Forecourt.
You will also find three large interactive bells at Darling Quarter – with swings that light up when you reach the top.
Where: Darling Harbour Foreshore and Darling Quarter
When: 1 Nov – 25 Dec.
Strand Arcade
Christmas decorations inspired by native flowers, the Strand Arcade is always stunning, but it looks especially lovely with some extra sparkle.
Where: 412-414 George St, Sydney
When: 2 Nov to 10 Jan 2021
Westfield Sydney Central
Westfield has 150 trees featuring half a million twinkling LED lights inspired by Eucalyptus Trees, the ‘Christmas Gum’. Plenty of backgrounds perfect for your Christmas Instagram shot. “Check out the 3D Matrix lighting installation between Zara and Innisfree, the Christmas forest down the Grand Staircase into the Food Court or the twinkling green wall pillars on the Level 3 Market St entry.”
Where: Westfield Central (Pitt Street Mall)
When: Now until Dec 28 approx.
Flour Drum Newton
Giving David Jones window a run perhaps is the Christmas Display Window at Flour Drum This will be the 5th year this Newtown cafe will be decorating and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. The window is just the start with the dining room and garden also decorated.
Pop in and try their delicious Xmas treats including Christmas Pudding / Cake / Mince Pies (all marinaded for over 12 months with a more than healthy tipple of Brandy), Gingerbreads People, Gingerbread Animals, White Christmas, Christmas Jams and Relishes. As well as handmade cookies and biscuits range, Christmas Pudding and an array of handcrafted gourmet treats.
Where: 531 King Street Newtown.
When: Mon, Thur & Fri : 7:30am – 2pm, Sat & Sun 7:30am – 2:30pm
Christmas Light Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens
The annual Christmas Light Show at Hunter Valley Gardens is back with Covid safe measures in place. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Where: Broke Road, Pokolbin
Cost: $30 adults $25 for kids (Family tickets also available)
When: 5 Nov – 26 Jan, 2021 (Closed 25th Dec) 6:30pm – 9:30pm. Event closes at 10:30pm.
Christmas Carols
It’s expected that lots of the outdoor carol celebrations will go ahead this year. Carols in the domain will be releasing an announcement soon regarding Sydney’s biggest carolling event. Bookmark this page and come back at the end of the month for more details.
