Ultimate Christmas in Sydney: Guide to Events 2026

If you are spending Christmas in Sydney this year we have you covered with this guide to the very best Sydney events from concerts and tree lightings to Christmas carols and Chrissy drinks on the way.

It’s time to get into the Christmas mood, and to help you along we have collected all the options so you can find the best things to do in Sydney at Christmas, from festivals and Christmas markets to carolling and the prettiest Christmas trees.

This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here.

New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available. If you would like to add your event to Sydney Expert please contact us.

Major City Christmas Festivals

These special events will help you get in the Christmas spirit quick smart.

Christmas Festival at Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour’s free Christmas season runs from mid November to Christmas Day, with Sydney’s Floating Christmas Tree lighting up Cockle Bay. There are festive fireworks, shows on the harbour and the much-loved Christmas Fest, though its date hasn’t been announced yet.

Nearby ticketed shows include A Fountain Lakes Christmas Carol, The Greatest Christmas Show, Love Actually in Concert and The Holiday in Concert, all listed below.

Lots of the waterfront restaurants and bars also offer Christmas lunches, dinners and party bookings.

More information and full programme

Philippines Christmas (Pasko) Festival

This festival marks the start of the Filipino Christmas season, often called the longest in the world. Presented with the Philippine Community Council of NSW, it has parades, live entertainment and Filipino food at Tumbalong Park. It’s one of Sydney’s first big Christmas events of the year.

When: 21 to 22 November 2026
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Cost: Free entry

Homegrown Christmas at The Rocks

The Rocks hasn’t announced its 2026 Christmas program yet, but it’s usually one of the city’s busiest Christmas spots.

Last year there were free concerts on Tallawoladah Lawn in front of the MCA, free movies in the laneways on Wednesday nights and a Christmas tree decorated with native flowers.

Check back in November, when the program is usually released.

When: To be announced
Where: The Rocks, Sydney
Cost: Most events free

Christmas by the Harbour at Barangaroo

Barangaroo hasn’t released its 2026 Christmas program yet. Last year it had The Pier Social, free acoustic music at Marrinawi Cove, native living Christmas trees and outdoor movies.

It’s an easy walk from Wynyard or Barangaroo Metro Station, with plenty of harbourside bars and restaurants nearby.

Where: Barangaroo, access via Barangaroo Metro Station, ferry, light rail, bus or a short walk from Wynyard
Cost: Mostly free; individual events and dining may have costs See the full program

Christmas at the Cathedral

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas at one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. The Cathedral forecourt will be buzzing with Christmas market stalls, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Inside, enjoy traditional displays, including a nativity scene, and a towering real Christmas tree. From stunning light shows to festive markets, this year’s celebration brings Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge to life like never before.

For the first time, the impressive light projections by The Electric Canvas will illuminate both the main and western sides of the Cathedral, accompanied by narration that brings the story to life.

When: 16 – 25 December 2026, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Where: St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney l Cost: Free

Christmas Music and Theatre

Handel’s Messiah – Sydney Philharmonia Choirs

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs bring their Christmas tradition of Handel’s Messiah back to the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Around 600 voices from the Symphony Chorus, VOX and the community Christmas Choir join a professional orchestra and soloists under conductor Elizabeth Scott for one of the best-loved works in the choral repertoire, including the famous Hallelujah Chorus.

When: 11 Dec 2026, 8pm; 12 Dec, 1pm; 13 Dec, 1pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $49 (concession and under-30 pricing available). Tickets

Christmas Actually: The Music of Love Actually Live

Cabaret star Naomi Price and an all-star cast sing the songs from Love Actually live, with tracks by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, The Beach Boys and The Beatles. Presented by The Little Red Company, it mixes live music with comedy for a fun start to the holidays.

The show runs 90 minutes with no interval and is best for ages 15 and up.

Cabaret star Naomi Price headlines, backed by an all-star cast, for 90 minutes of festive songs and comedy. Presented by The Little Red Company. Suitable for ages 15 and up.

When: 9 to 13 December 2026. Wednesday to Friday 7pm, Saturday 3pm and 7pm, Sunday 3pm
Where: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $99 to $119, plus an $8.95 booking fee. Book at sydneyoperahouse.com

The Nutcracker (The Australian Ballet)

The Australian Ballet brings back Sir Peter Wright’s production of The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky’s music. Follow Clara through Christmas Eve, from whirling snowflakes and toy soldiers to the Sugar Plum Fairy, as the Christmas tree grows to touch the ceiling. It’s a favourite family outing in the lead-up to Christmas.

When: 28 November to 16 December 2026
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Kids from $78, concession from $97, adults from $111, plus an $8.95 booking fee. Book at sydneyoperahouse.com

Noël! Noël! Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Brandenburg Choir bring back their Christmas concert series, a Sydney tradition for more than 20 years.

Expect carols and festive music played on period instruments in the warm setting of City Recital Hall. The concert runs about 90 minutes.

When: Thursday 10 December 2026 at 5pm and 7:30pm, Saturday 12 December at 2pm and 5pm
Where: City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney
Cost: $50 to $186, plus an $8.50 booking fee. Book at brandenburg.com.au

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

The Cornley Amateur Drama Society is back, this time attempting Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and it falls apart fast with missed cues, set disasters and backstage feuds.

It’s from the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong, with plenty of physical comedy. It runs two hours including a 20-minute interval and suits ages 10 and up.

When: 17 to 29 December 2026 (no shows 21 or 25 December)
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $79.90 to $149.90 before Christmas, $69.90 to $134.90 from 26 December, plus an $8.95 booking fee. Book at sydneyoperahouse.com

Love Actually in Concert

Love Actually plays in full on a big screen while The Metropolitan Orchestra, conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams, performs the soundtrack live.

You’ll hear Craig Armstrong’s score alongside favourites like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Love Is All Around”. Sydney is the last stop on a tour that also visits Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.

When: Thursday 17 December 2026
Where: Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney
Cost: Tickets via TEG Dainty

Voices of Angels: Gondwana Choirs

Young voices fill the Sydney Opera House for this Christmas concert, a Sydney tradition since 2006. The Sydney Children’s Choir is joined by young singers from across Australia, who together form the Gondwana National Choirs. It’s a lovely family night out in the lead-up to Christmas, and student tickets start at just $20.

When: Thursday 10 December 2026, 7pm to 9pm
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
Cost: Adults from $45, concession from $35, students from $20

The Holiday in Concert

The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black, plays on the big screen while the Southern Cross Symphony performs Hans Zimmer’s score live.

The film follows two women who swap homes for Christmas, one leaving snowy England for sunny Los Angeles. The show comes to Sydney after sold-out performances in London.

When: Saturday 19 December 2026
Where: Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney
Cost: Tickets via theholidayinconcert.com

The Nutcracker on Ice

The Imperial Ice Stars swap the stage for the ice in this skating version of the Christmas classic, playing only in Sydney for two weeks.

Skaters perform ballet, high-speed spins and acrobatic lifts to Tchaikovsky’s music as Clara follows her nutcracker doll to the Kingdom of Sweets. Shows run about 2 hours 20 minutes with an interval, and kids’ tickets cover ages 2 to 17.

When: 10 to 20 December 2026 (no show on 14 December)
Where: Coliseum Theatre, West HQ, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill
Cost: From $68 plus booking fees. Book at coliseumtheatre.com.au

The Nutcracker (BIG Live)

BIG Live’s Nutcracker returns to Sydney after a sell-out 2025 season, this time at the Capitol Theatre, with Tchaikovsky’s music played by a live orchestra.

There are matinees on most weekends and Wednesdays, so it’s easy to fit in during the school holidays. The show runs 2 hours 25 minutes, including an interval, and uses strobe lighting and haze.

When: 4 to 23 December 2026
Where: Capitol Theatre, Haymarket
Cost: Tickets via capitoltheatre.com.au

Mark Vincent: The Christmas Spectacular

Tenor Mark Vincent returns to his hometown for a Christmas concert with The Australian Symphony Orchestra. His special guests are Damien Leith and James Morrison. The program mixes Christmas classics, crossover hits and carols, and it’s aimed at the whole family.

When: Tuesday 15 December 2026, 2pm and 7pm
Where: Sutherland Pavilion, Sutherland
Cost: Tickets via thepavilionarts.au

A Christmas Celebration

Sydney Musical and Opera Society sings Christmas favourites and musical theatre songs, with a live 10-piece band led by musical director Glenn Amer. The program includes O Holy Night, The Holy City and The Pearl Fishers’ Duet. A morning show was added because of demand, so you can pick 10:30am or 2pm.

When: Tuesday 1 December 2026, 10:30am and 2pm
Where: Sutherland Pavilion, 30 Eton Street, Sutherland
Cost: $70, concession $60, child $55

Wundrful World of Christmas

This 50-minute walk-through experience returns after last year’s sold-out season, with falling snow, a lift to the “North Pole” and an Elf Post Office. Kids can visit Mrs Claus in her kitchen and finish with a family photo with Santa. It’s best for ages 3 to 8, and you book a set date and time, so popular sessions fill fast.

When: Selected days, 6 November to 24 December 2026
Where: 31 Market Street, Sydney (opposite the QVB)
Cost: Adult, child and family passes. Book at wundr.live/sydney

A Fountain Lakes Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol gets a comedy makeover in this drag show set in Fountain Lakes, the suburb made famous by Kath & Kim. Art Simone, Thomas Jaspers, Jemima Handful, Lazy Suzan and Scott Brennan star in a messy holiday season full of ghostly visions and a nativity play gone wrong. It sold out at Arts Centre Melbourne last year, and this is its first Sydney season.

When: 8 to 19 December 2026.
Where: Darling Quarter Theatre, 1-25 Harbour Street, Darling Harbour
Cost: $70. Book at ticketsearch.com

The Greatest Christmas Show

This family Christmas show at ICC Sydney has aerial acts, illusionists, singers and dancers performing carols and festive favourites. Santa makes a special appearance. It suits all ages.

When: Sunday 13 December 2026, 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Where: ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour
Cost: $49.90. Book at iccsydney.com.au

City of Sydney Community Christmas Concerts

The City of Sydney’s free community Christmas concerts are back, with kids’ entertainers, live music and food trucks. Each concert has a different host and line-up, with acts like The Vegetable Plot, The Mik Maks and Lucas Proudfoot. There are also two street fairs with market stalls, food and entertainment.

• Rosebery Christmas Concert, Turruwul Park: Sunday 29 November
• Pyrmont Christmas Concert, Pirrama Park: Sunday 6 December
• Alexandria Christmas Concert, Alexandria Park: Sunday 13 December
• Glebe Christmas Fair, Glebe Point Road: Saturday 28 November, 12pm to 8pm
• Surry Hills Christmas Fair, Crown Street: Saturday 12 December, 12pm to 10pm

When: Concerts run 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Fair times as listed
Where: See list above
Cost: Free

Christmas Carols

Nothing gets me more in the Christmas spirit than belting out a few Christmas Carols. These next few shows are sure to make every carol lover happy.

Christmas Choirs at Martin Place 

Some of Sydney’s best choirs sing beside the Martin Place Christmas Tree every night in the lead-up to Christmas. A different choir performs each evening, from Sydney Harmony on 1 December to the Endeavour Harmony Choir on 21 December.

It’s free, so grab a takeaway and stay for a few carols after work.

The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain

Carols in the Domain is Sydney’s biggest carols night, now in its 44th year, with funds raised going to The Salvation Army.

The Festive Lawn is free, but get there early to find a spot. If you book a ticketed area, you’ll need to be seated by 6:45pm.

When: Saturday, 19 December 2026, 1pm–11pm
Where: The Domain Sydney
Cost: Free on the Festive Lawn. Reserved lawn (TinselTown) from $34.90, premium seats up to $159.90. Book at carolsinthedomain.com

Carols by the Sea – Brighton Le Sands

Bayside Council’s Carols by the Sea is a free, family carols night on the shores of Botany Bay. There are carols from local schools and community groups, food trucks and a visit from Santa. The 2026 date hasn’t been announced, but last year it was held on a Saturday night in mid December.

When: To be announced (2025 was Saturday 13 December, 6pm to 9pm)
Where: Botany Bay foreshore, Bayside (venue to be confirmed)
Cost: Free

Christmas Carols at Halliday Park

Communities for Communities hosts this local carols night in Five Dock, supported by the City of Canada Bay. Expect local choirs and performers, face painting, kids’ activities and a visit from Santa. The 2026 date hasn’t been announced yet. Last year it was held on Wednesday 17 December from 5pm to 9:30pm.

When: TBC
Where: Halliday Park, McGrath Avenue, Five Dock.

Carols on Norton

The Leichhardt Espresso Chorus and Inner West Council present this much-loved inner west carols night. Bring a picnic and join in with the chorus, children’s choirs and a chamber orchestra. It’s usually held on the Sunday before Christmas, and the 2026 date is still to be announced.

When: TBC
Where: Pioneers Park Leichhardt

Check out our Christmas Market Guide here.

Christmas Trees in Sydney

Martin Place Christmas Tree

The tallest Christmas tree in NSW stands proud in Martin Place, creating a spectacular centerpiece for Sydney’s Christmas celebrations. This magnificent tree features over 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4-metre colour-changing star, and 330 specially designed glossy baubles.

Across its 800 branches, you’ll find 15,000 native Australian flowers including banksia, waratah, bottlebrush, wattle, eucalyptus gum flower, kangaroo paw, flannel flower, pink waxflower and white waxflower.

Every evening in December, local choirs perform beneath the tree, while a dazzling light show plays every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight.

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 The Rocks

QVB Christmas Tree

This year, the QVB presents a distinctive Christmas tree, celebrating Aboriginal culture in Australia. Inspired by the Wollemi Pine, it features an interactive installation by Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft, showcasing Aboriginal innovation and art.

Artists Jude Jarrett and Jeffrey Samuels have adorned Flannel Flowers with their artwork, symbolizing a connection with nature and celebrating native flora and fauna.

On Level 2, the tree is topped with a Swarovski topper and features an exclusive Augmented Reality experience, where Bancroft’s Southern Royal Albatross-inspired decorations come to life. Visitors are encouraged to explore the tree from every level for unique views.

Where: Queen Victoria Building George Street Sydney

As well as the Darling Harbour Floating Christmas Tree in Cockle Bay and the Barangaroo Tree both mentioned above.

Christmas Lights and Decorations in Sydney

Sydney city council has 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.

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: From early November

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: From early Dec until Dec 28 approx.

Christmas Foodie Events

Good Food and Wine Show Christmas Markets

The Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Edition returns to ICC Sydney with over 200 exhibitors covering wine, artisan food, live cooking demonstrations, chef meet and greets, and a festive village. It’s a good pick if you want to get Christmas food and gift shopping done in one visit, with tastings along the way.

When: 20–22 November 2026, Friday 4pm–9pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am–5pm
Where: ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour
Cost: From $34.95 (Friday), from $39.95 (Sat/Sun). Multi-day pass $89.95. Tickets