What’s on in Sydney in December 2025
December in Sydney signals the start of Summer. Days are long and warm with perfect swimming weather. Afternoon storms are not uncommon, and while you might see more rainy days than you would like, it’s not cold, and rain rarely falls for more than a couple of hours.
Restaurants and bars are busy with Christmas celebrations and the latter half of the month sees the beginning of the 6-week summer school holidays, making shopping centres and attractions much busier.
Accommodation prices normally skyrocket from about 20 Dec. right through until at least 3 January because of the number of people arriving to see the NYE Fireworks spectacular.
Average Temperatures: 25.8 – 18.6°C (64-79°F) While each year varies the last December saw eleven days of rain.
If you are looking for Christmas lunch or dinner ideas, check our list of Christmas Day dining.
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Major December Events in Sydney
We have listed general things on our What’s to Do in December page. For more, check out our list of Christmas markets and Christmas events in Sydney this year.
- List of Christmas markets in Sydney
- Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race – 26 December
- NYE in Sydney – 31 December
- Christmas festivals, concerts and more – across December
Need ideas for how to get in the festive spirit?
We have a list of the best Christmas events across Sydney here.
Markets, Fairs and Community Festivals
Blak Markets
If you are looking for authentic, unique gifts, check out the Blak Markets. A huge range of affordable Aboriginal art, jewellery, homewares and beauty products.
The markets support the local aboriginal people with 100% of the profits going back into the community. There will also be Indigenous-inspired food and drinks on offer.
When: TBC
Where: Tallawoladah Lawn in The Rocks Precinct
Cost: Free – more details on their FB Page
Japan Expo
Get ready for the annual Japan Expo and immerse yourself in Japanese culture with over 40 exhibitors showcasing the best of Japan’s food, tourism, products, and more.
Enjoy cultural demonstrations, interactive workshops, and special events like the International Kimono competition, sake tastings, and a Taiko drum performance.
Date: TBC
Where: Sydney Town Hall
Get Tickets: $27.78 from Eventbrite
Creature by Box of Birds/Stalker Theatre
Step into an interactive experience bringing the Australian bush to life through 360-degree projections and guided storytelling.
This free family-friendly installation features responsive animations of native wildlife including bounding kangaroos and playful wombats.
When: December 13, 2025 – January 10, 2026
Where: Carriageworks Cost: Free
Carriageworks Christmas Market
Over 100 stalls offering festive foods, gifts and entertaining essentials from leading producers and makers. The perfect place to stock up for your holiday celebrations.
When: December 20, 2025
Where: Carriageworks
Cost: Free admission
Musicals, Opera, and Theatre in Sydney in December
GATSBY at the Green Light
The hottest ticket of the summer returns as Sydney Opera House’s Studio transforms into a decadent 1920s-inspired club. This immersive cabaret experience combines aerial artistry, live music, and theatrical performances inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary parties.
ARIA-nominated Odette leads an international cast including Spencer Craig as Gatsby and Caitlin Thomson-Moylan as Daisy, with spectacular aerial performances, tap dancing, and variety acts. The show promises a sophisticated blend of contemporary music, stunning choreography and spectacular stunts.
When: From December 13, 2025
Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $59 + booking fee
Cirque Alice
From the creators of The Illusionists comes a spectacular new circus show reimagining Lewis Carroll’s beloved Wonderland. This magical production features world-class aerialists, acrobats, contortionists and special guest artists performing to remixed classical favorites, with on-stage cabaret seating putting audiences at the heart of the action.
Following sold-out seasons in Brisbane and Singapore, Cirque Alice transforms the Coliseum Theatre into a mesmerizing wonderland complete with extraordinary acts, exquisite puppetry, and stunning costumes. Perfect for both family outings and date nights.
When: December 24, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Where: Coliseum Theatre, West HQ, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill
Cost: From $69 + booking fee l Book
My Cousin Frank
Celebrated First Nations leader Rhoda Roberts AO returns to the Sydney Opera House in this powerful one-woman show about her legendary cousin, Francis “Frank” Roberts – the first Aboriginal Olympian. Through intimate storytelling, Roberts shares the extraordinary tale of Frank’s journey to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and his fight for recognition when denied an Australian passport because he wasn’t considered a citizen.
This moving NORPA production combines personal narrative with cultural history, offering an important story of resilience, identity and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of discrimination.
When: December 3-6, 2025
Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Standard $59.90, Concession $39.90 + booking fee
Bookings: sydneyoperahouse.com
Now You See Me Live
The blockbuster film franchise comes to life in this spectacular stage production from the creators of The Illusionists. Four of the world’s most innovative illusionists – Adam Trent, Enzo Weyne, Andrew Basso, and Gabriella Lester – unite as the “Four Horsemen” to present a mind-bending showcase of grand-scale illusions, death-defying stunts, and technological wizardry.
This Australian premiere season promises to push the boundaries of stage magic with unprecedented feats and shocking twists that will leave audiences questioning what’s possible.
When: December 19, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $75 + booking fee
Comedy, Music and Dance
New Breed – Sydney Dance Company
Four emerging Australian choreographers present bold world premieres in Sydney Dance Company’s celebrated showcase of contemporary dance. This year’s program features innovative works by Emma Fishwick, Ngaere Jenkins, Ryan Pearson and Harrison Ritchie-Jones, performed by SDC’s acclaimed ensemble dancers.
Now in its twelfth year, New Breed continues its vital role in developing Australia’s next generation of choreographic talent, with past participants including Melanie Lane, Daniel Riley, and Tra Mi Dinh. Each choreographer brings their unique perspective and movement language to this dynamic program.
When: December 3-13, 2025
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Perfume Genius – Sydney Opera House Debut
Alternative music star Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) makes his Sydney Opera House debut in a special one-night-only performance. Known for his emotionally raw and genre-defying music, Hadreas will perform with his live band, showcasing songs from his critically acclaimed seventh album ‘Glory’ alongside favorites from his celebrated catalogue.
The Iowa-born singer-songwriter brings his striking stage presence and fearless artistry to the Concert Hall, promising an intimate and transcendent evening of music that spans tender ballads to soaring glam rock.
When: Tuesday December 9, 2025, 8:30pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $69.90 + booking fee l Book
Candlelight Orchestra: A Tribute to Queen
Experience Queen’s legendary anthems reimagined by a 15-piece string orchestra in the spectacular setting of Sydney Town Hall. This unique concert series combines the power of orchestral arrangements with the intimate atmosphere of candlelight, presenting beloved classics like Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, and Killer Queen in a whole new light.
Part of the globally acclaimed Candlelight® concert series, this one-hour performance transforms the historic Sydney Town Hall into an intimate concert venue illuminated by thousands of candles.
When: 19 December 2025, 2 shows: 6pm and 8:30pm
Where: Sydney Town Hall
Cost: From $41 Bookings: Via Fever
Seymour Nights
Seymour Nights is the Seymour Centre’s 50th‑anniversary program of free Saturday courtyard gigs, designed to spotlight emerging artists and celebrate 50 years of diverse storytelling.
Lady Lyon
Alt‑country artist Lady Lyon brings her blend of rock, blues and honky‑tonk twang to the Seymour Courtyard. Expect finger‑picking grooves and Australiana storytelling from one of the scene’s fastest‑rising acts, alongside food trucks, DJs and a pop‑up bar.
Seymour Nights is part of the centre’s 50th anniversary celebrations, with free Saturday sessions showcasing genre‑bending sets and up‑and‑coming local talent. Arrive early to secure a spot.
When: Saturday 6 December
Where: Seymour Courtyard, Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale
Cost: Free l Accessibility: Step‑free access at Seymour Courtyard; accessible toilets onsite. Please confirm any specific seating or quiet‑area options with the venue.
Transgenre with TAY.444 (DJ Set), Maxine Wild, Worm Girlz
Transgenre celebrates trans and non‑binary voices in Australian music with an all‑killer line‑up. Catch TAY.444’s DJ set, genre‑blending Maxine Wild, and Meanjin supergroup Worm Girlz, plus the usual Saturday block‑party atmosphere with food trucks and a pop‑up bar.
Part of Seymour Centre’s summer anniversary program, these free outdoor sets spotlight emerging artists and community energy. Good for a casual night with friends.
When: Saturday 13 December
Where: Seymour Courtyard, Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale
Cost: Free Accessibility: Step‑free access at Seymour Courtyard; accessible toilets onsite. Please confirm any specific seating or quiet‑area options with the venue.
The Jazz Room: Journey to New Orleans
Step into a 1920s New Orleans jazz bar for an immersive musical experience celebrating the rich heritage of jazz. Set in the intimate Albert Palais Events venue, this unique show features talented musicians blending structured arrangements with free-flowing improvisation, capturing the authentic spirit of New Orleans jazz.
Enjoy cocktails at cabaret-style tables while experiencing a different performance each night, as the musicians embrace jazz’s improvisational nature.
When: 5, 19 December, two shows nightly at 6:30pm and 8:30pm
Where: Albert Palais Events
Cost: From $49 Bookings: Via Fever app or website
Art and Exhibitions
Unfinished Business at the Australian Museum
This powerful exhibition shares first‑person stories from 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability through 3D lenticular portraits, film and a new installation. Created by human rights documentarian Belinda Mason OAM with Dieter and Liam Knierim, and developed with First Peoples Disability Network, it highlights resilience, identity and the intersecting impacts of ableism and racism.
The Australian Museum has embedded accessibility throughout the show, with tactile panels, audio descriptions, Auslan interpretation and large‑print materials. Visitors can also access Audio Description and Auslan tours, plus audio of exhibition labels via QR codes in the gallery and online. Free entry.
When: 1 November 2025 – 19 April 2026
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney
Cost: Free entry l Accessibility: Tactile panels; audio descriptions; Auslan interpretation; large‑print materials; QR code links to Audio Description and label audio
RELICS: A New World Rises
LEGO® Masters champions Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler transform vintage objects into intricate miniature worlds in this unique exhibition. Set in the year 2130, discover post-apocalyptic societies built from thousands of LEGO® pieces, including a typewriter-turned-newspaper headquarters and a refrigerator reimagined as a cryogenic resort.
The exhibition features 14 large-scale displays, custom scavenger hunts for all ages, and an interactive build zone where visitors can create and display their own LEGO® models.
When: From August 16, 2025
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney
Cost: Adult $29, Concession $25, Child (4-
The Last Stronghold – An Epic Medieval Adventure
Step into the medieval era through cutting-edge virtual reality at this groundbreaking immersive experience. For 45 minutes, you’ll be transported back to 1304 to explore the historic fortified city of Carcassonne alongside characters Simon, a young nobleman, and Agnès, a rebellious townswoman.
Interact with your surroundings as you explore everything from bustling markets to nighttime watch on the ramparts. Pick up shields, sample medieval food and wine, and step inside noble residences within the UNESCO World Heritage site. Based on the latest historical research and validated by experts, this experience meticulously recreates the city at its peak.
When: Until 30 December
Where: Fever Pavilion, Sydney Showground
Age: Suitable for ages 10+
Eora by Michael Riley
Step into a powerful digital journey at the Museum of Sydney with this compelling three-screen installation by acclaimed Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi filmmaker Michael Riley. This masterful work weaves together archival imagery, natural landscapes, and contemporary First Nations art, accompanied by an immersive soundscape featuring local First Nations voices.
Recently digitized, this landmark piece celebrates First Nations resilience, cultures, and beauty through a mesmerizing 20-minute experience. Originally commissioned for the museum’s 1995 opening, it returns as we approach the Museum of Sydney’s 30th anniversary celebration.
When: From December 7 (closed Christmas Day) 10am-5pm daily
Where: Museum of Sydney
Cost: Free entry
Primavera 2024: Young Australian Artists
Primavera 2024: Young Australian Artists has opened at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA). Curated by Lucy Latella, this year’s exhibition focuses on cultural connection in the face of social and political challenges, with five emerging artists drawing on their personal and family histories to explore evolving cultural identities. The exhibition remains a significant platform for early-career Australian artists.
Featured Artists:
- Teresa Busuttil – Explores her Maltese-Australian heritage through found objects and contemporary interpretations of kitsch.
- Chun Yin Rainbow Chan – Revitalizes women’s folk songs from Hong Kong’s Weitou people, blending cultural memory with modern media.
- Aidan Hartshorn – Creates cultural objects addressing the impact of industrialization on his Walgalu and Wiradjuri ancestral lands.
- Monica Rani Rudhar – Navigates cultural disconnection through autobiographical sculptures and video, drawing on her Indian and Romanian heritage.
- Sarah Ujmaia – Examines forced displacement and language loss through material-led, experimental works inspired by her Chaldean background.
When: 30 August 2024 – 27 January 2025
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Level 2 Galleries
Cost: Free
Food and Drink Experiences
Carriageworks Christmas Market
Carriageworks’ one‑day Christmas Market brings 120+ stalls under one roof for last‑minute festive shopping. Stock up on seasonal produce, cheeses, puddings, wines and pantry treats, and browse food‑related gifts like signed cookbooks, ceramics and tableware. Ready‑to‑eat options from favourites such as AP Bakery, Hotluck, Condimental and more keep you fuelled while you shop to DJ La Foxy Fuzz’s set.
Families can drop into free craft activities and try Creature by Box of Birds/Stalker Theatre, an interactive digital bushland experience with 360‑degree projections. Arrive early for popular producers and bring a tote or esky for chilled purchases.
When: Saturday 20 December, 8am–3pm
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Cost: Free entry l Accessibility: Step‑free venue with accessible toilets; pram‑friendly. Check the Carriageworks site for detailed accessibility and transport info.
If you have not finished your Christmas shopping you may want to check out our full list of Christmas Markets
Pretty Woman Oh‑La‑La‑La Lift at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Step into an immersive elevator installation celebrating Pretty Woman, complete with a bell boy, velvet chaise and the iconic “colour me happy” line etched on the mirrors for a quick photo. Every Friday and Saturday from 3–5pm, in‑house guests and visitors are offered a complimentary glass of bubbles, and couples receive a signature Pretty Woman rose.
Make a night of it with themed cocktails across the hotel: Strawberry Yuzu Spritz at the rooftop Wentworth Bar, and a Strawberry Vodka Gimlet at Bar Tilda, plus share cocktails and bar bites.
A limited Pretty Woman Experience accommodation package (from $636) includes macarons and bubbles on arrival, two show tickets, breakfast for two, and complimentary themed cocktails with same‑day tickets.
When: 5 Nov – 5 Dec 2025 (lift experience); Signature Stay bookable now until 25 January 2026 for stays 14 Dec 2025 – 31 Jan 2026
Where: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sydney CBD
Cost: Complimentary bubbles Fri–Sat 3–5pm; cocktails from $20 (share cocktail $99); accommodation package from $636
The Magic Table at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
An immersive dining-and-magic experience hosted by world‑renowned duo The Clairvoyants (Thommy Ten and Amélie van Tass). Across five courses, expect interactive illusions, 3D storytelling and cinematic visuals paired with a menu from Sheraton’s culinary team.
Highlights include “The Magical Ocean Rock” (roasted Tasmanian salmon with rosemary gnocchi) and “Houdini’s Escape” (wild mushroom soup), with vegetarian and family options available. Limited seats; advance booking recommended.
When: Opening night Sat 6 December 2025; season Tue–Sat, 6:30pm sittings through December and January
Where: Level 1, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, 161 Elizabeth St, Sydney
Cost: Young Magician’s Feast $95; Enchanted Garden (vegetarian) $185; Wizard’s Essentials $195; Grand Illusion $250; Book directly
Bottega Coco Pasta Making Class
Join Italian chef Pier Davide Maiuri, renowned for his work in Top 10 world-rated and Michelin Star restaurants, for a culinary adventure you won’t forget. In this masterclass, Executive Chef Dario Nencioni will guide you through crafting exquisite Italian dishes, from veal pappardelle ragu with crushed pistachio and parmesan to an authentic buffalo margarita pizza recipe from Italy’s southern coast.
After cooking, you’ll enjoy a shared banquet of your delicious creations.
When: TBC
Where: Bottega Coco – Shop 1 T3.01/300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Cost: $118 per person, book here
Events in Regional NSW
Cherry Harvest Season in Mudgee
Fresh cherries are an essential part of an Aussie Christmas, so why not create a new Christmas tradition in your family and make heading bush and picking your own fruit part of your Christmas experience?
Where: Roth Family Orchard, 108 Eurunderee Lane, Mudgee
When: 1-21 Dec.
More: details here Bookings from late October.
Plan ahead
There is lots happening across Sydney over the summer so get a head start with these pages.
- What’s on in January in Sydney
- Sydney in February
- Christmas Events
- School holidays in Sydney
- Get out on the harbour this summer.
