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.

Need ideas for how to get in the festive spirit? We have a list of the best Christmas events across Sydney here.

• List of Christmas markets in Sydney
• Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race – 26 December
• NYE in Sydney – 31 December

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.

Where: Tallawoladah Lawn in The Rocks Precinct
When: 17 December from 10am to 4pm
Cost: Free – more details on their FB Page

JAPAN EXPO 2024

Get ready for the 4th 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.

Ticket holders receive exclusive coupons for use in Japan and Sydney. This family-friendly event is perfect for Japan enthusiasts and those eager to explore Japanese culture. Tickets are limited, so secure yours now!

Date: Saturday, 14 December 2024
Where: Sydney Town Hall
Get Tickets: $27.78 from Eventbrite

Musicals, Opera, and Theatre in Sydney in December

Jesus Christ SUperstar

Jesus Christ Superstar the celebrated rock musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber has captivated audiences with its powerful exploration of the final weeks of Jesus Christ’s life through the eyes of Judas, all set against a rock-infused score that has become legendary.

Lead Cast:

• Michael Paynter as Jesus: An international recording artist and member of the iconic Australian band Icehouse, known for his dynamic stage presence.
• Javon King as Judas: A versatile performer who wowed audiences in the Australian tour of Hairspray and brings depth to the role of Judas.
• Mahalia Barnes as Mary: A powerhouse soul and blues vocalist making her stage debut, celebrated for her performances with The Soul Mates and collaborations with top artists.

Producer John Frost has praised the cast for their extraordinary talent, highlighting their ability to bring fresh energy and emotion to the iconic songs such as “Heaven On Their Minds,” “What’s the Buzz,” and “I Don’t Know How To Love Him.”

When: From 6 November 2024
Where: Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Cost: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern

Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern is making its Australasian premiere at the Sydney Opera House this December. This unique, interactive theatrical experience brings the world of Dungeons & Dragons to life, allowing the audience to control the story, choose characters, and shape the adventure in real-time. With over 30 playable characters and countless ways for the story to unfold, each performance offers a new and immersive journey.

Created by passionate D&D players, The Twenty-Sided Tavern invites both novices and fans to join the adventure, testing their skills through combat, puzzles, and games in an ever-changing fantasy world.

When: From 15 December 2024
Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $79 + $8.95 booking fee

The Holiday in Concert with Live Orchestra

Get into the festive spirit early with The Holiday in Concert with Live Orchestra, a magical film-to-live orchestra experience touring Australia this Christmas.

Originally released in 2006, The Holiday tells the heartwarming story of Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz), two women who swap homes over the holiday season to escape their love troubles. With a star-studded cast, including Jude Law and Jack Black, and a beautiful score by Hans Zimmer, this film has become a Christmas classic.

This December, audiences will enjoy The Holiday like never before, with the Southern Cross Symphony Orchestra performing Zimmer’s iconic score live, adding a fresh, enchanting layer to every scene.

When: 14 December 2024
Where: ICC Darling Harbour
Cost: Tickets on sale from 8 August. Visit theholidayinconcert.com for details.

Comedy, Music and Dance

Waxahatchee: Tigers Blood Tour

Indie folk sensation Katie Crutchfield, known as Waxahatchee, is set to return to Sydney as part of her first solo Australian tour. Following the release of her acclaimed new album Tigers Blood, Waxahatchee will grace the Concert Hall stage with her full band, delivering a powerful performance of tender, introspective country-tinged songs infused with her signature Southern charm.

Waxahatchee first captivated Sydney audiences in 2018 with a sold-out show in the Opera House Studio. Now, six years later, she returns with a sound that has evolved into a richly textured blend of country and Americana. Tigers Blood, hailed as “one of the best country albums of 2024” by ABC Double J, showcases her most potent songwriting to date.

Don’t miss the chance to experience Waxahatchee’s raw and intimate live performance, praised by critics as “dazzling, piercing songwriting perfectly in tune with the band behind her” (Pitchfork).

When: Monday 2 December 2024, 8pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Tickets from $89 + booking fee. Visit sydneyoperahouse.com for details.

Dream Circus

Prepare for an extraordinary journey like no other! Dream Circus offers a unique blend of immersive technologies, including 360-degree projection, mind-bending audio, and mesmerising holograms that will leave you in awe.

Created by Sydney’s most talented creatives, Dream Circus is a whimsical world where the only rule is that there are no rules! This captivating experience transcends generations and adds a touch of wonder to your visit to Luna Park Sydney.

Don’t miss the chance to be one of the first to step into the enchanting world of Dream Circus. Get ready for a fantastical adventure that will challenge your perception of reality!

When: From 21 December – 30 January
Where: Luna Park Milsons Point
Cost: $35 kids $45 adults 

Art and Exhibitions

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 Drinks

Tinseltown – Sydney’s favourite pop up Christmas Bar is back

If you’re looking to get into the festive spirit, then Tinseltown is the place to go. It’s Christmas Day, every single day, and I’m not just talking about the decorations. They’ve got Christmas tunes, Christmas drinks, and more Christmas Pudding than you can shake your cracker at.

Find your santa hat, reindeer ears or even bad Christmas jumper and make your way to Cleveland Street.

Where: Glebe Point Road
When: until 30 December
Cost: From $15

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, Chef Maiuri 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: Sunday 17th December, 4pm
Where: Bottega Coco – Shop 1 T3.01/300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Cost: $118 per person, book here

Cherry Harvest Season in Mudgee

Fresh cherries are an essential part ofBottega Coco 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.

Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival 

Immerse yourself in the Southern Highlands Food & Wine Festival set in the picturesque Corbett Gardens. As the historic locale comes alive with festive lights, indulge in an eclectic mix of soulful music ranging from jazz and funk to bossa nova.

This event promises a showcase of the region’s best wines, with over 60 vineyards presenting their finest cool-climate varieties. From crisp chardonnay and zesty sauvignon blanc to the aromatic Riesling and lush pinot gris, every tasting is an invitation to fall in love with the Highlands anew. Perfect for connoisseurs and families, this festival is a journey of unforgettable flavours and sounds.

When: 9-10 December Friday 5pm-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sunday 11am-4pm  – Sunday Where: Corbett Gardens,  Bendooley Street  Bowral 
Cost: Adults 18+  $30  includes a tasting glass for free sampling 13-17 years old $10

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