One of my favourite months to be in Sydney, January always sees plenty going in across the city. With summer in full swing and what seems like half of Sydney on holiday, there are events on every day.
Accommodation prices are still at their peak and many attractions are busy. So if you are visiting and keen to do tours and activities on a particular day, it’s worth booking these in advance.
New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available.
Average Temperatures: 25.9 – 18.7 C ( 79.7 – 67.3°F)
While each year varies, the last January was pretty wet with 12 days of rain.
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Major Events in January
- Sydney Festival – 4-26 January 2025
- Flickerfest – 19-28 January 2025
- Australia Day – 26 January 2025
- Year of the Snake Festival
The Sydney Festival kicks off the year with a huge bang with dozens of free and paid events. We don’t have the space to share them all but have added our favourites here. For the full list be sure to visit the festival site.
Sydney Festival
Sydney Festival 2025 will feature over 130 shows and events, including 22 World Premieres, 24 Australian exclusives, 43 locations, and more than 50 free events, such as over 12 nights of live music. With First Nations artists at the forefront and new international works being introduced, this year promises to inspire audiences.
The festival reflects current cultural themes through diverse local and international artists. Notable performances include Dark Noon, which critiques American history, and As You Like It or The Land Acknowledgement, a modern twist on Shakespeare by Cliff Cardinal.
When: 4 January–26 January
Where: Various venues across Sydney
More: Check out the jam-packed program here.
Australia Day
Australia Day, held on 26 January, commemorates the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson. Conversely, it is a sad day for indigenous Australians as it marks the day of the white invasion. There are options for commemorating each of these events.
Head to the Harbour to join the Australia Day Regatta will play out on the harbour from 1:30pm – 6pm, and the Wheelchair Race will take place in the Rocks from 9am.
To join the indigenous activities head to the Yabun Festival in Redfern. This festival is the largest one-day gathering and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia.
When: 26 January 2025
Where: All over Sydney but the CBD, Rocks and Circular Quay are the centre of the action
More: Check out our guide to Australia Day events here
Squid Game: The Experience
Experience Squid Game: The Experience, where you’ll face the intense challenges you know from the series! Outsmart Young-hee in Red Light Green Light, test your memory on the perilous Memory Steps, and go head-to-head in Marbles.
If you’re skilled and lucky enough, you’ll be crowned the winner! Afterward, explore Squid Game merch and relive the thrill. Ready to play? Secure your tickets now!
When: 14 December 2024 – 2 February 2025 (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve)
Where: The Immersive Big Top at Luna Park Sydney
Note: Recommended for ages 8+; parental discretion advised, wheelchair accessible
Festivals, Fairs and Community Events
This section will be updated as details are made available.
Musicals, Opera, and Theatre
This section will be updated as details are made available.
Outdoor Cinema & Film Festivals
Flickerfest
Flickerfest is an Academy® Accredited and BAFTA-recognised International Short Film. Films of 35 minutes or less and completed in the last two years are eligible for entry.
This year is the festival’s 32nd anniversary and will feature 25 films shown in the Spiegeltent tent on the North Park lawn at Bondi Beach. The festival will tour Australia from February to October.
Where: Bondi Beach
When: Feb- October
More: check the website for program details.
Westpac Open Air Cinema
Billed as the most beautiful cinema in the world, the Westpac Open Air Cinema shows both the latest flicks as well as classics with the beautiful Sydney Harbour at its back.
Where: Mrs Macquaries Point
When: 9 January – 18 February 2025
Cost: $36 – More: Full schedule
See the full list of Sydney’s outdoor cinemas here
Art & Exhibitions
PRIMAVERA: Young Australian Artists
Primavera 2024: Young Australian Artists has opened at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), showcasing works by five emerging artists: Teresa Busuttil, Chun Yin Rainbow Chan, Aidan Hartshorn, Monica Rani Rudhar, and Sarah Ujmaia. Curated by Lucy Latella, the exhibition explores cultural connection amid social and political challenges, with each artist drawing on personal and family histories.
The diverse works presented highlight the evolving nature of cultural identity. Now in its 33rd year, Primavera remains a significant platform for early-career Australian artists.
When: Daily from 10am – 5pm until 27 January 2025
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Level 2 Galleries
Cost: Free.
Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Competition
This exhibition of Australian Photojournalism showcases the winners and finalists of the 2024 Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism, including the Nikon Photo and Portrait of the Year. There are 30 categories of photography, featuring people from all walks of life and places across the globe.
Where: State Library of New South Wales
When: Daily until January 24. Open from 9am on weekdays and 10am on weekends.
Cost: Free.
Music & Comedy
Updated in October 2025
Sports and Outdoors
United CUp
Experience the excitement of mixed team tennis as the United Cup returns to Perth and Sydney from Friday, 27 December to Sunday, 5 January 2025.
This thrilling event will bring together the world’s top-ranked tennis players, competing for a share of over US$10 million in prize money and crucial ranking points.
The tournament kicks off with Perth hosting the opening matches at RAC Arena, followed by the group stage at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena. Featuring eighteen countries with up to three men and women each, teams will battle it out for a spot in the quarterfinals and ultimately, the Sydney-hosted semifinals and final.
When: TBC
Where: Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney
CommBank Women’s Ashes T20 International series
Australia’s dominant women’s cricket team is eager to defend their Ashes title as the thrilling multi-format series kicks off with the One Day International matches. Witness cricket history in the making as these remarkable athletes take the field!
Join us to cheer on the team and experience top-tier sportsmanship and skill firsthand. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event.
When: TBC
Where: North Sydney Oval
Yoga Under the Bridge
Free yoga sessions are open to the public (and not just early birds) at 9:30am Sunday until January 21st. Note however, that you will need to book tickets in advance and bring your own mat and towel.
Where: Dawes Point Park, Sydney
When: Weekends from 10am – 5pm until Sunday January 14th
Cost: Free. Find more information and book tickets, here.
Cockle Bay Paddle Boats
Get ready for a fun water adventure at Cockle Bay this summer! Rent a pedal boat for up to two adults and two kids to explore and enjoy the scenic views of the harbour city. It’s perfect for a date, a friendly get-together, or a family race. After pedalling, relax at nearby spots for food and drinks, celebrating the festive Christmas spirit at Cockle Bay.
Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour
Cost: $45 per boat for 30 minutes
Regional Events in NSW January
If you are road tripping this month, put these festivals on your radar.
- Elvis Festival Parkes – 7-11 January 2026
- Tamworth Country Music Festival: 16-25 January 2026
- Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival: 2026 TBC
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.
Visitors from Perth will be visiting Sydney, regrettably leaving on January 6th.
I’m finding it difficult to find a live theatre show during that first week. Can you help?
Hi Ewan
We will be updating this page in the next week or two. What sort of show are you looking for? The Opera House has definatly released their schedule as have many of the events that are part of the Festival of Sydney so perhaps check those sites first.