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 – 3-26 January 2025
• Flickerfest – 19-28 January 2025
• Australia Day – 26 January 2025
• Year of the Snake Festival

Sydney Festival

From 3-26 January, prepare yourself for a remarkable 24 days packed with music, performances, theatre, art, fashion, circus acts, and dance events spanning across Greater Sydney.

The festival boasts an impressive lineup, including 26 world premieres, 29 exclusive Australian performances, 15 co-commissioned works, and 43 free events. Amidst this extensive program, you can look forward to a diverse array of local and international highlights, with over 1,000 artists participating in over 150 events.

When: 3-26 January 2025
Where: Many events take place in the CBD area but the festival is spread across the Greater Sydney area.
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

Festivals, Fairs and Community Events

This section will be updated as details are made available.

Musicals, Opera, and Theatre

The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale: Australian Premiere

Prepare to journey to Middle-earth™ as The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale makes its Australian premiere from 7 January 2025. This stage production, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy, invites longtime fans and newcomers alike to experience the legendary tale of Hobbits, courage, and camaraderie in a whole new way.

Created under license from Middle-earth Enterprises, this production has already captivated audiences in the UK and the US, with rave reviews calling it “The Greatest Show on Middle-earth” (The Guardian) and “A MUST-SEE SHOW” (Chicago Stage & Screen). The dynamic folk-inspired score, performed live by a cast of multi-skilled actor-musicians, weaves original music with the timeless story, bringing Tolkien’s world to life like never before.

As Frodo Baggins embarks on his perilous quest across Middle-earth to destroy the One Ring, audiences will be transported to the heart of this beloved fantasy, guided by a stellar creative team including Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman and Tony Award winner Christopher Nightingale.

Don’t miss the chance to witness this epic adventure on stage in Sydney.

When: From 7 January 2025
Where: State Theatre Sydney
Cost: Visit the official website for ticket information.

Peter and the Starcatcher: Australian Premiere

An all-Australian star cast is set to bring the five-time Tony Award-winning Peter and the Starcatcher to life in a reimagined Australian production.

Peter and the Starcatcher is the untold story of Neverland, exploring the origins of Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Wendy’s mother, Molly. Originally developed by Disney Theatrical Group and written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker, this new production is directed by acclaimed Australian director David Morton of Dead Puppet Society.

The stellar cast includes Otis Dhanji (Aquaman), Colin Lane (Lano & Woodley), and Olivia Deeble (Home and Away), among other top Australian talent. This production promises to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, filled with 100 unforgettable characters, live music, and technical wizardry.

When: From 31 January 2025 (Sydney – Capitol Theatre)
Where: Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Cost:

Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera at Sydney Festival 2025

Sydney Festival is thrilled to present Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera, a captivating chamber opera inspired by the legendary Las Vegas magic duo. This world premiere production will be a highlight of the 2025 Festival, blending powerful vocals, live magic, and theatrical spectacle to bring Siegfried and Roy’s extraordinary journey to life.

Co-written by composer-librettist Luke Di Somma and director Constantine Costi, this opera chronicles the duo’s rise from poverty in post-war Germany to becoming one of the most successful acts in Las Vegas history. Featuring Australian operatic stars Kanen Breen as Roy and Christopher Tonkin as Siegfried, alongside a talented supporting cast, the production promises to be both entertaining and deeply moving.

Festival Director Olivia Ansell calls it a “larger-than-life spectacle” perfect for both opera enthusiasts and newcomers.

When: 8–25 January 2025
Where: Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1 Theatre (The Thirsty Mile), Walsh Bay, Sydney
Cost: Visit sydneyfestival.org.au

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 32st 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: TBC
More: check the website for program details.

“The World’s Most Beautiful 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: Jan- Feb
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

Penn & Teller: 50th Anniversary World Tour at Sydney Opera House

Legendary magicians Penn & Teller are kicking off their 50th anniversary world tour in Australia with a week of mesmerizing performances at the Sydney Opera House.

Celebrating five decades of redefining magic, Penn & Teller will bring their extraordinary mix of mind-blowing illusions and sharp comedy to the iconic Concert Hall stage. Known for their innovative tricks and boundary-pushing performances, the duo has captivated audiences worldwide, from their long-running Las Vegas show to hit TV series like Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness magic’s finest in action.

When: 11 – 18 January 2025
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $79 + $8.95 booking fee.

Sunset Sessions on Cockatoo Island

Get ready for a summer of fun with the return of the popular live music series at Cockatoo Island, starting in January! The Sunset Sessions will run on Saturday evenings from 13 January. Bring your family or friends and enjoy picnics on the lawns of historic Biloela House, take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour, and enjoy great music from a diverse array of performers.

You’ll also have the option to buy food and drinks from Marina Café & Bar. Don’t miss out on these delightful summer evenings filled with music and scenic beauty!

• 13 Jan – Sunny Reyne (5:30pm) and Ruby Jackson (6:45pm)
• 20 Jan – Anieszka (5:30pm) and Mi-Kaisha (6:45pm)

When: TBC
Where: Biloela Lawn, Cockatoo Island

Food and Drink Events

Sports and Outdoors

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 2025

If you are road tripping this month, put these festivals on your radar.

• Elvis Festival Parkes – 8-12 January 2025
• Tamworth Country Music Festival: 17-26 January 2025
• Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival: TBC 2025

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