Best Christmas lights, events for adults and kids to do in Sydney
Multi-coloured displays, glowing fairy lights and the essence of a magical winter wonderland – it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Here’s what to do in Sydney this festive season.
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‘Tis the jolly good season, and Sydney is raring for the arrival of Santa Claus.
There’s a bunch of fun places to visit in the city – and the outskirts – for Christmas that are family-friendly and, at times, suitable for pets.
Here are the best things to do in Sydney this silly season.
MARTIN PLACE CHRISTMAS TREE
Waltz into the heart of the CBD and you’ll find the state’s tallest – and arguably most spectacular – Christmas tree.
Decorated with more than 110,000 LEG light, 330 glossy baubles, and a 3.4m colour-changing star on top, the Martin Place tree is not one to miss.
The tree’s 800 branches are dressed with 15,000 flowers representing nine unique kinds of Australian fauna and there’s a kaleidoscope light show every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight until Sunday 1 January, 2023.
CANOPY OF LIGHT, PITT STREET MALL
Another highlight along Sydney’s Christmas lights and decorations walk is the Canopy of Light.
Gaze at 85,000 bright and sparkling LEDS and ten two-metre high stars as you stroll down Pitt Street Mall.
This one is a great spot to snap an iconic Instagram pic before it wraps up after Sunday 1 January, 2023.
THE ROCKS CHRISTMAS WONDERLANES
It’s truly mesmerising to see some of the city’s oldest laneways transform into charming ‘Christmas Wonderlanes’.
The historic neighbourhood is lined with twinkling fairy lights, cute Christmas themed installations and activities even your pooch can enjoy.
The installation is open and free to the public until Monday 26 December.
THE GALERIES, MIDJOURNEY DIGI-TREE
Christmas is all about giving.
At The Galeries shopping centre in Sydney CBD, you can donate any double up gifts or gifts better suited to someone else with the midjourney digital Christmas tree.
It’s a five metres tall unique light installation featuring eight unique works of art across a series of screens where you can pass on your presents to someone in need from Boxing Day.
CHRISTMAS AT DARLING HARBOUR
Gather the family and pop over to Darling Harbour for a stunning festive display marked by shimmering giant baubles, colourful fireworks and six foot tall Christmas presents.
There’s 150 places to eat and drink dotted along the harbour as well as visits from Santa, competitions and activities, including mini putt putt for the kids.
Snap the perfect pic at the incredible Darling Square Light Tunnel, and make sure to visit before the last day on Monday 26 December.
TINSELTOWN
This one’s for the hardworking parents who want to kick their feet up and unwind this season under the ultimate tinsel-filled, Christmas pop-up bar.
Every inch of the cosy space – found at 280 Cleveland St – is covered with decorations beaming bright gold, silver, red and green hues.
Strictly no grinches allowed and tickets are $15, which includes a bespoke cocktail on arrival. Hurry as it’s only open until Friday December 30.
NOEL SYDNEY AT ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
For the ultimate enchanting experience this Christmas, head to the Royal Botanic Gardens for the Noel Sydney event.
You will be led along a festive light trail into a magical forest-like space with towering digital Christmas trees among local business stalls, live performances and workshops that the whole family can enjoy.
There’s plenty of food and drink options and it’s free and open from 6pm to 11pm until Saturday 24 December.
NAUGHTY OR NICE AT THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA
Sydney’s premium entertainment space The Grounds of Alexandria is hosting an unmissable ‘Naughty or Nice’ Christmas event.
Book a table with your colleagues, friends or family for breakfast, bunch, lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants at The Grounds to gain exclusive access to the remarkable space.
The experience is open until mid-January.
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