Cultural and creative life

In pictures: Sydney celebrates Christmas

The best snaps from around the city.

SydneyChristmasTree-0182

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. There’s not long to go until the big day and Sydneysiders have been making the most of the festive atmosphere in the city centre and surrounds. They’ve been tagging their snaps #sydxmas. Here are some of our favourites so far.

It started with a bang

We officially began Christmas with a street party in the city centre. Thousands showed up to watch performers on pop-up stages and to see our brand new tree light up for the first time. Instagrammer @glanzpunkt captured this epic photo of the fireworks show that followed.

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/BqoxMjuHQS5/

A new Christmas tree

Did you know our new Christmas tree is the tallest in NSW? It’s 25 metres high and decorated with more than 110,000 LEDs, a 3.4 metre colour-changing star and 330 baubles. It’s just as beautiful day and night, as these snaps show.

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrGv--3hrgH/

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/BqxvKQDglPk/

The tree features 15,000 flowers representing 9 different kinds of Australian flowers: banksia, waratah, bottlebrush, wattle, eucalyptus gum flower, kangaroo paw, flannel flower, pink wax flower and white wax flower. You can see them up close in this picture by @tleo_1711 on Instagram.

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqrez1cHYMs/

Holli K.D. Hollitzer created this incredible GIF and shared it with us via Facebook.

A Christmas GIF
A Christmas GIF

Dancing in the park

@colorofmysea shared this joyous photo of the Sydney Christmas Children's Concert in Surry Hills.

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq_Tk0_loqm/

A very Green Square Christmas

For the first time ever, our newest town centre has joined in the festive fun with a Christmas tree in the new Green Square Library and Plaza. This year, we held a Christmas concert at Matron Ruby Park.

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrDxt0vlxV_/

Paddington gets into the festive spirit

Sydneysiders have gone above and beyond with their decorations this year! We’re very taken with this incredible transformation of a Paddington terrace by @dunesurf for Bruce Pollack. Photo by @lisatakessnaps.

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrCPThIlztP/

The Lights of Christmas

The light projections on St Mary’s Cathedral are a crowd favourite every year, and this year didn’t disappoint. The show features a story written and narrated by actor/writer Simon Pryce, also known as the red Wiggle.

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrFl5GaFape/

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrMeELulp-u/

Choirs in the city

Michael Vella emailed us these beautiful snaps of the With One Voice choir performing in Martin Place. He says the choir, which unites people from all walks of life, "gave the crowds a beautiful performance."

With One Voice choir performs in Martin Place. Photo: Michael Vella
With One Voice choir performs in Martin Place. Photo: Michael Vella

With One Voice choir performs in Martin Place. Photo: Michael Vella
With One Voice choir performs in Martin Place. Photo: Michael Vella

Queen Victoria Building

The QVB has brought a fairytale Christmas to Sydney. Instagrammer @stephtee captured this stunning shot of the Swarovski Christmas tree.

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq_YjNRhV0m/

George Street Wreaths

George Street is adorned with a series of very impressive technicolour wreaths. They’ve proven a favourite spot for a festive selfie!

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq9exXiBhHd/

Pitt Street Mall

94,000 LEDs are twinkling above last-minute Christmas shoppers in Pitt Street Mall. Instagrammer @dariovero_ captured this magical sunset under the Canopy of Light.

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq75J2EAxVz/

See the full program of events at sydneychristmas.com.au. Remember to keep sharing your Christmas photos with us on #sydxmas.

And from all of us at the City of Sydney, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

Published 13 December 2018, updated 21 December 2018