Get into the festive spirit
Make merry in the city centre and hear from a different choir every night under the tallest Christmas tree in NSW. Shop for gifts or treats at the Christmas markets in Martin Place or take a stroll under the stunning canopy of light at Pitt Street Mall. See the full Sydney Christmas program.
Various dates throughout December
Sing, dance and be merry
We encourage singing along at our free Christmas concerts in Surry Hills, Rosebery, Rushcutters Bay, Glebe, and Alexandria. For the added splendour of the grand organ, experience Christmas at Sydney Town Hall with carols and festive music.
Various dates throughout December
Explore inclusive events on International Day of People with Disability
Enjoy a free inclusive concert at ICC Sydney. Laugh out loud – or learn how to make others laugh – with some of Australia’s funniest comedians. Improve your accessibility and boost your business at a breakfast networking event. And grab some popcorn for the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, screening in Glebe and Woolloomooloo. Find out what else is on for International Day of People with Disability.
Tuesday 3 December
Savour fresh produce and Christmas treats at Carriageworks markets
These popular weekly markets celebrate the season with 2 special editions. Sample fresh produce at the Summer Seasonal Farmers Markets. Come back later in the month for the Christmas market with all the speciality ingredients set to take your festive menu and gift giving to the next level.
7 and 21 December
See the blockbuster exhibitions at the Art Gallery of NSW
Two major exhibitions will call the Art Gallery of NSW home during summer: Australia’s first retrospective of the celebrated surrealist René Magritte and a huge exhibition of contemporary Chinese artist Cao Fei, featuring 2 new commissions, exclusive to Sydney.
Head down to the former wartime oil bunker beneath Naala Badu, the gallery’s north building. There you’ll be immersed in the large-scale video and sound installation Angelica Mesiti: The Rites of When.
Throughout December
Dive into our aquatic and fitness centre open day
Celebrate the arrival of summer with free entry across our pools including family activities, fitness competitions, giveaways and health consultations.
Saturday 7 December
Meet your new best friend at our animal shelter open day
Visit our animal shelter in the Sutherland Shire on its open day for half-price adoptions, dog training demos and fun for the whole family.
Saturday 7 December
Take flight through the history of Australian aviation
On World Aviation Day, discover the stories and achievements that shaped aviation in Australia through unique artifacts with speakers from the Powerhouse Museum.
Thursday 12 December
Count down to the fireworks on New Year’s Eve
Ring in 2025 with a spectacular fireworks show at Sydney Harbour. Plan your New Year’s Eve with information about vantage points, public transport options and the fireworks schedule for the night.
Tuesday 31 December
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Published 26 November 2024, updated 29 April 2025
