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With just over two weeks until the big day, one can almost hear jingle bells in the air. Sydney is also full of seasonal festivities including markets, carolling sessions and plenty of opportunities to meet Saint Nick himself. Here is our guide to the best ways to embrace the festive spirit.
Will Ferrell in the Christmas classic Elf.
Moonlight cinema
This annual outdoor cinema under the stars has a packed program of seasonal flicks. Rom-coms and family-friendly fare are on offer, with screenings of Last Christmas, Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone, The Grinch, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Polar Express. Moviegoers can pack a picnic to BYO the night or purchase snacks at the venue. Until December 23, Centennial Park, $27.50-$52.50, sydney.moonlight.com.au
Wundrful World of Christmas.
Wundrful World of Christmas
Right in the city, this mixed-reality experience takes families on a 50-minute trip to the North Pole blending cute animation, detailed decoration and actors to bring the journey to life. Kids will throw snowballs with elves, enjoy biscuits with Mrs Claus and meet and get a photo with Santa. Children under three visit free. Until December 24, Wundr, 31 Market Street, Sydney, $41.50-$37.50/$27.50-$31.50, wundr.live/sydney
Sydney Zoo Christmas Spectacular.
Sydney Zoo Christmas Spectacular
Christmas is coming to the critters at Sydney Zoo with decorations of giant candy canes and gingerbread men popping up to offer the perfect Instagram-friendly moment. Kids can create baubles to take home at the craft zone or write and post a letter to Santa Claus at a dedicated mailbox. Until December 25, Sydney Zoo, Blacktown, $49.99-$59.99/$19.99-$27.99, sydneyzoo.com
The Martin Place Christmas Tree.
Martin Place Christmas tree
For more than 50 years, this annual fixture has been bringing cheer to the CBD as the tallest Christmas tree in the state, standing 25 metres in height. It is decorated with more than 15,000 native flowers, alongside LED lights and a colour-changing star. Choirs perform every night until December 24 from 6pm to 8pm, when the tree is illuminated until midnight. Until January 4, Martin Place, free, sydneychristmas.com.au
A City of Sydney Christmas concert.
City of Sydney Christmas concerts
These fun gigs are the perfect opportunity to introduce little ones to the joy of live music. Both upcoming concerts boast Zindzi and the Zillionaires, while today’s event at Rushcutters Bay also features Mitch Tambo, Diver City and The Quokkas, and the final concert at Alexandria has Tiptoe Giants, Junkyard Beats and Hot Potato Band. Visitors can grab a fundraising family photograph with Santa for a donation of $5. December 7 and 14, various locations, free, sydneychristmas.com.au
Jolly Market at Customs House at Circular Quay.
Jolly Market
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A Christmas night market popping up harbourside should be just the thing for warm summer nights. More than 120 curated stalls will sell a mix of handmade gifts, street food and tipples from boutique wineries and distilleries. Every evening will also feature live music performances as sounds of jazz, folk and soul drift through the streets. December 11-21, Circular Quay, free, jollymarket.com.au
Christmas Festival
Performer and social media star Jayden Rodrigues hosts a free fest in the city with performances from Aussie legend Christine Anu and her daughter Zipporah, barbershop chorus Sydney Harmony and toddler techno mastermind Lenny Pearce. Food stalls will be set up and the night includes a visit from Santa Claus. December 13, Tumbalong Park, free, darlingharbour.com
Christmas at the Cathedral.
Christmas at the Cathedral
The iconic building will once again become a colourful vision, featuring a state-of-the-art animation of The Little Drummer Boy projected onto its facade. For the first time, this year visitors can explore the crypt underneath the cathedral, with the space lit up for the occasion. December 17-25, St Mary’s Cathedral, free, christmasatthecathedral.org.au
ACO Carols on the Pier.
Carols on the Pier
Australian Chamber Orchestra’s new family concert lets youngsters hear live classical music as they experience the ACO, who will be joined by Luminescence Chamber Singers for tunes such as Jingle Bells, Silent Night and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Visitors can also take part in craft activities after the show. Recommended for ages five and over. December 18-22, ACO On the Pier, $49, aco.com.au
The Christmas Spectacular.
The Christmas Spectacular
This impressive variety show is on a national tour with its delightful blend of magic, dance and music. The performances include head-scratching tricks from Australia’s Got Talent illusionist Michael Boyd and songs from The Voice finalist and Helpmann Award nominee Prinnie Stevens, who brings her powerhouse vocals to tracks such as Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You and Joy to the World. December 19-21, State Theatre, $59-$79, thechristmasspectacular.com.au
The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain.
The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain
Sydneysiders can take part in some old-fashioned carolling with Kate Miller-Heidke, The Wiggles, Marcia Hines, Leo Sayer, Hugh Sheridan, Budjerah and more. The long-running event also raises money to help Australians facing homelessness and visitors can check out a drone show, food trucks, carnival rides and fireworks on the day. Revellers can come along for free or purchase tickets for reserved spots. December 20, The Domain, free-$149.90, carolsinthedomain.com
Carriageworks Christmas Market.
Carriageworks Christmas Market
For those who don’t want to brave the crowds at a suburban shopping centre, this yearly inner west event makes prepping for the festive feast a more pleasurable affair. The one-day-only bazaar plays host to more than 120 stalls with local favourites such as AP Bakery, Gelato Messina, Tenacious Bakehouse and Flour and Stone. Shoppers can pick up cheese, seafood, wine and other produce for the big day, or grab a last-minute present with ceramics and gourmet condiments for sale. There will also be free crafting activities to keep little ones occupied. December 20, Carriageworks, free, carriageworks.com.au
Polish Club’s David Novak (left) and John-Henry Pajak.
Polish Club’s Xmas Bowlo Bash
ARIA-nominated garage rock outfit Polish Club takes on tracks such as Feliz Navidad and Wham!’s Last Christmas in their new covers record Christmas Stinks!. They’re celebrating the album’s release with a couple of gigs at bowling clubs that feature a few special guests and surprises at the show, as the duo put on what should be an energetic live performance. December 21, Marrickville Bowling Club, $44.90, polishclub.co
Wayside Chapel Christmas Day Street Party.
Wayside Chapel Christmas Day Street Party
Wayside Chapel’s annual bash is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas with all invited, especially those going through a tough time or who are alone for the season. The day opens with a free breakfast, but the main event is the three-course community lunch on a table stretching to 50 metres long. There will be a DJ spinning tunes and a conga line to cement feelings of connection and inclusion. December 25, Wayside Chapel Kings Cross, free, waysidechapel.org.au
