Christmas markets in Sydney

The most special Christmas presents are one-of-a-kind, and the best place to find them is at one of Sydney’s many Christmas markets. Starting on 21 November, Cambridge Markets will roll out its calendar of Christmas events. In Randwick, Burwood, Wentworth Point and Green Square the streets are lit up for twilight Christmas markets, while daytime markets will be held at Ryde, Maroubra and Cronulla with a Christmas Festival in Double Bay on 23 November.

Double Bay Christmas Festival - Credit: Cambridge Markets

The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition starts on 6 December and runs every weekend until the 21st. Tick everyone off your gift list with jewellery, pottery and Christmas chocolates, then pick up a bowl of paella or a stack of gozleme at one of the food stalls for a picnic under the Harbour Bridge. Over the water at White Bay Cruise Terminal, the Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market on 13 and 14 of December features exclusively made-in-Australia goods at its colourful stalls.

Christmas, The Rocks - Credit: Cassandra Hannagan

If you’re a food-lover, mark 20 December in your calendar for the Carriageworks Christmas Markets. All the usual Saturday farmers markets favourites will be there plus a range of special Christmas stalls with festive food-focused delights, like boxes of plump cherries, baked goods and produce to elevate your festive celebrations.  

Special Christmas events in Sydney

When the Martin Place Christmas Tree is lit on November 28, you know Christmas in Sydney has arrived. It’s the tallest Christmas tree in the Southern Hemisphere and the centrepiece for light shows, Santa photos and carolling. For another stunning tree, visit the Queen Victoria Building Christmas tree that spans three levels of the historic building.

Sydney Christmas Opening Weekend - Credit: Abril Felman | City of Sydney

Every night from 17 December, visit St Mary’s Cathedral for the nine-day Christmas at the Cathedral festival. Food and gift stalls will be set up in the elegant Gothic Revival building’s forecourt, with festive performances nightly. Don’t miss the 8:30pm light show when the facade becomes the backdrop for light projections.

Christmas at the Cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral

The Christmas spirit continues on 20 December with The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain. The festivities start at midday with food, drink and activities for kids. At 7:45pm the main event begins, with Christmas music performed by a star-studded line-up.

Christmas season dining in Sydney

A sunny, summer Christmas makes seafood hard to pass up. Join the crowds at the Sydney Fish Market or head to the CBD where Woodcut starts its festive menu on 24 November featuring elegant seafood platters from the raw bar. 

Prawns at the Sydney Fish Market - Credit: Sydney Fish Market

Christmas is in the air at The Charles Brasserie and a’Mare where special dishes like decadent steak tartare or fragrant pesto alla Genovese with trofie pasta are prepared with tableside drama. At The Charles, head to the shop after lunch to buy a black forest Bûche de Noël cake to take home. 

Meat & Wine Co in Circular Quay serves its generous festive menus with views of Sydney Harbour: tasting plates of Boerewors sausage or glazed pork belly, as well as the restaurant’s signature dry-aged rib-eye. 

Family Christmas fun in Sydney

Darling Harbour at Christmas is made for families, kicking off with the Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular on 6 December. At this very Sydney celebration, Santa will arrive on a jet-ski and marching bands and DJs amp up the festive spirit. Don’t forget to pose in front of the Darling Harbour Christmas tree, floating on the water. 

Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular at Darling Harbour - Credit: Place Management NSW

At Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park, Santa’s Christmas Picnic is on 20 and 21 December. Book a VIP package to enjoy stage shows and family photos with Santa. Stay into the evening for free fireworks over Darling Harbour.

What’s open on Christmas Day in Sydney

Save yourself the clean-up and take the family out for your Christmas meal. At Bathers’ Pavilion, lunch is served beachside. Book the Balmoral Room for your group and feast on dishes like rich porchetta, salmon wellington and passionfruit meringue tarts for dessert.

Bathers' Pavilion, Mosman - Credit: Nikki To

In Eveleigh, BrewDog’s casual spread isn’t any less special. The three-course Christmas Day menu starts with prawn cocktails followed by turkey with duck fat roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and gravy; and passionfruit pavlova roulade. 

Christmas Day is a public holiday, but there’s plenty to do. Spend Christmas with the penguins at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, or book a visit to Taronga Zoo which hosts a Christmas buffet with seafood, charcuterie and carving stations. Eat your fill to fuel a stroll around the zoo and share Christmas Day with the furry, finned and feathered residents.

Dugong at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour

Open 365 days a year, BridgeClimb Sydney is a memorable Christmas experience. Climb the famous structure and get your photo taken with Santa, 134m above the Sydney Harbour. Cap off this special day at Cirq with festive cocktails on The Crown’s rooftop and take in the stunning views. 

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney