Experience the magic of the holiday season with family-friendly Christmas events in Sydney! If you’re planning festive fun with your kids in Sydney in the lead up to Christmas 2025, check out our big list of events and activities.
From sparkling Christmas lights to lively concerts, festive Christmas movies, and vibrant events and experiences, there are plenty of Christmas events for everyone in the family.
We’ve handpicked a selection that kids will love, along with some special events perfect for adults. You’ll find both free and ticketed events, so there’s something to suit every budget and style of celebration!
Wundrful World Of Christmas Immersive Experience
Enjoy an immersive animated adventure to the North Pole. The Wundrful World Of Christmas is a magical, mixed reality walk through experience for all the family. Begin your journey by stepping into the Wundr lift and be transported by your trusty elf pilot on a magical journey to the snow-covered North. Wander past the Wishing Well in the Enchanted Forest to see the busy elves at their tools in Santa’s workshop and Mrs Claus in her kitchen. Your journey will be guided by a cast of original animated characters and real life actors in an interactive theatrical set and scenery.
Dates: Saturday 1 November – Wednesday 24 December 2025
Time: Various
Location: Wundr Store, 31 Market Street, Sydney
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Starting at $41.50 Adult, $31.50 for kids 3 – 16, for off-peak times. Under 3 Free.
Website
Pick Your Own Christmas Tree
Luddenham Christmas Tree Farm welcomes visitors daily throughout the Christmas season. What truly sets the farm apart is the hands-on, pick-your-own experience. Families can wander through over 4,000 real Christmas trees, choose their favourite, and even cut it down themselves, creating genuine memories and a tradition that children and parents love year after year. Each tree is carefully grown and shaped over four years and is full of that classic, fresh Christmas scent.
Dates: 22 November through to 23 December 2025
Location: 821 Luddenham Road, Luddenham
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free to visit. No bookings required.
Website
Christmas at Hay St.
This December, Hay St Market is transforming into a vibrant holiday hub filled with festive food, live music, themed weekends, family activities and Christmas-themed experiences. From global Christmas flavours and seasonal cocktails to daily entertainment and special one-off events, Hay St Market is delivering an unforgettable month of celebrations for visitors of all ages.
As part of the festive line-up, families can join the Elf on the Shelf Treasure Hunt. A fun, interactive challenge where kids can explore the market to find five hidden elves and earn a free ice cream when they find them all. And during select weekends in December, Hay St Kids will host a range of activities, including face painting, Christmas cookie decorating, and a special wreath-making class as a bookable activity for families looking for a creative touch.
Dates: Elf on the Shelf Treasure Hunt – December 10 to December 21. Hay St Kids School Holiday Program – December 12 to December 14 & December 19 to December 21
Location: Hay St Market at Paddy’s
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free to visit. No bookings required.
Website
Tartan Christmas at The Grounds of Alexandria
Step into Christmas laneways, where plaid meets magic and every corner checks all the boxes for festive fun. Wander through a grove of trees decked out with tartan baubles and velvet ribbons, pause under the mistletoe, and take a moment to soak in their towering Christmas wreath with an oversized tartan bow. Limited-edition tartan-wrapped treats tempt you to eat, drink, and be merry, while every twist and turn uncovers a festive story just waiting to be shared. And of course, Santa’s swinging by for pre-booked family photos – including a limited run of after-hours sessions – so check your list twice and join the festive fun!
Dates: Daily until Sunday, 4 January 2026
Location: The Grounds of Alexandria
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free but access to the festive laneways is reserved for those dining at The Grounds of Alexandria Cafe, The Garden or The Potting Shed
Website
Homegrown Christmas at The Rocks
The historic streets of The Rocks are transforming for the Christmas holiday season! Enjoy a feast for the senses as you stroll through this historic precinct as it comes to life just in time for Christmas. Explore thoughtful moments and heartfelt connections around every golden sandstone corner, with sparkling Christmas lights and trees, special feasts, plus loads of fun activities. Celebrate the spirit of an Australian Christmas with a relaxed afternoon of free live music by the harbour on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December. Enjoy a laid-back session of soulful sounds and surprise renditions of Christmas classics.
Date: 14 November – 25 December 2025
Location: The Rocks, Sydney
Website: The Rocks
Christmas at Darling Harbour
Enjoy rockin’ around the harbour with a plethora of free activities including the much-loved Christmas Festival, workshops, a floating Christmas tree, fireworks and guaranteed good vibes.
Date: Monday 17 November – Thursday 25 December 2025
Time: Various
Location: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Age Group: All ages
Cost: A mix of free and ticketed events
Website
High Tea with Santa at QVB
Under the glistening chandeliers of the iconic Tea Room QVB, book your table for a magical, memorable and intimate Santa Experience. Indulge in a Christmas-inspired menu of delicate pastries, freshly baked scones and sugar-dusted delights, all served in the grandeur of the historic ballroom. Children will love meeting Santa, sharing their wishes beneath the glittering chandelier and capturing the moment with keepsake photographs.
Dates: Selected days between 21 November – 24 December 2025
Time: Various times
Location: The Tea Room QVB, Queen Victoria Building
Cost: $105 for Adult / Teens, $65 for kids 1 – 12
Website: QVB
Christmas Actually – The Music of Love Actually Live
Christmas Actually is the ultimate silly-season starter, bursting with nativity lobsters, cinnamon sticks and endless fun! Relive the magic musical moments from beloved holiday classic Love Actually, brought to life by a rockstar band of Australia’s top musicians and vocalists. Starring Green Room Award winner Naomi Price and an all-star Australian cast, Christmas Actually will deliver all the hits from your favourite festive soundtrack, wrapped up with a sprig of holly and bucketloads of comedy and charm.
Dates: Wednesday 26 – Sunday 30 November 2025
Time: Various
Location: The Studio, Sydney Opera House
Age Group: Suitable for 15+
Cost: B Reserve from $99 + booking fee
Website
Handel’s Messiah
Find comfort, inspiration and pure seasonal joy in the company of Pinchgut Opera as their singers come together for an exhilarating performance of Handel’s greatest oratorio. Pinchgut will perform Handel’s original Dublin version with an ensemble of twelve singers, revealing its layers of meaning and artistic brilliance, and giving an experience rarely available for audiences of today. It tells the story of the birth and passion of Jesus Christ and was first performed in Dublin in 1742, featuring in Christmas celebrations ever since.
Dates: Thursday 27 November to Wednesday 3 December 2025
Location: City Recital Hall, Sydney
Cost: From $65
Website: City Recital Hall
NSW Rail Museum Santa Train
Join Santa for a festive 40-minute steam train ride inside a beautifully restored carriage, from historic Thirlmere Station to Buxton and return. Included in your ticket is access to the NSW Rail Museum, plus enjoy a Christmas scavenger hunt, stories, performances and singalongs, face painting and more! Immerse yourself in Australia’s largest collection of heritage rolling stock, state-of-the-art facilities and interactive exhibits.
Dates: 29 & 30 November and 6 & 7 December 2025
Location: Thirlmere
Cost: $35 Adult, $25 Concession and $15 for Child (aged 2 – 17)
Website: Transport Heritage NSW
Santa’s Steam Tram Rides
See Santa arrive direct from the North Pole aboard a historic steam tram at the Valley Heights Rail Museum in the Blue Mountains! Proudly delivered by volunteers at the Valley Heights Rail Museum.
Dates: 29 & 30 November and 13 & 14 December 2025
Location: Valley Heights Rail Museum, Blue Mountains
Cost: $18 Adult, $15 Concession and $12 for Child (aged 2 – 17)
Website: Transport Heritage NSW
Christmas Movies at Moonlight Cinema
Enjoy your favourite Christmas movies at Moonlight Cinema. All the holiday classics are being screened including Love Actually, Home Alone, Home Alone 2, The Polar Express, The Nightmare before Christmas, Last Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Holiday and Elf.
Dates: Thursday 4 December to Tuesday 23 December 2025
Time: 8:30pm
Location: Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park, Sydney
Cost: From $29.50
Website: Moonlight Cinema
Christmas Fireworks at Darling Harbour
The festive bells will be ringing in Darling Harbour every weekend during December with a jam packed evening to celebrate with the whole family! Watch Cockle Bay light up with a spectacular Fireworks display every Saturday night at 9pm.
Dates: 6, 13, 20 and 27 December 2025
Time: 9pm
Location: Cockle Bay Wharf
Cost: Free
Website: Darling Harbour
Santa Express at Zig Zag Railway
The Santa Express returns to Zig Zag Railway for another season of festive fun! Book in for a joyful Christmas journey through the Blue Mountains aboard their beautifully restored heritage carriages. Santa himself will be travelling on every service greeting children, sharing smiles, and making magical memories along the way. This relaxed, family-friendly steam train adventure includes a return trip between Clarence and Top Points, surrounded by stunning bushland, heritage railway charm, and the warmth of the holiday season. Every paying child (aged 3+) receives a special gift from Santa, and families can add an optional infant gift for the littlest travellers. Bookings essential. Special event ticket pricing applies.
Dates: 6 & 7 December 2025
Location: Zig Zag Railway, Clarence NSW
Cost: $60 Adult, $50 Concession and $45 for Child (aged 3 – 16)
Website: Zig Zag Railway
Carols At the House
Join Sydney Philharmonia Choirs for a family-friendly carols, bringing together hundreds of singers, stars of the musical stage and a splendid orchestra, all conducted by Brett Weymark. Want to sing in the Christmas Choir? No auditions. Singers of any ability welcome.
Dates: Friday 12 – Sunday 14 December 2025
Time: Various
Location: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Age Group: All ages
Cost: D Reserve from $45 + booking fee (adult), $30 + booking fee (under 18)
Website
Jolly Markets at Circular Quay
Enjoy Sydney’s biggest Christmas night markets at Circular Quay & The Rocks. A destination where culture, craftsmanship, & celebration meet! Over 11 evenings and two weekends, locals and visitors alike are invited to (re)discover the city through a festive lens. Filled with live music that lifts the spirit, acoustic soul, and happy rhythms that make you want to wander, sip, taste, dance, and smile under the balmy night. Celebrating quality, culture, community, and Australia’s summer nights!
Dates: Thursday 11 – Sunday 21 December 2025
Time: Weekdays 4 – 10.30pm, Weekends 11 – 10.30pm
Location: Circular Quay, Sydney
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry
Website
Taronga Zoo Christmas Concert
Get into the festive spirit at Taronga’s annual Christmas Concert! Set amongst the delightful surrounds of Taronga Zoo Sydney, this family-friendly event features an all-star lineup of performers, singers, musicians and of course, Santa!
Created specifically for Taronga Zoo, the Christmas Concert is the pinnacle of family-friendly entertainment and is one not to miss! Bring the whole family and enjoy an amazing summer evening set against the iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
A variety of food and beverage options will be available to purchase on the night or you can pack a picnic to enjoy with the family.
Date: Saturday 13 December 2025
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm (Gates open 6pm)
Location: Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Cost: $43.30 adults, $36 children aged 4-15
Website: Taronga Zoo
Santa’s Santa Electric Train
Straight from the North Pole, Santa and his elf invite you and your family on a festive one-hour return train ride from Olympic Park to Rhodes. Soak up the sparkle of the season and meet Santa onboard a special air-conditioned electric train filled with Christmas cheer. This unique experience takes place aboard a soon-to-be-retired air-conditioned K Set, operated by Sydney Trains with support from Transport Heritage NSW and Historic Electric Traction volunteers.
Dates: 13 & 14 December 2025
Location: Olympic Park Station, Sydney
Cost: $30 Adult, $20 Concession and $15 for Child (aged 2 – 17)
Website: Transport Heritage NSW
Christmas at the Cathedral
Christmas at the Cathedral returns in 2025. This annual tradition draws hundreds of thousands of families, children, community groups and tourists together to experience the lights and sounds of Christmas. The pictures and illustrations projected on St Mary’s Cathedral draw the community together, to connect with the message of Christmas, and celebrate the season with their families and loved ones. In addition to the lights of Christmas and choir performances, there are also food and gift stalls.
Dates: Wednesday 17 December to Thursday 25 December 2025
Time: 5:30pm – 10:30pm every night
Location: St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney
Cost: Free
Website: Christmas at the Cathedral
Carols on the Pier
Deck the halls and celebrate the magic of Christmas with a brand-new family concert at their stunning harbourside home, ACO On The Pier. Featuring ACO Families musicians alongside the enchanting voices of Luminescence Chamber Singers, Carols On The Pier combines the timeless joy of Christmas carols with the beauty of world-class classical music.
Share the spirit of the season and sing along to beloved favourites including Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, in this 50-minute concert for the whole family. Wrap up the experience with free Christmas craft activities for children while you soak up the festive foyer atmosphere, complete with seasonal refreshments and breathtaking views.
Dates: 18 to 22 December 2025
Location: Australian Chamber Orchestra, Walsh Bay, Sydney
Cost: $49. Children under 24 months free.
Website: Australian Chamber Orchestra
The Christmas Spectacular
The Christmas Spectacular is the most magical holiday event of the season, offering an extravaganza of music, circus, dance, and magic that celebrates the joy of Christmas. This show features a kaleidoscope of Christmas songs, dances, and world-class variety performers, paying tribute to iconic acts like the Radio City Rockettes and The Nutcracker. The event stars The Voice finalist and musical theatre sensation Prinnie Stevens, who takes the audience on a musical journey through Christmas classics—from traditional songs to Mariah Carey favorites—all delivered with her unique style. With a visit from Santa and his friends, this spectacular production is guaranteed to ignite your holiday spirit.
Date: Friday 19 – Sunday 21 December 2025
Time: Shows at 2pm & 6.30pm
Location: State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Tickets from $59 + handling fee (adult), $49 + handling fee (junior 2-12 years)
Website
The Wiggles Tree of Wisdom Big Show Arena Spectacular
Celebrate Christmas with The Wiggles in Sydney. The Wiggles present their most magical live show experience to date with The Wiggles Tree of Wisdom Big Show Arena Spectacular! In a concert filled with arena-sized surprises, this high-energy extravaganza is set to have the whole family singing, dancing and Wiggling from start to end!
Dates: Saturday 20 December 2025
Time: Shows at 10am & 1pm
Location: ICC Sydney Theatre, Darling Harbour
Age Group: All ages
Cost: From $52
Website
Love Actually In Concert
Back by overwhelming demand, Love Actually in Concert returns to Sydney – and it’s as magical as ever. Just in time for the festive season, this heartwarming festive favourite comes to life with the Sydney Lyric Orchestra performing the unforgettable soundtrack live as the film plays on the big screen. Come in your favourite Christmas outfit. Sip, sing, laugh, and maybe even shed a happy tear. Make it a night to remember – just like the movie says, love actually is all around.
Date: Saturday 20 December 2025
Time: 3:30pm and 8pm
Location: Darling Harbour Theatre, International Conference Centre, Sydney
Age Group: Suitable for 15+
Cost: From $109
Website
Carols in the Domain
You’re invited to the 43rd The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain, where you can celebrate the spirit of Christmas with family and friends in the enchanting setting of Sydney’s iconic Domain. From the twinkling lights and sparkling fireworks to the soaring voices of Australia’s finest performers, this is your chance to soak up the one-of-a-kind atmosphere that makes Carols in the Domain the country’s most magical Christmas tradition. Get ready to be swept up in festive cheer and sing along to classic carols under the Sydney stars.
This year, The Accessible Lawn is a free and non-ticketed area where you can enjoy the show. Bring your picnic along and get in early to secure your spot and enjoy the pre-show entertainment and fun-filled activities which starts in the afternoon. The main program starts at 7.45pm. If you prefer to know that you have a seat waiting for you, there is limited reserved seating available.
Date: Saturday 20 December 2025
Time: Main program 7.45pm (Gates open earlier for pre-show entertainment)
Location: The Domain, Art Gallery Road, Sydney
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Seated tickets from $84.90
Website
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