Plan some festive family fun with our guide to Christmas in Sydney. From Christmas markets and sparkling decorations to Santa experiences, carols and shows, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season with kids.
This guide brings together our Sydney Christmas coverage alongside ideas for celebrating at home, choosing gifts and keeping costs down. Whether you’re planning a day in the city or a relaxed afternoon of Christmas craft, start here.
Christmas events in Sydney
Christmas events and family outings
Looking for somewhere festive to take the kids? Our Sydney Christmas events guide brings together free community celebrations, Christmas markets, Santa experiences and ticketed shows. Check individual listings for dates, costs and booking information.
Christmas carols
Enjoy a Christmas singalong or make local carols a part of your family’s celebrations. You’ll find carols, concerts and performances in our Sydney Christmas carols guide.
Christmas train rides
Have a little train enthusiast in the family? A Christmas rail outing combines the excitement of a heritage train or steam tram ride with festive activities. Check our Santa experiences section for confirmed Christmas rail events, dates and booking links.
Christmas lights and decorations
Christmas in the city
Make an evening of exploring Sydney’s Christmas decorations. Choose a few nearby stops, allow time for something to eat and enjoy the lights once it gets dark. Our Sydney Christmas guide to lights, trees and markets is a starting point for planning your outing.
With younger kids, a couple of stops can be plenty. Check when light displays begin before heading out, as some don’t start until well into the evening.
Santa experiences
Meet Santa in Sydney
From a traditional family photo to a special festive outing, there are different ways to meet Santa around Sydney. Browse the Santa experiences in our Christmas events guide and check what each booking includes before choosing a session.
If your child would prefer a quieter visit, look for sensory-friendly sessions and ask the venue about the setting, waiting times and accessibility.
Letters to Santa
Writing a letter to Santa is a simple Christmas activity to enjoy together. Little ones can draw pictures of their Christmas wishes, while older children can practise writing their own letters. Check our Santa Mail guide for current information about sending or delivering a letter.
Call Santa
Add a little Christmas excitement to an everyday outing with a call to Santa. Our guide to calling Santa from a Telstra payphone explains how it works and when the seasonal service is available.
Christmas markets and gifts
Christmas markets in Sydney
Browse handmade gifts, pick up festive treats and enjoy the atmosphere at a Christmas market. Markets can make a fun family outing even if you’re only window-shopping, although it helps to agree on a spending limit before the kids spot the sweets!
Find market listings in our Sydney Christmas events guide, including dates, locations and entry costs.
Advent calendars
Count down to Christmas with an advent calendar that suits your family’s interests and budget. Our advent calendar guide includes options for kids and adults, from chocolate and toys to stationery and beauty.
Secret Santa gifts
Taking part in Secret Santa with family, friends or workmates? Setting a budget and agreeing on a few ground rules can make the gift exchange easier for everyone. Browse our Secret Santa and Kris Kringle ideas for inspiration.
Homemade Christmas gifts
Get the kids involved in making something personal for teachers, grandparents, family or friends. Our homemade Christmas gift ideas are a starting point for an afternoon of festive creating.
Christmas planning and budget
Get organised for Christmas
There’s a lot to remember in the lead-up to Christmas, especially when school events, gift shopping and family catch-ups all land at once. Our Christmas organisation guide has practical ideas to help you spread out the jobs and make December feel more manageable.
Celebrate Christmas on a budget
Christmas outings, presents and food can quickly add up. Choose a few things your family really wants to do, mix paid experiences with free activities and leave room for quiet days at home. Our Christmas money-saving guide has more ways to keep festive spending under control.
Plan a more sustainable Christmas
From reusing decorations to choosing thoughtful gifts and reducing food waste, small changes can help you celebrate with less waste. Browse our eco-friendly Christmas tips for ideas your family can try.
Christmas fun at home
Make a Christmas bucket list
Let everyone choose something they’d like to do this Christmas. It could be seeing lights, baking biscuits, watching a favourite movie or making gifts together. Our Christmas bucket list has ideas to help you get started.
Christmas craft
Set up the craft supplies and enjoy some festive making with the kids. Try creating cards, decorations or homemade Christmas gifts. Keep the activity simple enough for their age and allow plenty of room for their own ideas.
Christmas sensory play
Bring some festive fun to playtime with our Christmas sensory play activities. Choose activities and materials that suit your child’s age, with adult supervision for little ones.
Elf on the Shelf ideas
If your family has a visiting elf, December can mean a lot of last-minute hiding spots! Our Elf on the Shelf guide has ideas to keep the tradition going, including inspiration for those evenings when you’ve nearly forgotten.
Christmas movies
Grab some popcorn and settle in for a family Christmas movie night. Browse our Christmas movies to watch with kids and choose something that suits your children’s ages.
Christmas songs
Put on some festive music while you decorate the tree, wrap presents or bake together. Our Christmas songs and playlist guide brings together seasonal favourites to help get everyone into the Christmas spirit.