Last updated: 11 November 2024
Get ready for festive excitement in Merrylands! Our guide features all the exciting holiday happenings. For both Merrylands residents and visitors, this guide is your roadmap to the city's holiday delights.
In the heart of Sydney, the Lights of Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral brings the iconic building to life with a stunning display of lights and projections, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Another highlight is the Sydney Santa Spectacular, where families can enjoy an immersive Christmas experience with activities and entertainment for all ages. And don't forget, the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering an enchanting walking trail filled with breathtaking light displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Merrylands Holiday Light Displays
Lights of Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral
- What to Expect
- Spectacular light show with 30 million pixels.
- Description
- St Mary's Cathedral transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over 30 million Christmas pixels, creating a vibrant display of light and colour that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Lights of Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral
Martin Place Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Tallest Christmas tree in NSW with 15,000 flower decorations.
- Description
- The Martin Place Christmas tree is a spectacular display featuring over 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4-meter colour-changing star, and 330 glossy baubles. The tree's 800 branches are adorned with 15,000 flowers representing nine different Australian flowers. A different choir sings carols by the tree every night, creating a kaleidoscope of colours and decorative lights.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Martin Place Christmas Tree
Merrylands Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Rocks Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with handcrafted gifts and global cuisine.
- Description
- The Rocks Christmas Market offers a variety of authentic handmade gifts, gourmet food, and global cuisine. Visitors can browse through stalls featuring local makers, enjoy festive eats, and support OzHarvest with DIY Christmas hampers and self-serve gift-wrapping stations.
- Where
- The Rocks | More Info : The Rocks Christmas Market
Merrylands Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Night Before Christmas in Concert
- What to Expect
- Live symphonic performance of the animated classic.
- Description
- Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas comes to life with a live orchestra at ICC Sydney, featuring Danny Elfman's iconic score performed by The Sydney Lyric Orchestra.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : The Night Before Christmas in Concert
Sydney Santa Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of rides, snowfall, and interactive Christmas experiences.
- Description
- Sydney Santa Spectacular is a family-friendly event featuring amusement rides, an Enchanted Christmas walk-through with falling snow, live stage shows, and interactive activities for all ages.
- Where
- Blacktown | More Info : Sydney Santa Spectacular
The Christmas Portal
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling adventure with Santa and festive activities.
- Description
- Step through The Christmas Portal to a winter wonderland where elves and fairies guide families on a storytelling adventure filled with unique characters, cinematic scenes, indoor snow play, and festive activities over 2-3 hours. Help save Christmas by building a toy and participating in activities like snowball fights, learning the Elf Dance, and visiting Santa on stage.
- Where
- Alexandria | More Info : The Christmas Portal
The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- Live classical music and ballet adaptation for children.
- Description
- The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents The Nutcracker, a captivating adaptation of the classic ballet featuring live classical music and ballet, created in collaboration with David McAllister. This immersive production brings together Tchaikovsky's beloved music, performed by an ACO quintet, with dance and narration, making it an ideal introduction to live classical music and ballet for young audiences.
- Where
- Dawes Point | More Info : The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents The Nutcracker
Carols by the Sea at Bondi Beach
- What to Expect
- Community event with local performers and festive activities.
- Description
- Join the Bondi community for a sparkly evening of entertainment at Carols by the Sea, featuring local young performers, Christmas songs with special guests, and festive activities.
- Where
- Bondi Beach | More Info : Carols by the Sea at Bondi Beach
Carols at the House
- What to Expect
- 600-strong choir and full symphony orchestra performing festive classics.
- Description
- Join Sydney Philharmonia Choirs for Carols at the House, a festive concert featuring a 600-strong choir and full symphony orchestra. The program includes John Rutter's Gloria, highlights from Handel's Messiah, and Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet music. Australian stage icon John Bell will shape the program with moving spoken interludes, and popular soprano Julie Lea Goodwin will perform as the featured soloist. The event will also feature opulent arrangements of carols and popular standards, stirring baroque choruses, and audience participation.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Carols at the House
Merrylands Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour
- What to Expect
- Luxurious dining experience with multiple menu options and breathtaking harbour views.
- Description
- Embark on a three-hour cruise around Sydney Harbour aboard the air-conditioned flagship Sydney 2000. Enjoy premium menus on three decks, including the Ocean Deck with a 3-course Christmas Summer Sensation, the Club Deck with a 4-course Christmas Cracker Lunch, and the Sky Deck with a 6-course Christmas Spirit Lunch. Savor festive treats and premium beverages while taking in the stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Christmas Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour