Last updated: 11 November 2024
Discover the joy of the season in Sydney Central Business District with our detailed event guide. For both Sydney Central Business District residents and visitors, this guide is your roadmap to the city's holiday delights.
Popular events include the enchanting Christmas at the Cathedral, where stunning light displays transform St Mary's Cathedral into a festive spectacle. Another highlight is the iconic Martin Place Christmas Tree, adorned with vibrant decorations that bring the spirit of Christmas to life. And the Sydney Fish Market's 36-Hour Seafood Marathon is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing fresh catches and delicious feasts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Sydney Central Business District Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at the Cathedral
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light display with musical accompaniment.
- Description
- Christmas at the Cathedral features a spectacular display of lights and music, transforming the venue into a dazzling holiday spectacle.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Christmas at the Cathedral
Martin Place Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Tallest Christmas tree in NSW with 110,000 LED lights and 15,000 flowers.
- Description
- The Martin Place Christmas tree is a stunning display featuring over 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4-metre colour-changing star, and 330 glossy baubles. The tree's 800 branches are adorned with 15,000 flowers representing nine different Australian flowers. Every night, a different choir sings carols by the tree, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Martin Place Christmas Tree
Sydney Central Business District Holiday Markets and Shopping
Sydney Fish Market 36-Hour Seafood Marathon
- What to Expect
- Extensive variety of fresh seafood and festive food items.
- Description
- Sydney Fish Market's 36-Hour Seafood Marathon offers a vast array of fresh seafood, including prawns, oysters, and lobster, along with other festive food items like fresh bread, cheese, and wine. The event is a one-stop shop for all your Christmas entertaining needs, with over 350 tonnes of seafood expected to be sold.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Sydney Fish Market 36-Hour Seafood Marathon
Blak Markets at The Rocks
- What to Expect
- Ethical Indigenous market supporting local First Nations artists and makers.
- Description
- The Blak Markets at The Rocks celebrate Indigenous culture with 20 unique stalls, traditional performances, and craft workshops. Shop original artworks, handcrafted homewares, and Aboriginal-inspired food while supporting First Nations communities.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Blak Markets at The Rocks
Le Jolly Christmas Night Market
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of artisan products, gourmet food, and live jazz music.
- Description
- Le Jolly Christmas Night Market at Customs House Forecourt, Circular Quay, features authentic wood hut chalets, Christmas lights, and snow falling. Enjoy gourmet food like melted cheese, oysters, and champagne pairing, along with premium wines and live jazz music under the giant Christmas tree.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Le Jolly Christmas Night Market
Lindesay Christmas Gift Fair
- What to Expect
- Historic villa setting with unique gift stalls.
- Description
- The Lindesay Christmas Gift Fair is a historic event featuring unique stalls selling quality Christmas gifts and gourmet foods at Lindesay, an elegant 1834 harbourside villa. Enjoy delicious meals and special appearances by Santa amidst beautiful surroundings.
- Where
- Darling Point | More Info : Lindesay Christmas Gift Fair
Sydney Central Business District Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Carols in the Domain
- What to Expect
- Star-studded Christmas concert with fireworks.
- Description
- Carols in the Domain is Australia's most joyous Christmas event, held annually in Sydney's historic Domain. The event features a star-studded lineup of performers, festive activities, and a spectacular fireworks display.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Carols in the Domain
The Holiday in Concert with Live Orchestra
- What to Expect
- Live orchestral performance of Hans Zimmer's score.
- Description
- The Holiday in Concert with Live Orchestra features the beloved Christmas rom-com 'The Holiday' (2006) presented live with Hans Zimmer's legendary score performed by the Southern Cross Symphony. The event showcases the timeless story of two women who impulsively switch homes for the holiday season, leading to unexpected new romances.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : The Holiday in Concert with Live Orchestra
Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
- What to Expect
- Live string quartet performance of Bridgerton hits in a candlelit atmosphere.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of Bridgerton, reimagined by a talented string quartet in a serene candlelit setting.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
Christmas Party Cruise Celebrations on Sydney Showboat
- What to Expect
- Live cabaret show and deluxe 3-course dinner.
- Description
- Celebrate the Christmas season with a luxurious 3-hour cruise on Sydney Harbour, featuring a 3-course seated dinner, live cabaret show, and breathtaking harbour views.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Christmas Party Cruise Celebrations on Sydney Showboat
Sydney Central Business District Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Party Cruises - Harbourside Cruises
- What to Expect
- Luxury catamaran cruise with unobstructed harbour views and festive entertainment.
- Description
- Celebrate the year with a unique view of Sydney Harbour aboard Harbourside Cruises' luxury catamaran, Harbour Spirit. Enjoy premium canapés, a delicious Christmas buffet, and first-class music while taking in the sights of the Opera House, Luna Park, and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Where
- Sydney | More Info : Christmas Party Cruises - Harbourside Cruises
Christmas Party Cruises - Premium Glass Boat 'Clearview’
- Luxurious dining with 360° harbour views.
- Celebrate the holiday season with Clearview's premium glass boat Christmas party cruises on Sydney Harbour, offering a 3-course chef's signature menu, reserved seating, and 360° harbour views.
- Sydney | More Info : Christmas Party Cruises - Premium Glass Boat 'Clearview’
Sydney Zoo’s Christmas Animal Kingdom
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with interactive activities.
- Description
- Sydney Zoo’s Christmas Animal Kingdom transforms the zoo into a vibrant celebration with activities like snow slides, gingerbread decorating, and Santa photos. The event features various interactive zones, including Magical Snow Land, Candyland, and the Elves workshop, offering something for all ages.
- Where
- Eastern Creek | More Info : Sydney Zoo’s Christmas Animal Kingdom