Christmas in Pitt Street, Sydney. Image: ArliftAtoz2205
Winter wonderlands are so overrated…
Christmas in Sydney is hot. Literally and figuratively! There’s plenty of things to do and sights to see; from towering Christmas trees to cool concerts, and even visits from Santa himself. The city becomes a summer wonderland, beckoning the jolly summer season with festivity. So let’s run through our guide to Christmas in Sydney for 2019.
4 Christmassy Things To Do
Woolworths Carols in the Domain
Nothing says Christmas spirit like a carolling concert in Sydney’s Domain. Woolworths Carols in the Domain is a Christmas music festival in the city, where you can simply rock up with a blanket and snacks for a night of jolly music. With ticketed seating for those who want to get closer to the action, Woolworths Carols in the Domain is a free event, so be sure to get in early. This year guests can expect to see national stars like Shannon Noll, Vanessa Amorosi, Olina Laou and Paulini.
Christmas Wonderland Sydney
Christmas Wonderland Sydney is a family-friendly festival that happens just before Christmas. To be exact, this is every child’s dream. Tickets include unlimited rides in their child-friendly carnival, unlimited ice skating, strolls through their Christmas village display and pictures with Santa. Christmas Wonderland Sydney brings all the eccentricities that your children would love.
Quirky Santa Photo Opportunities
Getting your picture taken with Santa at the local shopping centre is so cliché. Hats off for trying to weave in some Christmas shopping, but those Santa pictures all look relatively the same. How dull… Fret not kids! We’ve found some quirky Santa-snapping spots around Sydney. How about a snap by the beach? Or in a park? Or high up in a tall tower? Check out these quirky Santa photo opportunities.
The Rocks Christmas Markets
If you need some inspiration for present ideas, then perhaps a stroll around The Rocks this Christmas will help. Lining the streets you will find cool stalls selling all sorts of trinkets and nibbles. Perhaps a gingerbread treat from Adri’s, or some jewellery from a handful of suppliers? Whatever you’re looking for in a gift, you’ll find it here at The Rocks Christmas Markets.
4 Christmassy Things To See
Lights of Christmas
From Thursday 5 December to Christmas Day, St Mary’s Cathedral will light up with plenty of festivities. The square outside the church will showcase a variety of food and drink from artisan gelato to much-needed coffee. On top of this, every night the Lights of Christmas will have a variety of choir performances – perfect to warm up the Christmas spirit. And, of course, the main event is the lighting up of the cathedral, Vivid-style.
Canopy of Light
Pitt Street Mall is widely considered the best shopping Sydney has to offer and now they have taken it to a whole new level during Christmastime. The main laneway will be shrouded in a canopy of light with Christmas decorations lacing throughout the shopping complex, most especially the Strand Arcade. Make your Christmas gift buying a little more fabulous this Christmas!
QVB Swarovski Christmas Tree
Out of all the trees in Sydney, the tallest is the Queen Victoria Building’s Swarovski tree. This monolith is housed inside the building and takes up three floors, poking its way into the curved dome above. The tree takes over 100 people to construct it and features 100,000 ornaments, 6400 white rosebuds and 65,000 twinkling lights. While you’re here, be sure to get some Christmas shopping done.
Christmas at Martin Place
Every major city has its very own outdoor Christmas tree. For Sydney, their iconic outdoor tree can be found in Martin Place. It’s by far the most Instagrammable Christmas tree in Sydney, with a kaleidoscope of colours and decorative lights going off every 15 minutes from 7pm to midnight every night until Christmas Day. Also, be sure to enjoy some carolling under the tree every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
