What's On in Sydney: Your Ultimate Guide for December & Beyond

The festive season has hit, and calendars are full with Christmas parties aplenty. It's time for long lunches, sunset rooftop drinks and plenty of trips to the beach. There's nothing quite like December in Sydney and we're here to help you make the most of it. Read on for our edit of what's on in Sydney this month...

Embrace Festive Tradition at the QVB This Christmas 

There's hardly a more iconic place in Sydney to visit during the festival season than the Queen Victoria Building, and this year, the decorations are more beautiful than ever. 

Not only can you tick off all of your Christmas shopping in one spot thanks to a huge range of one-of-a-kind artisan stores, but the iconic three-storey Christmas tree is a must-visit for any yuletide trip. And with a light and sound show every two hours from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily, i'ts the perfect place to soak up the magic of the season.

Queen Victoria Building

455 George Street, Sydney

Satiate Your Inner Crafty Gal by Customising Your Own Bag or Pouch 

Calling all maximalists, crafty girls and lovers of colour. Personnalisee has just arrived in The Galeries and we're officially dubbing it the cutest activity you can do with friends this weekend. Pick between various colours of canvas totes, pouches or bag tags and browse the 600+ iron on patches. You'll be able to place your designs before they're pressed on for you. Our tip? The more, the merrier! 

Until Sunday 8th December 

Ground Floor, The Galeries 

Soak up the Beauty of Christmas at the Strand Arcade

Twinkling fairy lights wrapped around ornate balconies, stunning decor suspended from the ceiling and storefronts decked out in their winter wonderland best: the Strand Arcade has it all this Christmas. 

Whether you're on the lookout for something special from an iconic Australian brand, a truly memorable gift for your most house-proud friend, or a delectable seasonal treat from Haigh's Chocolates or Gewurzhaus, this browser's paradise is your one-stop for all the items on your festive wish list.

The Strand Arcade

412-414 George Street, Sydney

Sydney's First Paired Pintxos Flight 

Take a little break from the chaos of the festive season and head into Gildas for a treat. This collaboration between legendary whisky brand The Glendronach and Sydney's Gildas is a first for the city. Each pinxtos has been created by Gildas' Head Chef Zach Elliot-Crenn to pair with the brand's 12-, 15- and 18-year-old whiskies. Don't miss it! If you fancy lingering a little longer, don't forget to try the sherry-spiked dessert and perhaps a festive spritz to go with it. 

Available from Friday 8 November to Saturday 14 December 2024.

Until Saturday 14th December 

46-48 Albion Street, Sydney

Embrace the Best of Summer With This Fresh New Seasonal Menu

From twists on summer Italian classics to fresh seafood showcased in new and exciting ways, Harbourfront Seafood is the ultimate dining destination this season thanks to its brand-new summer menu. 

Renowned for delivering premium seafood with a contemporary twist in the heart of one of Sydney’s most historic precincts, the restaurant's new menu includes a burrata bursting with the fresh summer flavours of compressed cucumber and watermelon, an Italian-inspired tagliatelle featuring sea urchin cream, fresh sea urchin roe and Avruga caviar, and a distinctly Aussie take on dining with chargrilled kangaroo striploin and crocodile tail paired with native ingredients.

Experience Harbourfront Seafood’s new summer menu for yourself by booking a table here.

Harbourfront Seafood Sydney

Campbell's Stores Bay, The Rocks

Become a Seafood Master Chef With Sydney Seafood School 

With the warmer weather here to stay, now is the perfect time to up the ante of your grilling, frying and barbequing skills. Sydney Seafood School hosts innovative cooking experiences for all skill levels, with classes inspired by the freshest catches, seasonal ingredients and flavours from all over the world. 

Sydney Seafood School's program of summer classes—think a Summer BBQ or a Summer Italian class—will help you make the most of the festive seafood season while being a fun way to make friends, forge new memories with loved ones and impress everyone with your newfound seafood skills. 

Learn more about Sydney Seafood School's summer classes here.

Host the Ultimate Aperitivo Hour with Sandhurst 

No longer limited to sojourns to Italian shores, aperitivo hours are trending in a big way—and they've become as much an Aussie tradition as a quick, post-work dip at the beach. 

Thanks to Sandhurst, embracing la dolce vita in your own space has never been easier, with a range of fresh and fine ingredients perfect for creating an impressive gourmet spread. Simply create a warm and welcoming space and put on a lavish antipasto platter for your closest mates, and an authentic and memorable experience is  all yours.

Read more of our tips on indulging with quality ingredients and delicious recipes here.

The Foodie Event of the Year: Danielle Alvarez x Dan Hunter

If food is your one true passion, you won't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime event. For the first time, Dan Hunter of Brae will be heading to Sydney to collab with chef and culinary director of the Opera House event venues, Danielle Alvarez. They'll be curating a 6-course food journey showcasing the best our country has to offer. If you fancy going all out, there's a wine pairing option, too. You'll even head home with a special memento of the occasion. As for the location? On top of being hosted within one of the world's most recognized landmarks, the Yallamundi Rooms will be further transformed by stylist Fiona Rae to pay homage to the beauty of nature and both chef's garden-to-table and rural approaches. 

Friday 17th January 2025 to Monday 20th January 2025, 6:30pm to 10:30pm 

$450 per person with additional $265 for wine pairing, tickets available for purchase here 

Yallamundi Room, Sydney Opera House 

Take a Dip at Sydney Harbour's Newest Swimming Spot

The good people at Pier One Sydney Harbour sure know how to have a good time. They've just transformed their private pontoon into a free swimming spot for anyone and everyone. Giving beach club vibes with a side of incredible views, you can book for groups of 10+ or just turn up. Entry is free and guests can order food and drinks straight from the bar! 

Free 

Friday 1st November to Friday 31st January, 11am to 6pm 

Pier One Sydney Harbour 

Celebrate Spring with Sydney's Most Luxurious Super Yacht 

The Jackson, an incredibly luxe super yacht, is serving up a a bunch of lush events perfect for the warmer weather this season. The Spring-Summer series consists of six bespoke events, all designed to highlight Sydney's unparalleled harbour. We're talking Chandon harbour long lunches, New Year's Eve aboard The Jackson and chef-curated dinners. Drop this in the group chat and cue the good times. Head over here for all the event details. 

From Saturday 28th September 

South Eveleigh Summer Club 

Make the most of the gloriously light evenings with our new favourite third place, South Eveleigh. For two weeks, the precinct will be treated to a summer glow-up with a load of free activities. There will be a sweet treat pop-up full of Aussie favourites, a blow-up volleyball court, a mechanical ride-on surfboard, a surfy Santa and even a foam pool. Make the most of it by checking out the full program here. 

From Monday 2nd December 

Locomotive Street, Eveleigh 

Cao Fei: My City is Yours 

Recently voted one of the most influential artists in the world, Cao Fei's retrospective charts the rapid urbanisation of China and the global digital revolutions of the past 20 years. Her multimedia approach — films, photography and installation — makes this exhibition an immersive experience not to be missed. You'll move through a 'cityscape' that will take you from Fukoka to New York and all the way back to Sydney again. 

From $30, tickets available here 

Saturday 30th November 2024 to Sunday 13th April 2025 

Art Gallery of NSW 

Visit a Christmas Display With a Difference at The Galeries

This is festive decorating, but not as you know it. Celebrated artist Bradley Eastman, aka Beastman, has stepped into the spotlight as part of The Galeries' Artists in Residence program, creating a festive-themed piece designed to make you feel wrapped in the artwork like a gift. 

The patterns guide visitors towards a large structural installation, meaning you can combine an immersive art experience with your Christmas gift shopping all at the same time.

500 George Street, Sydney

Catch a Flick at the Laneway Cinema 

Save some cash this summer with the return of The Laneway Cinema in The Rocks. Settle in on bean bags and deck chairs for a movie under the stars. The cinema will be open every Wednesday from 7pm with free tickets available online and walk-ins welcome. You can also make a donation for popcorn with all proceeds going to a different charity each month, 

Free

Wednesday 6th November to Wednesday 26th March 2025 

The Rocks

Newtown Street Party is Back!

Good, good news. Everyone's favourite street party is back for another year and with an incredible local music lineup it's set to be the best yet. Even the OG Red Wiggle Murray Cook will be there. Young Henrys and The Courty will be teaming up to close off Eliza Street where you can chow down on porchetta rolls by The Bank Hotel, woodfired pizzas by Public House Petersham and pop-up food store goodies. And as for beer? They're well-stocked! 

Free entry 

Saturday 7th December, 1pm to 8pm 

Eliza Street, Newtown 

Cirque Du Soleil Luzia 

Renowned contemporary circus performance group Cirque Du Soleil has just touched down in Sydney once again with their latest show, LUZIA. The show takes guests on a dreamlike journey through Mexico via folklore stories, acrobatic performances and a mesmerising soundtrack. The perfect Christmas present, perhaps? 

From $80, tickets available here 

Sunday 24th November 2024 to Sunday 9th February 2025 

Big Top, The Entertainment Quarter 

Mov'In Bed Beach Cinema Barangaroo 

An outdoor cinema but make it comfy. Mov'In Bed is back for another year and the creature comforts are top-tier. Barangaroo's harbour park has transformed into a beach, complete with bean beds and Australia's largest outdoor screen. But the best bit? You can get food and drinks delivered straight to your outdoor bed! Pizzas, organic wine, frozen cocktails...the options are bountiful! Head over here for the lineup of films. 

Tickets from $12

29th November 2024 Until March 2025 

Harbour Park, Barangaroo 

Affordable Online Perfume Brand Aerre is Hosting Two Pop-Ups Just in Time for Christmas! 

We love Aerre fragrances, and we can guarantee whatever you order is going to be delish. But if you've got someone fussy on your Christmas list, or you just fancy having a whiff IRL, we've got happy news - they'll be popping up in two locations this November and December. You'll also get to grab 5% off when shopping in-store and go into the running to win some cute prizes. Love this for all of us!

Paramatta Westfield until Sunday November 24th

Broadway Shopping Centre from Monday November 25th until Sunday November 15th 

Visit This 100km-Long Bush Art Trail 

After 13 years, public art trail 'Sculpture Down the Lachlan' has introduced its final piece. The outdoor art trail covers 100km from Forbes to Condobolin in Central NSW and features 25 installations. Wander through sun-kissed grasses and red river gums and discover highlights such as the 'Utes in the Paddock' install that consists of a unique collection of 20 Holden Utes. Plan your adventure here. 

Looking for more fun things to do in Sydney? We have plenty to keep you entertained. From Sydney's best new degustation menus and best bottomless brunches to the best Mexican restaurants in town and where to go for a dreamy Sydney staycation, here's all you need for a weekend in the city. 

Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.