The Best Christmas Events in Sydney 2024 to Let Your Festive Flag Fly

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas... And no matter where you fall on the festive spectrum—from Grinch to Mariah Carey—there's something for everyone in Sydney this season. Regardless of your appetite for Christmas, there's no denying it's always pretty special this time of year, and our city comes to life with festive-themed events.

Whether you’re looking to ease into the silly season by exploring Sydney’s best Christmas lights or if you'd rather go all out and visit Santa while belting out your favourite carols, there’s something for everyone. Here's our edit of the best Christmas events in Sydney for 2024.

Wundrful World of Christmas: A Journey to the North Pole

Go on a magical adventure to the snow-filled North Pole with the Wundrful World of Christmas immersive tour. Step through the enchanted Wundr Door and explore a winter wonderland with your elf pilot. Discover reindeer in their paddock, watch Santa’s elves hard at work in the workshop, and enjoy sweet treats prepared by Mrs. Claus herself.

This mixed-reality walking tour features animated characters brought to life with cutting-edge CGI technology, interactive sets, and live actors. End your visit at the North Pole Post Office, where you can send your wish list to Santa and snap a family Christmas photo. 

Tickets start from $35 for adults and $25 for children, price varies depending on booking time, available here

November 8-December 24

Wunder Store, 31 Markets Street, Sydney

Harry Potter-Themed Christmas Wonderland at Dural Christmas Tree Farm

Calling all Harry Potter fans, this one's for you! Sydney’s beloved Dural Christmas Tree Farm is putting on a surprise Harry Potter-themed display, and you won't want to miss it. 

Delight in the 50 beautifully adorned trees featuring iconic decorations like floating candles, broomsticks, and Hedwig the owl. Visitors can join daily scavenger hunts to win decorated Christmas trees, adding a magical touch to their homes. Perfect for fans, families, and Muggles alike, this magical event promises a spellbinding celebration of the season in a festive wonderland.

879 Old Northern Road, Dural

Monday, December 9 - Sunday 1,5 December 15,  9.00am - 6.00pm

FREE

Sydney Santa Spectacular at Blacktown Showgrounds

Get ready for a Christmas event like no other. The Sydney Santa Spectacular brings the North Pole Down Under with a dazzling array of Christmas fun for the whole family. Enjoy unlimited carnival rides, market stalls, an ice skating rink, live shows featuring the big guy himself, a magical Christmas walk, snowfall every hour, and meet-and-greets with Santa. 

Tickets from $49, available here

December 12-26

High Tea with Santa at the QVB's Iconic Tea Rooms

Want to get up close and personal with Saint Nicholas? Head to The Tea Room at QVB for a festive experience like no other. Enjoy a Christmas-themed traditional high tea expertly crafted by executive chef Rob Crichton, surrounded by the glow of sparkling chandeliers. A professional photographer will be there to capture all your magical moments with Santa. Plus, don't forget to stop by the QVB's iconic three-storey Christmas Tree for a sound and light show, too.

Adult/Teenager (13+ years): $95.00, Child (1–12 years): $75.00 (includes GST and booking fees), children under one FREE

Saturday, November 9 until Christmas Eve, 24 December (selected days and times), tickets here

Level 3, Market Street, end of the Queen Victoria Building

The Grounds of Alexandria's Sugarplum Christmas Event

Have you been dreaming of a pink Christmas? This year, The Grounds of Alexandria brings your dreams to life with a breathtaking pink Sugarplum wonderland. Immerse yourself in a magical setting decked out with sparkling decorations, Christmas lights, and whimsical, larger-than-life installations.

The highlight? A towering Christmas tree crafted entirely from ballet pointe shoes by Bloch. There's also a special festive menu with treats like the Sugarplum Snowdrift made from a deconstructed chocolate, raspberry, and almond parfait with fresh cherries, truffles and mascarpone cream, and the Pretty in Pink mini almond sponge cake. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind celebration—it’s a feast for the eyes and the senses!

FREE entry, access to the installations are for customers of The Grounds only

Daily until early January 2025

7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria

Elf the Musical at the Opera House

Loved the original movie starring Will Ferrel? Then you're going to fizz over the musical version of Elf. Making its Australian debut, Elf the Musical is a heartwarming adaptation that spectacularly brings the beloved holiday classic to life.

Follow Buddy the Elf on his journey of self-discovery from the snowy North Pole to the bustling streets of New York City. Bursting with festive spirit and feel-good fun, this joyful production is great for all ages and a special way to celebrate the season—don’t miss it at the Opera House. 

Tickets from $99, available here

December 19-24 

Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney

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

Enjoy a Homegrown Christmas at The Rocks

Tumbalong Park's Christmas Festival

Glebe Christmas Concert

Looking for a Christmas event in the Inner West? The Glebe Christmas Concert is always a glorious night of festive fun. Held at Bicentennial Park and hosted by The Listies, this free family event features carols, performances by The Beanies and Tiptoe Giants, and more. Enjoy a visit from Santa, crafts, games, and food trucks. Pack a picnic and make a night of it!

FREE

Saturday, December 14, 6pm-8pm

5 Federal Road, Glebe 

Taronga Christmas Concert 

Fancy getting into the Christmas spirit with some furry friends? The Taronga Christmas Concert is set against the gorgeous backdrop of Sydney Harbour and is a family-friendly evening. With live entertainment, holiday cheer, and a cameo from Santa, it's set to be an unforgettable night. 

Saturday, December 14, Gates open from 6pm , concert from 7pm-8.30pm

$29 per person, $24 for kids 4-15, children under four FREE, tickets here

Bradleys Head Road, Mosman

Xmas on the Greens at Dee Why Bowling Club

Xmas on the Greens is bringing Chrissy cheer to the Northern Beaches. The fun-filled day includes an RFS visit, reptile displays, live music, Santa meet-and-greets, a sosso sizzle, and cocktail slushies for the grown-ups. Don’t miss this lovely afternoon of festive cheer and entertainment. 

FREE

Sunday, December 8, 12pm-6pm

Dee Why Bowling Club, 223 Fisher Road North, Dee Why 

Visit the Stunning Decorations at the Strand Arcade

An unofficial festive event, the Strand Arcade's stunning Christmas decorations are well worth a day trip to the city to see. Created by Sydney-based design firm Visual Inspirations, the immersive and striking decorations pay homage to Australian flora. 

With a native flower installation hanging 3.5 metres from the ceiling and spanning almost 10 metres long, and a gumnut sculpture complete with golden baubles and twinkling lights on the ground floor, the hub of art and creativity is well and truly alive with the Christmas spirit.

The Strand Arcade

412-414 George Street, Sydney

Loved this edit of the best Christmas events in Sydney and keen to immerse yourself in more festive fun? Check out our monthly guide and this edit of restaurants open on Christmas Day.