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

Summer is just a breath away and we're celebrating with visits to breezy rooftop bars and charming waterside restaurants. With Sydney buzzing with vibrant festivals and exciting events, there's no better time to explore the city.

To help you make the most of November (and beyond), we've curated the best happenings around 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

The Black Friday Sale That Won't Let You See What You're Buying 

Get ready for a pop-up with a huge difference! This Black Friday, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has teamed up with Uturn to invite shoppers to experience what it's like for the half a million Aussies living with low vision and blindness. You'll be able to snag a curated, preloved fashion item for free — but there's a catch. Each item will be concealed with only a short description of what's inside. The pop-up will illuminate the difficulty low vision shoppers have when navigating online shopping with only basic descriptions to go on. Keen to support his pop-up for a cause? You can register for a free ticket here. 

Thursday 28th November to Saturday 30th November, 10am to 4pm 

17 Oxford Street, Paddington

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.

Elevate your food photography game with FUJIFILM Australia's ‘Foodtography Tours'

This November, FUJIFILM Australia invites you to take your food photography to the next level with their ‘Foodtography Tours’ designed to help Aussies elevate their food photography game whilst exploring the hidden culinary gems of Newtown.

Throughout the tour, you'll visit 5 venues, with all food included  as well as the chance to get creative and capture some stunning food content using the new Fujifilm X-M5, a compact, high-performance mirrorless camera perfect for first-time content creators.

Saturday 23 November and Saturday 30th November, 11.30 am & 3 pm

$60 per person, available 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.

Sydney Cellar Door 

Fancy tasting 16 of NSW's wine regions without having to step foot out of Sydney? It's your lucky day! This November, The Rocks will be playing host to the tasting event of all tasting events. There will be 40 wineries in attendance with festival packs available for purchase. $30 will score you 5 tokens and a reusable tumbler so you sip your way around sustainably. The perfect spring weekend out! 

Saturday 9th November to Sunday 10th November 

 Tallawoladah Lawn, The Rocks

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 

Settle in for Sunday Lunch at Cafe Sydney 

Cafe Sydney has long been a favourite for a lazy Sunday lunch and they've just made it all even easier with a new three-course a la carte Sunday menu. Each Sunday they'll also have a selection of magnums and vintages ready and waiting to be poured by the glass as well as a spotlight on a different local distillery each month. First up, Ester Gin! Pop by in October and you can sip on an Ester's Poise (Ester Dry Gin, lillet blanc, mandarin & thyme syrup, fresh lemon and pastis mist) or an Ester Martini! Sold. 

$145 per person 

5th Floor, Customs House, Circular Quay 

Score a Free Margie at Promenade Bondi Beach 

If you've got a festive catchup due, Promenade Bondi Beach is sounding like the place to do it. On top of the incredible views and delicious bites, you can score a free round of margies with a Thursday lunch or dinner booking in November thanks to Los Arcos. Book in for four or more and you're sorted. 

Available November 14th, 21st and 28th 

Shop 4, Bondi Pavillion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach 

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 

Santa Paws 

Santa Paws annual fundraising event is the perfect way to kick off your festive season. There's plenty happening for pets and families and it's all for a good cause - raising money for homeless pups. There will be pet-friendly Santa photos, doggy yoga, competitions, rescue puppy meet and greets, food trucks and market stalls. 

Sunday 17th November, from 8am 

Free with activities starting at $35 

Centennial Park 

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

Southeast Aboriginal Arts Market 

Just in time for Christmas, the Southeast Aboriginal Arts Market is back in town. With 32 Aboriginal artists and collectives representing the Southeast, it's a great chance to meet with artists and purchase artwork direct. There will be jewellery, ceramics, weaving, carving, textiles, photography and prints for sale alongside a free public program of workshops and talks in which attendees will be able to delve into the cultural practices of the Southeast. 

Saturday 23rd November to Sunday 24th November 

Carriageworks 

Ru Paul Drag Race on Tour: Slay Belles 2024

There's no better way to get into the festive spirit than with this Christmas extravaganzzzzzza. There will be plenty of Aussie queens in attendance alongside some big names the world over including Alyssa Edwards, Kitty Scott Claus and Tessa Testicle. If you're feeling extra fancy, grab yourself a VIP package and you'll be able to snap some pictures with your favourite stars. 

From $106 per person, tickets are available for purchase here

Saturday 16th November 

ARQ, 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 

Paddo Night Out 

If you're well overdue for a mosey around Paddington, Paddo Night Out is the perfect excuse to sample your way around town. There will be loads of specials, deals and events taking place on the night making it ideal for a progressive dinner of sorts. Highlights include $12 street porchetta tacos from Tequila Mockingbird, $12 glasses of natty wine from Wine Library, 2-for-1 bottles of rose from The Paddington and an extended aperitif hour (4pm to 8pm) at Fred's with complimentary snacks. 

Thursday 21st November, 4pm to 8pm 

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.