It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and these are the best Christmas events in Sydney for kids and families.
It’s almost that time of year again. When Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé emerge from hibernation, yuletide garlands are strung through shopping centres, and children begin writing their wish lists for Santa. As the year draws to a close, school holidays approach and December 25th draws ever nearer, now is the time to immerse children in the fun of the festive season. If you’re looking for family-friendly Christmas events in Sydney, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for our guide to making the most of Christmas 2025.
Step into a CGI North Pole adventure at the Wundrful World of Christmas. Kids aged three to eight can zip through Santa’s reindeer fields, peek into the elves’ workshop and even visit Mrs Claus’s kitchen. Wrap up your magical journey at the North Pole Post Office to write your wish list to Santa. A festive, mixed-reality experience perfect for little ones with big imaginations.
Walk the magical streets of the North Pole at The Vineyard’s Christmas Village. Open daily until 5 January 2026, the village sparkles with festive lights, decorations and surprises at every turn. Take Santa photos, sing along to carols or book your seat at the Christmas Day buffet.
The yuletide experience at The Grounds is one of the most visited Christmas events in Sydney. This year, The Grounds of Alexandria are dressed in Highland tartan. Snap a selfie with Santa, sip a highland-inspired cocktail and wander through a grove of trees decked with tartan baubles and velvet ribbons. Pause under the mistletoe and marvel at the giant wreath with its oversized tartan bow. Don’t miss the limited-edition tartan treats – from Pine-sangria to Gin-gle All The Way, there’s plenty to eat, drink, and be merry!
Celebrate one of the most Australian Christmas events in Sydney by the harbour with Homegrown Christmas. Listen to live music, explore artisan markets, grab a bite to eat or catch a mid-week Christmas movie at the free Laneway Cinema. Join the relaxed festive fun on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December for the Homegrown Concert Series, 3:30pm to 6:30pm on Tallawoladah Lawn.
Bring the whole family – furry friends included – to the Santa Paws 2025 Christmas event in Sydney. Snap professional Santa photos with your pet, explore boutique pet stalls, refuel at tasty food vendors, meet pet specialists and vets for consultations, and enter your dog in fun competitions for a chance to win amazing prizes. Feeling lucky? Try the Santa Paws Raffle with prizes worth over $6,000. Thinking of adding a new addition to your fur family? Cuddle up with adorable foster kittens at Kittie Kat Wonderland – all of whom are looking for fur-ever homes.
Get ready for one of the most entertaining Christmas events in Sydney with Rockin’ Around the Harbour. Encompassing the Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular, where you can watch Santa jet-ski across the harbour, and the Christmas Festival, it’s a crowd-drawing day out. Toddler techno whiz DJ Lenny Pearce will be hosting groove sessions while Christine and Zipporah Anu will sing sweet tunes for the adults. browse festive food stalls and activity zones, and don’t miss the dazzling fireworks on 6, 13 and 20 December on Darling Harbour at 9pm.
Santa is coming to The Tea Room at QVB. Enjoy scones, pastries and sugar-dusted delights in the Christmas-themed historic ballroom, while little ones meet Santa, share their wishes and capture keepsake photos beneath a glittering chandelier.
Gather round, Sydneysiders! On 28 November, witness the annual lighting of the southern hemisphere’s tallest Christmas tree at Martin Place. Pop by throughout the festive season for free Christmas concerts, roaming performers, festive markets (perfect for gift hunting… and maybe a treat for yourself), or even a spin on Santa’s sleigh ride.
There’s something for everyone at Christmas in Pyrmont. Dance to live music, munch on delicious food, meet Santa, decorate Christmas cards, get your face painted and maybe even tick off some gifts from your Christmas list. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon with family, friends and little ones.
Step into a wonderland of over 100 stalls at the lively Double Bay Christmas Festival, a highlight of Christmas events in Sydney. From artisan gifts and stylish homewares to gourmet treats and festive fashion, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy live music, stage performances and choirs singing carols in the park. With kids’ activities, roaming performers and plenty of festive cheer, it’s a day out that sparkles from start to finish.
Celebrate Christmas the Filipino way at Darling Harbour’s Philippine Christmas Festival. Now in its fifth year, this Christmas event in Sydney at Tumbalong Park will be bursting with festive cheer, traditional music, dance and mouth-watering food. From charcoal-roasted lechon and vinegary adobo to sweet ube ice cream and refreshing halo-halo, there’s a taste of the Philippines around every corner.
Step into a festive wonderland at this Christmas market in the eastern suburbs. With handpicked high-quality stalls, family-friendly entertainment and lively activities, it’s the perfect afternoon-to-evening outing. Whether you’re looking for after after-school fun, post-work browsing, or a day out with the family, this indoor–outdoor event has something for everyone.
Turn a day at the zoo into a festive day out by settling in for a picnic on the Taronga Zoo Concert Lawns at the end of the day to sing along to carols and enjoy delicious treats from local food vendors at the Taronga Zoo Christmas Concert. Keep an eye out – there’s a very special visitor all the way from the North Pole coming to join the fun.
Celebrate one of the cutest Christmas events in Sydney with festive fun for the whole family (furry friends included)! Shop at Christmas stalls, nibble on tasty treats from local food vendors, catch a flick at the pop-up cinema, or play games with the kids. Don’t miss the Santa Paws Dog Parade, and snap a photo with Santa knowing $5 goes to Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT.
Step into a world of glitter and magic with a theatrical Christmas Spectacular at the State Theatre. As one of the ritziest Christmas events in Sydney, patrons can expect dazzling music acts, circus feats and dance inspired by the Radio City Rockettes. The Voice finalist Prinnie Stevens joins Santa for a show full of sequins, razzle-dazzle and festive cheer that will leave everyone smiling from ear to ear.
Join The Wiggles for a festive celebration like no other at one of the must-see Christmas events in Sydney. The Wiggles bring their biggest and most magical live show yet with The Wiggles Tree of Wisdom Big Show Arena Spectacular. Packed with arena-sized surprises, music, dancing and non-stop wiggling, this high-energy extravaganza promises fun for the whole family.
Join the 43rd annual Carols in the Domain, one of the most iconic Christmas events in Sydney. Bring a picnic rug and soak up twinkling lights, soaring voices and sparkling fireworks alongside family and friends. Seated ticketholders can explore Tinsel Town, with a pop-up boutique bar, delicious food, face painting, roaming entertainment and even a Best Dressed Competition.
Get creative at Santa’s Studio, one of the most magical Christmas events in Sydney. Little elves aged four to 12 can craft hand-made gifts using Christmas plants and natural materials, making ornaments and presents their family will treasure. Explore art mediums, embrace your inner artist, and dress up in festive costumes for extra fun. All materials are included – and supervising adults or tiny tots under 12 months join for free!
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