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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the city

Here are some of the highlights of Sydney’s festivities, from Christmas markets to light displays and concerts

Christmas concerts

Surry Hills Christmas concert. Photo: Katherine Griffiths

Dust off your reindeer ears, put on your party shoes and kick off Christmas at our free concert series across Sydney.

Concerts are happening in Pyrmont, Surry Hills, Rosebery, Rushcutters Bay, Glebe and Alexandria. Performers will vary across concerts, but some names include La Fiesta Sound System, The Quokkas and Soul Empire.

Christmas Sensory Tent

Accessibility and inclusivity initiatives have been designed to ensure Christmas concerts can be enjoyed by all this year - including Auslan interpreters for the entire concert, large screen with live captions, sensory tents for quiet and creative play and accessible toilets.

6pm - 8pm

30 November to 15 December

Santa in the city

Get a festive photo with Santa and your friends or family at his photo booth in Martin Place. Image: City of Sydney / Chris Southwood

Santa's elves worked around the clock to design his house in Martin Place where he will stay for December. In fact, Santa himself has requested that we extend an open invitation to all of you (and your coworkers ), to his workshop for a magical photo session.

To top it all off, $5 from every booking will go directly to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation Christmas Appeal - this is a picture you can feel good about!

Get your family, pets, friends or coworkers together for your santa pic on Martin Place.

9am - 10pm

24 November to 24 December Closes at 6pm on 30 November

For all things that sparkle around the city

Canopy of Light

NSW's tallest Christmas tree, will be decked out more than 110,000 LED lights and 330 specially created baubles on Martin Place. Explore lights and decorations across the city centre, including Sydney Town Hall, Customs House, Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral and the David Jones windows on Elizabeth Street. You can also walk under a Canopy of Light and view Christmas projections at QVB and the Woolworths building across from Sydney Town Hall.

Choirs in the City

Christmas Choirs in Martin Place

Enjoy various choirs performing throughout December, filling Sydney’s streets with carols and music. See them live each evening in Martin Place together with a kaleidoscope of colour and lights.

6pm-8pm

Daily from Friday 1 December to Sunday 24 December

Christmas at Sydney Town Hall

Christmas at Town Hall. Photo: Katherine Griffiths

Sydney Town Hall is getting festive with an evening of carols, music, readings and pageantry.

A truly memorable night for the whole family, in one of Sydney’s most beautiful buildings.

Tickets are selling fast for this much-loved event.

8pm - 9.30pm

Tuesday 17 December

Martin Place Christmas Markets come to life

The Christmas markets in Martin Place will be a highlight of the season with a variety of delicious global food stalls and handmade Christmas gifts.

11am to 9pm

Thursday, Friday and Saturday from Thursday 28 November to Saturday 21 December.

Sunday 1 December from 11am to 9pm

Want more?

Find the full program of Sydney Christmas events.

The City of Sydney is proud to support the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation this festive season. Donate to support hospital wards, research labs and patient care programs for sick kids.