Santa’s Sydney sleigh ride and tree lighting

Follow Santa Claus as he makes his way through the city to switch on the Martin Place Christmas tree.

If you wander down to Circular Quay on the evening of Thursday 28 November you better watch out. There will be a very special visitor from the North Pole.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling.

Santa will ride along Pitt Street on his sleigh accompanied by a 90-piece marching band and elves on reindeer tricycles. Unfortunately no one gets to ride with Santa on the sleigh but you're all welcome to walk along and enjoy the show.

With the help of Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO, Santa will marvel at the unique decorations inspired by Australian flowers and light the 24m tree at around 8:30pm. Then there'll be fireworks.

Fun at Martin Place will continue with a kaleidoscope of colours and decorative lights every 15 minutes to midnight.

Our charity partner The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation will receive a $5 donation for a photo with Santa. They’ll also sell tickets for their Play for Purpose raffle and run Spin to Win giveaways.

Be sure to also check out the beautiful Canopy of Light at Pitt Street Mall. Follow the Christmas stars at the top each smart pole along George Street. The Woolworths building, opposite Sydney Town Hall, will be draped in a curtain of light.

Travel by public transport is recommended. Visit Transport NSW or call 131 500 to plan your trip.