December is upon us, meaning sunshine, surfing and maybe even Santa on a jet-ski? Everyone’s favourite time of the year is jam-packed with events, and we’ve combed through them to find you all the best ones.
This month, I’ll be cramming everything into my calendar, starting with a trip to the outdoor cinemas to watch Wicked: For Good (I’m still deciding between going to Bondi’s Sunset Cinema or Barangaroo’s Mov’In Bed Cinema). I’ll definitely check out the hyperrealistic sculptures at Ron Mueck’s exciting new exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW, Encounter, as well as the Data Dreams: Art and AI exhibition at the MCA. I’ll always try and fit in a trip to Taronga Zoo when possible, and with the arrival of a beautiful new rhino, I’ll be sure to hop on the ferry to Mosman this month. For holiday-themed fun, I’ll also be heading to the Carriageworks Christmas Market to see my favourite farmers’ market turn festive.
Things to do in Sydney in December
Sydney Staples
Check out our list of Sydney Staples, iconic events, and activities across the city’s favourite postcodes that locals can’t wait to see on the calendar.
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
It’s the 80th year of the prestigious Sydney to Hobart yacht race, one of the most challenging offshore races in the world. This year, 142 yachts will race, exceeding last year’s starting lineup by 38 and making it the second biggest fleet this century (just behind the 2019 race, which celebrated Sydney to Hobart’s 75th year. This year’s fleet includes competitors from all six Australian states and eight different countries, as well as 11 women-owned yachts and skippers.
You can watch the yachts leave Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, with popular viewing spots including Bradleys Head, Watsons Bay and North Head. Another option is to watch on the water from a spectator boat for truly unrivalled views. Unfortunately, this can be pricey, usually ranging from $225 to $399 per person, depending on the operator, vessel and package.
Where: Starts in Sydney Harbour.
When: December 26 at 1pm.
Outdoor Cinemas
Sydney reigns supreme as the city of stunning outdoor cinemas, even taking the title of ‘World’s Most Beautiful Cinema’ with the Westpac big screen on the harbour. This December, you’ll be able to check out Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park, which is BYO and pet-friendly, Mov’In Bed Cinema in Barangaroo, which has the cosiest set-up of all the cinemas, and Bondi’s Sunset Cinema, the screen sitting right next to Sydney’s iconic beach. From festive films like Love Actually to huge blockbusters including Wicked: For Good, the outdoor cinemas are serving up incredible programs, making them the perfect place to enjoy with a date, a mate or your family.
Where: Across Sydney, though in December, the main ones are in Barangaroo, Centennial Park and Bondi.
When: Throughout December.
Price: Prices range starting at $12.
READ MORE: Go wild! Your ultimate guide to Taronga Zoo
New arrivals at Taronga Zoo
This summer will see some exciting new arrivals come to Taronga Zoo, including Hari, Sydney’s only Greater One-horned Rhino, who will live in the brand-new Rhino Reserve. He’ll be joined by three playful Asian Water Buffalo, Kahn, Sahasi and Babu, who are sure to charm visitors with their big personalities and love of mud baths. Although their exact arrival date hasn’t yet been confirmed, it’ll be any day now that they’ll be enjoying their new space at Sydney’s most beautiful zoo.
Taronga is also gearing up for the school holidays with a lineup of fun, hands-on experiences. From the Wild Ropes Treetop Adventure to the immersive Keeper for a Day program, there’s an experience for every kind of animal lover. They’ll also be celebrating the release of Disney’s Zootopia 2 by creating the ultimate Junior Investigators Trail around the zoo. Kids can follow the clues, solve puzzles, snap photos with Zootopia characters, and crack the case for a chance to win exciting prizes, including tickets to see Zootopia 2.
Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088.
When: Throughout December.
Price: Adult tickets start at $49.50, Children (4-15): $33, Infant (under 4 years): Free.
Second Life Markets
Second Life Markets return to Sydney this December 14, with over 120 stalls taking over Carriageworks on Sunday. As second-hand shopping continues to be a trend that everyone can get behind, these markets are not to be missed, arriving at the perfect time to upgrade your summer wardrobe. There will also be local DJs, a lineup of food trucks, drinks, and plenty of curated vintage finds to spend the day sifting through. You’ll be sure to find the perfect sustainable Christmas present for friends and family (or for yourself) at Second Life Markets.
Read our interview with the director of Second Life Markets to find out all her top tips for the perfect day of thrifting.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Sunday, December 14, 9:30am-4pm.
Price: Tickets from $5.
Christmas 36-Hour Seafood Marathon
It’s Sydney’s most iconic Chrissy tradition, when Sydney Fish Market retailers open their doors for 36 hours straight, from 5am on December 23 to 5pm on Christmas Eve. They’ll be expecting to sell a whopping 350 plus tonnes of seafood, including 120 tonnes of prawns and almost 70,000 dozen oysters (yes, really). There’s also fruit, veggies, bread, cheese and wine available to buy at the markets, for any veggies or vegans at the Christmas gathering. There will be various parking options available for a flat rate of $10, though visitors can also get the light rail from the city or various buses.
Where: Sydney Fish Market, Bank Street, Pyrmont.
When: December 23 at 5am until December 24th at 5pm.
Price: Free entry into market; seafood prices vary.
The Big Bash League at Sydney Cricket Ground
Australia’s professional T20 cricket competition, the Big Bash League (BBL), will come to Sydney this December, warming up cricket fans for the Sydney stint of the Ashes in January. The BBL sees eight city-based franchises take each other on, including Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, Brisbane Heat, Adelaide Strikers, Perth Scorchers and Hobart Hurricanes.
On December 17, the Sydney Sixers will take on the Adelaide Strikers at the SCG. The home team will then also take on the Melbourne Stars on Boxing Day, where you can enjoy a schooner, bask in the sun and get over your post-Christmas fatigue.
Where: Sydney Cricket Ground, 4 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: December 17 at 7:15pm and December 26 at 6:05pm.
Price: Tickets start at $29.04.
Classes and Tastings at Archie Rose Distillery
Located in Rosebery, just a short bus ride from Sydney’s CBD, Archie Rose has reimagined its home with the debut of the Still Room, a reinvention of the original distillery space to host signature experiences. If you love whisky or gin, or want to refresh your cocktail-shaking skills before your next dinner party, book one of their signature classes and head down to the iconic distillery. The interactive classes are fun, chill and highly personalised, and you’ll walk out with your own bottle of whatever concoction you opted to make. If you don’t fancy making anything, book one of their tasting experiences, and sip and sample your way through their delicious spirits.
Where: Archie Rose Distillery, 61 Mentmore Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018.
When: Throughout December. Head to the Archie Rose website to see availability.
Price: Experiences start at $79.
Festive Fun
Whether it’s your first Chrissy in Sydney or you’ve never known any different, see all the best festive events that occur in December, from seafood marathons to Christmas markets and dog-friendly pub celebrations.
Martin Place Christmas Markets
The long-running Martin Place Christmas Markets will return to the heart of the CBD for four festive weeks this November, featuring gourmet food, artisan shopping, fun-filled entertainment and, of course, the city’s iconic Christmas tree. There will be 56 stalls offering a variety of goods, meaning you can head there after work and get your Christmas shopping sorted. Enjoy live music, festive eats and an Instagrammable backdrop at the famous CBD market.
Where: Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Thursday, November 27 to Saturday, December 20, every day at 11am-9:30pm.
Price: Free entry.
READ MORE: The 22 best Christmas Markets in Sydney
Carriageworks Christmas Market
The Carriageworks Christmas Market will return to Sydney’s Eveleigh precinct this December, transforming the space into a one-day festive hub featuring over 120 stalls. Returning favourites from the Carriageworks Farmers Market will make an appearance, as well as some special guest vendors selling gourmet produce, unique gifts and festive hampers. Enjoy extended shopping hours (from 8am until 3pm) and DJ La Foxy Fuzz’s spinning tunes as you shop and soak up the festive spirit.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Price: Free entry.
Surry Hills Christmas Fair
Who wouldn’t want to see the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, rock up to a Christmas Fair on Santa’s Sleigh? Head to the Surry Hills Christmas Fair this December and enjoy Christmas shopping, a pop-up cinema, roving entertainment and all the festive fun you could dream of. The jam-packed program also features an interactive circus workshop, a ‘Santa Paws’ dog parade, musical bingo and Christmas karaoke. Finish with a screening of everyone’s favourite Christmas movie, Elf.
Where: Crown Street between Foveaux Street and Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010.
When: Saturday, December 13 from 11am to 10pm.
Price: Free.
Yappy Christmas at Forrester’s Surry Hills
Surry Hills favourite Forresters is combining our two favourite things this holiday season: Christmas and pups! They’re bringing Christmas cheer this December with a festive day that you can celebrate with your pooch. You can get free professional photos of your four-legged friend (the perfect Chrissy present), plus $5 pawkies and dog beer. As it’s the season of giving, there’ll also be a pet toy drive on the day.
Where: 336 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
When: December 7, 12-4:30pm.
Price: Free entry plus free professional photos of your pup.
READ MORE: Official program for Sydney Christmas 2025: city unwraps its biggest season
Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular
Santa doesn’t ride a sleigh in Sydney- instead, he arrives in Aussie style on a jetski. Catch him making his entrance at the Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular on December 6, where he’ll then head straight into the crowds for plenty of photo opportunities. As well as the jet ski arrival, there will be not one, but two jet-pack shows on the water, performed by Santa’s elves, as well as live DJs and even a Santa flash mob. To top it off, there’ll be a stunning fireworks display lighting up Cockle Bay to conclude the festive evening.
Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour.
When: December 6, 4pm-9pm.
Price: Free.
Balmain Village Markets Christmas Edition
The iconic White Bay Power Station will host its first-ever Christmas Market this December, for a special one-day event. From 9am to 5pm, the site will transform into a festive wonderland, featuring artisan stalls, gourmet food, fun-filled entertainment, kids’ activities and even orchestral performances by the Sydney Youth Orchestra. Explore the industrial Turbine Hall, which will be taken over with Christmas décor and the presence of Santa Claus (who will happily snap photos with you). Head to Rozelle and enjoy this free, one-day extravaganza set to become one of Sydney’s standout festive events.
Where: White Bay Power Station, Robert St, Rozelle NSW 2039.
When: Saturday, December 7, 9am-5pm.
Price: Free entry.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
From funky (but disturbing) AI-driven art to elegant paintings from the 19th century, the art scene in Sydney is thriving thanks to these unmissable exhibitions.
Encounter by Ron Mueck
Internationally celebrated artist Ron Mueck returns to Australia this December with a major new exhibition. Encounter will be the largest exhibition by the artist ever to be presented in Australia, and comprises sculptures drawn from across the globe, many of which have never been seen before in this country. Mueck is known for his hyperrealistic sculptures, which range from minute to massive, conveying themes that explore our relationship with the world, including birth, death, alienation and togetherness.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura, Lower Level 2, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: December 6, 2025- April 12, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $35, Youth: $18.
Data Dreams: Art and AI at the MCA
The first of its kind in a major Australian Museum, the new exhibition at the MCA, Data Dreams: Art and AI, considers artificial intelligence and its impact on contemporary life through the work of 10 visionary artists. Presented as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2025-26, this Aussie premiere explores how AI is transforming the way we live, think and create, focusing on a range of concerns, including the relationship between technology and power, and how algorithms and datasets are influencing our worldviews. Experience the immersive installations, AI-generated films, hallucinatory images and mind-expanding sculptures as you delve into the fascinating, but also frightening world of artificial intelligence.
Where: Galleries Level 3, MCA, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: November 21, 2025 until April 27, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets are $35, Concession $28. Under 18s go free. You can buy your tickets here.
Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition
The premier exhibition of the Ocean Photographer of the Year opened at the Australian National Maritime Museum last week, showcasing a striking collection of winning and finalist images from over 15,000 global entries. Featuring 112 breathtaking images that celebrate our ocean’s beauty and spotlight the importance of marine conservation, the exhibition brings awareness to the climate crisis impacting our natural world. From tiny baby pufferfish to majestic humpback whales, the display aims to celebrate the brilliance and diversity of ocean life, with Sydney being the first city in the world to show the full collection of images on display.
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, NSW 2000.
When: From Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Price: Special exhibition tickets start at $25 per adult.
Ricky Swallow, Bent Forms
Who would’ve thought that what was missing from your shot of the Opera House was a giant bent stainless steel spoon? Ricky Swallow’s commission for the MCA’s Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace sees four huge spoons dotted across the lookout. They were created by Swallow from scaled-up wax prints of actual teaspoons, which he bent into various shapes. Head to the terrace and enjoy panoramic views of Sydney’s iconic harbour as you check out the wacky pieces of art by Swallow. If you loved Sculpture by the Sea, this exhibition is also worth a visit.
Where: Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace, MCA, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: Showing until July 20, 2026.
Price: Admission from $20.
Dangerously Modern
This brand-new exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW celebrates the remarkable women artists who overcame social barriers to forge international careers beyond Australia. This exciting exhibition is the first to celebrate the vital role of Australian women in shaping international modernism, featuring iconic figures like Margaret Preston, Nora Heysen and Grace Cossington Smith, as well as the under-recognised Agnes Goodsir, Justine Kong Sing and Helen Stewart. The exhibition will show more than 200 works, expanding visitors’ understanding of modern art movements, including realism, impressionism, post-impressionism, cubism and abstraction.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 11- February 15, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $35, Youth: $18.
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat
New Zealand-born, Sydney-based artist Mike Hewson is next in a long line of artists aching to take over The Art Gallery of NSW’s unique, subterranean Nelson Packer Tank space, turning the industrial bunker into a concrete jungle with a park, play space, construction site, and a communal area framed by sculptural works.
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under The Mat opened last Saturday, and is the current talk of the art world. It marks the artist’s first solo presentation in an art museum, a platform to heighten his unique approach to what an all-ages playground looks like. Visitors are encouraged to meet, dwell, play, make, perform and explore while interacting with the park’s various features. You can even do a load of laundry or take a shower in the space!
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney.
When: From October 4, 2025.
Price: Free.
Gigs and Concerts
December is a huge month for music in Sydney, with international stars performing multiple nights at the city’s favourite venues.
Lady Gaga at Accor Stadium
Lady Gaga will return to Australia after 11 long years as part of her electrifying The MAYHEM Ball tour. She’ll be stopping by Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena for two huge nights. Little Monsters can expect a setlist of new songs (think “Judas” and “The Dead Dance”) but also old bangers like “Poker Face”, “Papparazzi” and “Alejandro”. Expect a stunning show featuring incredible costumes, stunning vocals, and that signature Gaga flair.
Where: Accor Stadium, Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: December 12 and 13, from 7pm.
Price: From $212.10.
READ MORE: Lady Gaga 2025 Sydney Tickets: Dynamic Pricing Explained
Doja Cat at Qudos Bank Arena
GRAMMY award-winning superstar Doja Cat is currently on her first-ever arena tour across Australia and New Zealand, kicking off Sydney’s huge month of music in December with her Ma Vie World Tour. Named for her upcoming fifth album, Vie (which releases on September 26), the tour will see Doja Cat pulling plenty of hits from her Grammy-winning discography, as well as the Jack Antonoff-produced single “Jealous Type,” which she debuted live at San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music Festival at the beginning of this month.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127
When: Monday, December 1 and Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 8pm.
Price: Tickets from $203.80.
READ MORE: Doja Cat adds a second Sydney show: dates and ticket sale details
Loyle Carner at the Sydney Opera House Steps
We recently saw rising star Olivia Dean perform on the Sydney Opera House steps, with Sydneysiders who weren’t lucky enough to get tickets hiring boats to get as close as possible to the performance! Loyle Carner, another British success story, will also take to the Opera House Steps this December, as part of a huge global tour for his new album, hopefully! which features hits like “about time” and “all i need”. Concert-goers can enjoy his smooth, poetic voice, with the singer’s genre-disruptive sound perfect for the stunning backdrop of the Sydney Opera House.
Where: Sydney Opera House, On The Steps.
When: December 4, from 6:30pm.
Price: Tickets are sold out, but look out for resellers on platforms like Tixel.
Lewis Capaldi at Qudos Bank Arena
Scottish singer-songwriter and musician Lewis Capaldi will bring his soulful vocals Down Under this December, stopping in Christchurch, Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. The star is treating Sydney to three shows in December, on Saturday 6, Sunday 7 and Tuesday 9. The talented artist isn’t just known for his stunning voice; he’s also loved for his sense of humour, so expect some great commentary from the star throughout the concert.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: December 6, 7 and 9, from 7pm.
Price: From $179.90.
Sombr at Hordern Pavilion
Grammy-nominated American singer Sombr will perform two shows at Moore Park’s Hordern Pavilion this December, on December 9 and 16. The alternative-pop artist has had an incredible year, with his hits “back to friends” and “12 to 12” reaching viral status. With over 28 million monthly listeners, the 20-year-old is set to shine on his Australia and New Zealand headline debut.
Where: Hordern Pavilion, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: December 9 and 16, 8pm.
Price: $79.90.
Good Things Festival
Australian music festival, Good Things Festival, is a calendar highlight for those obsessed with alternative sound. Debuting in 2018, the festival brought a fresh new era for Aussie alternative music fans, bringing in some of the heaviest bands in the world Down Under. This year, the festival will take place at Sydney Showground with rock band Weezer set to headline. Also in attendance will be All Time Low, Machine Head, The All-American Rejects and Garbage. Tickets cost $269.95, and you can grab them here.
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, Grand Parade, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 12pm.
Price: From $269.95.
What’s on in Theatre
Sydney currently has a lineup of incredible theatre, from the most tragic love story of all time to the most outrageous musical in the world. Here’s what not to miss.
Gatsby at the Green Light
After the sell-out success of its premiere season, GATSBY at the Green Light will return for a sultry stint at the Sydney Opera House this summer. Transforming the Studio into a 1920s-inspired club, the show revolves around cabaret, outlandish performances and all the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
Despite being inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, the show doesn’t follow the storyline exactly; instead, it immerses audiences in the dazzling world of Gatsby’s legendary parties. Think debauchery, sensuality and opulence. The show will feature ARIA Award-nominated artist Odette, who will sing soulful tunes as performers spin, twirl and fly through the air. Canadian circus artist Spencer Craig, who specialises in aerial loop, will be hosting the show as charismatic yet mysterious Gatsby. Soaring by his side will be daring Caitlin Thomson-Moylan, who will play his eternal (but doomed) love Daisy.
Where: The Studio at Sydney Opera House.
When: From December 13, 2025.
Price: From $59 plus booking fee.
Pretty Woman The Musical
One of the most loved rom-coms of all time is coming to the stage in Sydney this weekend. Based on the 1990 Hollywood film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, Pretty Woman: The Musical is written and directed by the same team who created the film: J.F. Lawton and Gerry Marshall. Bursting with glamour, charm and all the iconic moments you know and love, the musical hit will arrive at Theatre Royal Sydney this Sunday. ARIA-award-winning pop star Samantha Jade will bring Vivian Ward to life, making her very exciting stage debut in the upcoming production. You can read our interview with her here.
When: From November 30, 2025 until January 4, 2026.
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
Tickets: From $69 per person.
Romeo & Juliet
Bell Shakespeare, Australia’s national Shakespeare theatre company, is back at Sydney Opera House with Peter Evans’ critically acclaimed production of Romeo & Juliet. Madeline Li steps into the role of Juliet opposite Ryan Hodson’s Romeo, with the minimalist production already earning glowing reviews. Head to Sydney’s most iconic theatre space to catch this raw portrayal of Shakespeare’s greatest love story.
Where: The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Showing until Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Price: From $35.
Back to the Future: The Musical
When it opened in London, Back to the Future: The Musical quickly became a success story, scooping up the Best New Musical award at the Laurence Olivier and What’s On Stage awards. It also swiftly transferred to Broadway. Now, the musical is dazzling Sydneysiders at the Lyric Theatre, with breathtaking visuals and a real flying DeLorean.
The exciting cast lineup includes Tony Award-winning actor Roger Bart, who will reprise the role of Doc Brown, having impressed audiences in both the West End and Broadway. Starring opposite him as Marty McFly will be Axel Duffy, a rising star from Brisbane. You can read our review of the new production here.
Unfortunately, the show will close prematurely on January 25, 2026, and will not complete its tour of Australia as previously planned. Make sure to support the show and catch it at the Lyric this summer, before it packs up Down Under for good.
When: Friday, September 26, until Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Price: From $89.
The Book of Mormon
Regarded by many as one of the funniest (and most outrageous) musicals of all time, The Book of Mormon was written by the masterminds behind South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The musical tells the story of two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “perfect” Elder Kevin Price and socially-awkward Elder Arnold Cunningham.
Kevin hopes his mission will take him to sunny Orlando, Florida, but instead, the mismatched pair are sent to a remote village in Uganda. The result is chaos, comedy and a lot of outrageous satire. We won’t spoil the show, but if you want to find out more, read our review here.
When: Showing until Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
Tickets: From $69 per person.
READ MORE: The Book of Mormon is back in Sydney — here’s everything you need to know
Cover Image Credit: Destination NSW
