If you’re looking for Christmas carols in Sydney then you’ve got a few options for fun, festive singalongs in December. Some of Sydney’s best Christmas carols concerts start to pop through in the weeks leading up to Christmas, with the annual Carols in the Domain returning alongside other favourites like Balmoral Carols and Carols on the Common in North Ryde.
Sydney Travel Guide has rounded up the best places to hear Carols in Sydney this Christmas, looking beyond Sydney CBD with annual Christmas traditions also springing up around Georges River, Narrabeen and Galston.
Carols in Sydney CBD & Surrounds
1. Woolworths Carols in the Domain
The 42nd annual Woolworths Carols in the Domain are the most popular “carols by candlelight” events in Sydney. Thousands of families pack into the massive park each year to watch Australia’s most illustrious stars lead massive singalongs to classic Christmas songs. Part of the fun has just been seeing which stars show up each year, right alongside the requisite appearance from Santa and a spectacular fireworks display alongside a Christmas lights display.
Where: The Domain, Art Gallery Road
When: Saturday, December 21; 1pm – 11pm
Price: Free (seated tickets start at $155.90)
2. Choirs in the City: Martin Place
Shadowed by the tallest Christmas tree in New South Wales, the Choirs in the City series will bring different choirs to Martin Place each day from December 1 right up until Christmas Eve. Head along on midnight each day throughout December and you can watch some of Sydney’s most accomplished choirs perform Christmas songs, with the schedule including Northern Beaches Chorus (December 5), Costal Acapella (December 16), Jingle Bell Singers (December 21), and Salvation Army (December 22-24).
All choirs will pop into Martin Place from 6pm to 8pm, after which you can enjoy the Martin Place Christmas Tree’s epic light show running every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight.
Where: Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
When: December 1-24
Price: Free
3. Christmas at Sydney Town Hall
Get ready for a night of stunning Christmas performances in the belly of Sydney Town Hall. The building’s stunning ornate Victorian architecture is dressed with festive lights for these carols each year, elevated by a sense of community as enchanting scenes are playing out with classic Xmas songs for the whole family to sing a long to. The NSW Police Band will lead the charge on the carols while the venue’s valuable harp and grand organ will come into play during the night.
Where: Sydney Town Hall; 483 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: December 17; 8pm – 9:30pm
Price: $23.47 (for adults), $18.35 (for kids)
4. Glebe Christmas Concert
If you’re after free Christmas carols in Sydney, head along to Glebe’s Bicentennial Park on the evening of December 14. Hosted by The Listies, this two-hour show is packed with things to do for the whole family. From 6pm, you’ll find free craft activities, table tennis, giant Jenga and a BBQ fundraiser with food trucks from Gelato Messina, Crazy Potato and more. Carollers The Beanies, Tiptoe Giants and Limited Edition will be on hand to take the crowd through classic Xmas songs right up until the event wraps at 8pm.
Where: Bicentennial Park, 5 Federal Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
When: December 14; 6pm – 8pm
Price: Free
Carols in North Sydney
5. Balmoral Carols
The beautiful Mosman Village Church hosts Balmoral Church in its iconic Rotunda each year. Backed by picture-perfect water views, the event is one of the most popular Christmas traditions in Sydney, with families setting up picnics on the lawns while the sweet sounds of holiday cheer float from the charming outdoor stage.
Note that there’s a free shuttle running on the night from 5pm, running between Balmoral Beach, Spit Junction and Mosman.
Where: The Rotunda, Balmoral Beach; 63 The Esplanade, Mosman NSW 2088
When: December 7; 5pm – 8:30pm
Price: Free
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6. Targona Christmas Concert
Set up with a picnic on the beautiful rolling hills at Taronga Zoo, one of the world’s most picturesque zoos. The vista overlooking Sydney Harbour is perfect for a one-night-only carols by candlelight concert, with a full evening of family-friendly entertainment. Most Sydneysiders make a day of it by visiting the zoo, which just welcome new penguin chicks and a baby hippo, and then ending up on the great lawn just in time for the concert at 6pm.
Where: Taronga Zoo; Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
When: December 14; from 6pm
Price: $29 (adults), $24 (children aged 4-15), free (children under 4)
7. Carols on the Common
The second largest Christmas carols event in Sydney takes place each year at North Ryde Common, defined by its carnival-like atmosphere with rides, food trucks, fireworks and family-friendly activities centered around the main show. The carols by candlelight concert may not have the star power of the bigger show down at The Domain, but the songs are no less powerful as they ring out over the breezy park.
Where: Wicks Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113
When: December 15; 5pm – 9:30pm
Price: Free
8. Carols by Candlelight at Fagan Park
Supported and funded by the local community, Carols by Candlelight at Fagan Park is one of the few carols concerts in Sydney that showcases only local school choirs. With food trucks parked nearby, the free event is a great showing for the Hills District community, returning a year after its successful debut in 2023.
Where: Fagan Park, 38-48 Arcadia Rd, Galston
When: December 14; 5pm – 9pm
Price: Free
9. Carols By The Lake
Back for its milestone 20th year, Carols by the Lake is the signature Christmas carols concert on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Thousands of families show up to Lakeside Park each year, with pre-show entertainment running from 6pm before a spectacular show at 7pm.
Where: Lakeside Park; 39 Lake Park Rd, North Narrabeen NSW 2101
When: December 21; 6pm – 9:30pm
Price: Free
Carols in South Sydney
10. Georges River Council Magic of Christmas
Head to South Sydney for the city’s most picturesque Christmas carols concert. Taking over Carrs Bush Park, the Saturday evening is full of festive magic including a visit from Santa and a Yuletide show hosted by Emma Palmer from ABC’s Play School. The free, family-friendly event takes place right by the water so it’s a great, relaxed environment for an evening picnic.
Where: Carss Bush Park; Carwar Ave, Carss Park NSW 2221
When: December 7; 4:30pm – 9pm
Price: Free
What channel are the Sydney Christmas carols on?
If you want to tune in from home, the 2014 Woolworth’s Carols on the Domain will be broadcast live nationally at 8pm AEST on Channel 7 and 7Plus.
Is there free seating at Carols in the Domain?
Yes, there is free seating at Carols in the Domain. There are free, non-ticketed general admission areas towards the back of The Domain in a dedicated area called The Festive Lawn. If you want to get closer to the stage, you can reserve a space for fee in the Reserved Lawn premier area.
Who is performing at Carols in the Domain 2024?
The full line-up for Carols in the Domain has been confirmed. There will be appearances from The Wiggles and this year’s The Voice winner, Reuben De Melo. In addition, expect performances from Samantha Jade, Christine Anu, Hugh Sheridan, Budjerah, Jarrod Draper, Sydney Youth Orchestra, Rhonda Burchmore, Jael Wena, Silvia Colloca, Mark Vincent, the cast of Cirque du Soliel, and more.
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