- The Minns Labor Government has unveiled its largest Sydney Christmas celebrations yet.
- The 2025 Sydney Festive Season features an expanded program of major events and activations across the city.
- The events will officially begin on November 27.
Ho Ho Ho Sydney! It looks like Premier Chris Minns is donning a Santa hat this year, as the Labor Government unveils plans for the biggest Sydney Christmas celebrations ever.
Sydney’s festive calendar is brimming with Christmas events, as the government aims to draw both locals and tourists to celebrate a classic sun-soaked Aussie Christmas. The 2025 Chrissy Season will officially begin on November 27, with Santa’s Sydney Sleigh Ride and the lighting of the Martin Place Christmas Tree, presented by the City of Sydney.
Premier Minns said, “Sydney’s Christmas celebrations just keep getting bigger and better. This year we’re unwrapping our most exciting festive season yet with more events, more lights, and more free ways for families to celebrate together.
“Only in Sydney can you celebrate Christmas under the stars, by the harbour, and on the beach. Our expanded summer program captures that unique spirit while driving even more visitors into our city.”
READ MORE: Plan ahead: Christmas comes early for Sydney with these annual events
Bigger and better than ever
The Government has announced that many beloved free festive events will return, bigger and better than ever. Here’s a look at the celebrations set to be expanded.
1. Tumbalong Park
Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour will bring back its free family concerts, with expanded children’s entertainment zones and the return of Santa’s grand arrival. The larger main stage program will feature headline performers alongside school choirs (who can submit their interest in performing here).
When: December 13, 4pm-9pm.
2. Christmas at the Cathedral
Christmas at the Cathedral will more than double in size this year, with St Mary’s Cathedral near Hyde Park set to bring Christmas cheer to the CBD. It takes place under a towering Christmas tree and features a beautiful nativity scene, which changes each year. This year, it’ll be Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, and with new lighting and projection installations, the Cathedral façade is bound to look more beautiful than ever. There will also be an expanded program of choirs and live performances, as well as new food and gift stall options over the nine-night lead-up to Christmas.
When: December 17-25, 5:30pm-10:30pm every night.
3. The Rocks Markets
The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition is set to be a pocket of Christmas fun with additional festive night trading sessions and more stallholders than ever before. The precinct is set to be bustling with visitors thanks to an enhanced summer music program and new, relaxed picnic-style spaces overlooking the harbour.
When: Every weekend from December 6 to December 21.
4. Cockle Bay’s Christmas Spectacular
Cockle Bay’s Christmas Spectacular rarely disappoints— what says Aussie Christmas more than a jet-skiing Santa and elves on jet-packs soaring over the water? The inaugural celebration will dazzle audiences with plenty of water-based stunt performances, complemented by a lively pre-show featuring music and roving performers.
When: December 6, 4pm-9pm.
5. White Bay Christmas
A White Bay Christmas will transform the White Bay Power Station, offering festive orchestral concerts and the popular Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market on the 13th and 14th of December. Visitors can explore stalls featuring local makers and enjoy performances by the Sydney Youth Orchestra in one of Sydney’s most atmospheric heritage settings.
When: Sydney Youth Orchestra: Lied Der Nacht: 6 December, The Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market: 13–14 December.
READ MORE: Sydney Festival’s HUGE 50th anniversary program revealed
Dates for your Chrissy calendar
CBD & Darling Harbour
- Sydney Christmas and Martin Place Tree Lighting – Martin Place – 27 November
- Floating Christmas Tree – 21 November
- Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular – 6 December
- Christmas Festival at Tumbalong Park, featuring the combined school choir – 13 December
- Christmas Fireworks – 6, 13 and 20 December
- Christmas at the Cathedral Markets – 17 – 25 December
- The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain – The Domain – 20 December
The Rocks
- Homegrown Concerts – Tallawoladah Lawn, The Rocks – 6–7 December
- The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition every weekend from 6 to 21 December
- Laneway Cinema on 3, 10 and 17 December
Barangaroo
- The Pier Social (Festive Season Sessions) – Pier Pavilion, Barangaroo – From 21 November
- Barangaroo Markets – Third Friday of each month from 21 November to February
- Movin’ Bed Cinema – from 28 November
Balmain/White Bay Power Station
- Christmas in Balmain with Free Santa Photos – Balmain village – 3 November–25 December
- Sydney Youth Orchestra: Lied Der Nacht – White Bay Power Station – 6 December
- Sydney Youth Orchestra: White Bay Christmas Concert – White Bay Power Station – 7 December
- Balmain Village Markets – 7 December
- The Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market – White Bay Cruise Terminal – 13–14 December
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