Santa arrived in Sydney today, invited by City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
The Mayor launched Christmas in Sydney in front of the city’s huge traditional Christmas tree in Martin Place, which will be officially lit on the evening of Thursday, November 30. Also a feature of Christmas in Sydney will be choirs, the Cambridge Christmas Markets and six free children’s concerts plus visits from Santa riding in his sleigh.
Santa and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore launch Christmas in Sydney at Martin Place.
The City of Sydney’s four-week Christmas celebration in the city centre and local neighbourhoods officially starts on Saturday 25 November.
“We’re bringing a touch of Christmas magic to the city with lights, music, markets and a visit from the jolly man in red,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
“Sydney sparkles and buzzes at this time of year, with the majestic Christmas tree in Martin Place a worthy centrepiece. We welcome families, shoppers and visitors to come in and soak up the festive atmosphere.”
Highlights of City of Sydney’s four-week Christmas celebration include the Sydney Christmas which opens this weekend at Martin Place. In full swing from 11am to 8pm, the market will feature roving Christmas characters at Pitt Street Mall and Martin Place over the opening weekend. Choirs will also be performing at Town Hall and Wynyard stations, and Martin Place and retailers will host pop-ups at Pitt Street Mall.
On Thursday, November 30, from 6pm-8.30pm Santa will arrive in his sleigh to help light up the 24-metre Martin Place Christmas tree, the centrepiece of Christmas celebrations in Sydney.
Following a sleigh ride with the Lord Mayor from Circular Quay to Martin Place with a 65-piece marching band and elves on reindeer tricycles, Santa will officially flick the switch on the Martin Place Christmas tree which will be followed by a glittering fireworks display.
The tallest Christmas tree in NSW is decorated with more than 110,000 lights and 330 glossy baubles. The tree’s 800 branches are dressed with 15,000 flowers representing nine native blooms: banksia, waratah, bottlebrush, wattle, eucalyptus gum flower, kangaroo paw, flannel flower, pink wax flower and white wax flower.
A colourful sound and light show will take place every 15 minutes, from 8pm to midnight until New Year’s Day, January 1. There will also be community Christmas concerts in Pyrmont, Surry Hills, Rosebery, Rushcutters Bay, Glebe and Alexandria. Families can have their photo taken with Santa for a $5 donation to the City of Sydney’s charity partner, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
Visit sydneychristmas.com.au for full event details.
