It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! One of the best parts about the festive season is being able to get out with the family to spend some quality time together enjoying some of the fun events that are on! It’s a chance to throw on that Santa hat and create your own magic. Make the most of the season with this fabulous round-up of the best Christmas events for kids in Sydney.
Looking to create lasting memories with the kids this Christmas? Use the quick links below to discover the best Christmas events for kids in Sydney.
Best Christmas Events for Kids in Sydney 2025
- Christmas at Darling Harbour, Sydney | Daily until Christmas Eve
- Wundrful World of Christmas, Sydney | Daily until Christmas Eve
- Christmas at The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria | Daily until Christmas Eve
- Christmas at Hay Street Market, Haymarket | Daily until 21 December
- Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights | Daily until 26 January
- Snow White the Pantomime Berowra | 6-14 December
- Christmas by the Beach, Dee Why | Friday 12 December
- Upside Down Christmas with Soulfood A Cappella, Dawes Point | Saturday 13 December
- Christmas Carols at The Mix, Chatswood Place | Various
- Christmas Movie Morning, Mosman | Tuesday 23 December
- Santa’s Studio, The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney | 22 & 23 December
- Believe: A Christmas Musical, Chatswood | 18-23 December
- Christmas Spectacular, State Theatre | 19-21 December
- ACO Carols on the Pier, Dawes Point | 18-22 December
FESTIVE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN SYDNEY
Best Christmas Festivals for Kids around Sydney
Christmas at Darling Harbour
Floating Christmas Tree at Darling Harbour
This season, Darling Harbour is teeming with events and activities that put the ‘merry’ in Merry Christmas. Rock around the harbour with free festive fun for everyone! From spectacular shows on the harbour to the much-loved Christmas Fest, fireworks and a floating Christmas tree!
Christmas Festival: Saturday 13 December, 4-9pm
Back by popular demand, fan favourite Christmas Festival is returning, with live performances from Lenny Pearce, Christine Anu and the big man himself … Santa!
Tumbalong Park is about to be the epicentre of Sydney’s most exciting Christmas festival this December. This live interactive Christmas concert will feature performances from Lenny Pearce (Toddler Techno), Sydney Harmony and Christine and Zipporah Anu, to name a few, with TikTok sensation Jayden Rodrigues joining us as MC for the night!
Expect loads of FREE entertainment of all shapes and sizes, from roving performers to the odd sing-along, plus the arrival of a very special guest… Santa!
Santa’s Christmas Picnic: Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 December
This free festive celebration at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour promises a full day of Christmas fun with live entertainment, children’s activities, market stalls, and delicious food trucks to keep everyone satisfied.
Little ones will love meeting Santa for memorable photos, while parents can browse the seasonal stalls and soak up the holiday atmosphere in one of Sydney’s most beautiful waterfront locations.
For families wanting to elevate their experience, exclusive picnic packages are available in Bronze, Silver, or VIP Gold tiers. Each package includes a reserved picnic space, a complimentary Santa’s Christmas Picnic blanket to take home, and special gifts for the children.
You’re invited to experience the magic of Santa’s Christmas Picnic at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, on Saturday 20 December (10am–8pm) and Sunday 21 December (10am–6pm).
With free general admission and paid upgrade options, there’s something for every family this Christmas season. More details.
Tartan Christmas at The Grounds of Alexandria
Step into their Christmas laneways, where plaid meets magic, and every corner checks all the boxes for festive fun. Wander through a grove of trees decked out with tartan baubles and velvet ribbons, pause under the mistletoe, and take a moment to soak in our towering Christmas wreath with an oversized tartan bow. Limited-edition tartan-wrapped treats tempt you to eat, drink, and be merry, while every twist and turn uncovers a festive story just waiting to be shared.
- When: Now until early-January
- Where: The Grounds of Alexandria, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria
- More info
Wundrful World of Christmas
Step into a magical North Pole adventure this Christmas at the Wundrful World of Christmas. Located opposite the QVB, this 50-minute mixed reality experience is perfect for little believers aged 3-8.
Your family will journey through an elf-piloted lift, explore Santa’s workshop, throw snowballs in the Enchanted Forest, and meet Mrs Claus in her cosy kitchen. The experience blends animated characters, live actors, and interactive sets to create pure festive magic. Each ticket includes a complimentary photo with Santa and a letter pack at the North Pole Post Office.
- When: Until 24 December 2025
- Where: Wundr, 31 Market Street, Sydney (Opposite QVB)
- Cost: Adult $41.50, Child (3-16 years) $31.50
- More details.
Christmas at Hay St Market
Hay St Market
This December, Hay St Market is transforming into a vibrant holiday hub filled with festive food, live music, themed weekends, family activities and Christmas-themed experiences. From global Christmas flavours and seasonal cocktails to daily entertainment and special one-off events, Hay St Market is delivering an unforgettable month of celebrations for visitors of all ages.
Key Highlights:
- Christmas Menu (All December): Daily festive dishes including Brown Sugar & Orange Glazed Ham Ciabatta, Roasted Turkey & Pork Belly Sausage Roll, Boozy Fruit Mince Tarts and more.
- Christmas Cocktails at Traders Bar: Sip on the Nutcracker (rum, peanut butter whiskey, Frangelico, cream) or the Crimson Noel (rosemary gin, cranberry, cinnamon, ginger beer).
- Hay St Sounds: Christmas Edition (Now–21 Dec): Daily live music, Christmas carollers and seasonal favourites.
- Hay St Sounds: Country Style (6–7 Dec): A country-inspired holiday weekend perfect for pre-concert dining or country music lovers.
- Hay St Sounds Special – A Very Bublé Christmas (20 Dec): A night of smooth Michael Bublé Christmas classics.
- Elf on the Shelf Treasure Hunt (10–21 Dec): Kids who find all five elves receive a free ice cream.
- Hay St Kids Program (12–14 Dec & 19–21 Dec): Face painting, cookie decorating and a bookable wreath-making class.
- Ugly Christmas T-Shirt & Jumper Party + Trivia (19 Dec): A night of Christmas movie trivia, entertainment and prizes.
So be sure to visit Hay Street Market to experience their festive events!
- When: Until 21 December 2025
- Where: Hay Street Market, Haymarket, Sydney
- More details.
Christmas Carol Concerts in Sydney
If you love belting out some Christmas tunes & being surrounded by the festive mood, visiting one of the many carol concerts around the North Shore is probably a cherished tradition. Here’s your Ultimate Guide to Christmas Carol Concerts.
Carols: Weekend of 4-7 December 2025
- Carols in Willoughby Park, Willoughby
- West Ryde Christmas Carols, West Ryde
- Carols on the Lawn at St James Church, Turramurra
- Barney’s Carols in the Courtyard, Roseville
Carols: Weekend of 12-14 December 2025
- Christmas by the Beach, Dee Why
- Balmoral Carols, Mosman
- Taronga Zoo Christmas Concert, Mosman
- Carols by Candlelight, Fagan Park, Galston
- San Carols, Wahroonga
- Asquith Carols, Asquith
- Turramurra Community Carols, Turramurra
- Thornleigh Community Christmas Carols, Thornleigh
- Carols on the Common, North Ryde
Carols: Weekend of 20-21 December 2025
- ACO Carols on the Pier, Sydney
- Carols in the Domain, Sydney
- Carols by the Lake, Narrabeen
ACO Carols on the Pier
Celebrate the festive season with Carols on the Pier, a heartwarming family concert hosted by ACO Families at their stunning harbourside home in Walsh Bay.
Enjoy an enchanting blend of classic Christmas carols and world-class musicianship, featuring ACO Families musicians and the beautiful voices of the Luminescence Chamber Singers. Sing along to timeless favourites like Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas in this joyful 50-minute concert perfect for all ages.
After the performance, stay for free Christmas craft activities, festive refreshments, and the magical harbour views — the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the season with your family.
- When: Thursday 18 December: 5:30pm & 7:00pm | Friday 19 December: 4:00pm & 5:30pm | Saturday 20 December: 3:00pm, 5:00pm & 6:30pm | Sunday 21 December: 10:30am, 12:00pm & 2:00pm | Monday 22 December: 10:30am, 12:00pm & 2:00pm
- Where: ACO On The Pier, Hickson Road, Dawes Point
- Details: northshoremums.com.au
Live Christmas Carols at The Mix, Chatswood Place
Celebrate the festive season with live Christmas carols at Chatswood Place. Across November and December, the centre will come alive with free Christmas music performances from talented local singers and groups. It’s the perfect way to add holiday cheer to your visit while you shop, dine or catch up with family and friends.
- When: Every Thursday, from 6pm | Saturday 20 December, 1pm
- Where: Chatswood Place
- More details
Christmas by the Beach, Dee Why
Soak up festive seaside vibes at James Meehan Reserve in Dee Why for an afternoon of Christmas cheer by the ocean on Friday, 12 December 2025.
Enjoy live carols, a children’s Christmas show, Santa photos, face painting and family-friendly entertainment, plus delicious food trucks serving gozleme, souvlaki, fusion dishes and sweet treats.
Bring a picnic rug or low-lying chair (no camping chairs) and enjoy a relaxed, coastal celebration.
Please note: glass is not permitted, children must be supervised, and pets are discouraged.
- When: Friday 12 December
- Where: James Meehan Reserve, 30 Clyde Road, Dee Why
- Details: northshoremums.com.au
Best Family-Friendly Christmas Shows
Believe: A Christmas Musical
A magical new Christmas tradition comes to life this December at The Concourse, Chatswood. Families are invited to embark on an unforgettable festive journey as Believe: A Christmas Musical – The Story of Santa Claus premieres at The Lounge at The Concourse, Chatswood, from December 18 to 23.
Set in the magical land of Boralia, Believe tells the enchanting origin story of Santa Claus as you’ve never heard it before. With a story full of humour, heart, and soaring original songs, the production reminds us that magic lives within us all – and that anything is possible when you believe. Book tickets now!
- When: 18-23 December 2025, Shows daily at 12pm and 5pm
- Where: The Concourse, Chatswood
- Details: northshoremums.com.au
Christmas Spectacular, State Theatre
Come and experience the most magical holiday event of the season! The Christmas Spectacular is an extravaganza of music, circus, dance and magic.
- When: Friday 19, Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 December
- Where: State Theatre, Market Street, Sydney
- Cost: From $69
Upside Down Christmas with Soulfood A Cappella
Join award-winning vocal group Soulfood a Cappella on Saturday, 13 December at 2pm for an upside-down Christmas at The Rebel Theatre! Sydney’s festive season is gloriously topsy-turvy – snow songs in summer, sleighs on parched lawns, and turkeys roasting in 40-degree heat – and Soulfood embraces the absurdity with style.
Conducted by Melissa Kenny and accompanied by Bill Risby on keys, the group performs classics like White Christmas, Let It Snow, Sleigh Ride, and timeless carols, including O Holy Night and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. This family-friendly concert will have you humming, dreaming of snowmen, and singing along to all your favourite festive tunes.
Fa-la-la-la fabulous – don’t miss it!
- When: 13 December 2025, 2pm-4pm
- Where: The Rebel Theatre, Eora Country, Hickson Road, Dawes Point
- Details: northshoremums.com.au
Snow White the Pantomime, Berowra
Berowra Musical Society presents a Christmas pantomime: Snow White! This exciting, family-friendly show will be a fun afternoon out for all.
- When: 6-14 December
- Where: Berowra Community Centre, 1 The Gully Road, Berowra
- Book tickets
Christmas Movie Morning, Mosman
Get in the holiday spirit and join us for a family-friendly Christmas movie on the big screen! Bring your own snack and a blanket to sit on.
Children must be in school years K-6.
- When: Tuesday 23 December, 10.30am-12.00pm
- Where: The Creation Space – outside Barry O’Keefe Library, 609 Military Rd, Mosman
FESTIVE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN SYDNEY
Hunter Valley Christmas Lights
Christmas is coming early to the Hunter Valley. The Southern Hemisphere’s largest Christmas lights display, Hunter Valley Gardens’ Christmas Lights Spectacular, is running until 26 January (closed Christmas Day), with more lights, installations, and festive spirit than ever before.
Now in its 18th year, the Hunter Valley Gardens’ annual extravaganza will shine with over 4.5 million lights across 8 acres of themed displays, inviting visitors to step inside a reimagined world of wonder. Where every corner tells a story, every pathway glows with Christmas cheer, and Santa seems to be around every turn.
- When: Until 26 January 2026, 5.30pm-10.30pm
- Where: Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
- Cost: Adult $41, Child (4-15 years) $31, Family (2A+2C) $126
Christmas Crafting Workshops
Santa’s Studio, The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
Join us at Santa’s Studio to learn the festive meaning behind some well–known Christmas plants and use them to create handmade gifts.
Your little elves will create beautiful Christmas crafts for family and friends. Children will be introduced to a range of art media and natural materials to make ornaments and other presents that their parents and grandparents will love. Dress–ups encouraged!
Price includes all art materials.
- When: 22 & 23 December, 10.20am-12pm
- Where: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney
- Ages: 4-12 years
- Cost: $21 per child
Where to find streets with spectacular Christmas lights
Visiting one of Sydney’s North Shore neighbourhoods with spectacular Christmas light displays is often a highlight of the festive season. Christmas lights are back, and we’re excited to share the best streets for North Shore Christmas light displays.
Want to know where to go? Click the suburb below to view the listing for all the details.
- Asquith: Lockwood Lights
- St Ives: 26 Nicholson Ave
- Belrose: 36 Childs Circuit
- Berowra: Richards Close
- Crows Nest: Emmett Street
- Cremorne: Rangers Road
- Davidson: Borgnis Street
- Dural: Jenner Road
- Hornsby Heights: Sydney Road, The Outlook, Ryan Ave
- Hornsby: Hall Road, William Street
- Ingleside: Ingleside Road
- Lane Cove
- Lindfield: Bradfield Road
- East Lindfield: 22 Adelaide Ave
- Mosman: Prince Albert Avenue & 2 Magic Grove
- North Ryde: Chauvel Street & Cutler Parade
- Riverview
- Thornleigh: Goodlands Ave & Oakleigh Ave
- Willoughby: The Avenues
Where to get your Santa photo in Sydney
Wondering where to get a Santa photo on Sydney’s North Shore this Christmas?
Discover the best places to get your Santa photos in our post: Santa photos! Where to get your Christmas pics around Sydney’s North Shore.
