It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! One of the best parts about the festive season is being able to get out and about 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 some lasting memories with the kids this Christmas? Use the quicklinks below to discover the best Christmas events for kids in Sydney.
Best Christmas Events for Kids in Sydney 2023
- Christmas in the Nest, Crows Nest
- Christmas Fun at The Mix, Chatswood Place
- Christmas Movie Night, Mosman
- Christmas Crown Workshop for Kids, Hornsby
- Christmas Movie Night at Sub Base Platypus, North Sydney
- Christmas fun in Manly, Manly
- Christmas Storytime: Hornsby & Berowra
- Christmas by the Beach, Dee Why
- Christmas at Patchwork Ponies, Dural
- Christmas at Darling Harbour, Sydney
- Santa’s Studio, The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
- Christmas at The Grounds of Alexandria
- Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights
More Christmas events & festive fun around Sydney
- Christmas carol concerts in Sydney
- Christmas in Sydney: Lights, festive fun and more in the CBD
- Christmas Shows & Pantomimes
- Best Christmas Markets
- Christmas High Teas in Sydney
- The best streets for spectacular Christmas Lights Sydney
FESTIVE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN SYDNEY 2023
Christmas Festivals around Sydney
Christmas at Darling Harbour
Dive head-first into festive kids’ fun at The Harbour Village, where your little elves can write letters to Santa, be spellbound by Aussie storytelling sessions, get crafty at Santa’s workshop, or have a dance-off with Santa’s DJ helpers.
Then, enjoy a pedal boat ride right on Cockle Bay, get your putt on with Pixar Putt mini golf, snap a selfie in-front of a giant Christmas bauble on the Convention Centre Forecourt, and watch the sky light up with weekend fireworks.
So ho-ho-hold onto your Santa hats and dive into the merriment at Darling Harbour.
- When: Now until Monday 25 December
- Where: Darling Harbour
- Details
Hunter Valley Christmas Lights
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Australia’s largest Christmas Lights display. Immerse yourself in spectacular Christmas themed light displays. Including the popular Lover’s Tunnel, ‘Hunter’ the giant teddy bear, Giant Castle, Around the World and more…Plus, amazing amusement rides, roving entertainment, hearty food and beverages.
- When: Until 28 January 2023, 5.30pm-10.30pm
- Where: Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
- Cost: Adult $38, Child (4-15 years) $28, Family (2A+2C) $116
- Book
Ginger All the Way at The Grounds of Alexandria
Ginger All the Way at The Grounds of Alexandria
The dining precinct at The Grounds of Alexanadria has transformed into something spectacularly festive to celebrate Christmas! With their gorgeous gingerbread house-inspired laneway display, festive special menu items, Santa photo sessions and tons of activities across the holiday period, The Grounds of Alexandria has transformed into a tasty winter wonderland for all to enjoy.
- When: Now until mid-January
- Where: 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria
- Visit
Christmas in the Nest
Christmas in Crows Nest! The stars are twinkling in Ernest Place and the village has loads of festive cheer – it is as they say, the most wonderful time of the year.
On Sunday 10 December Ernest Place will transform into Santa’s playlist with a cool Christmas DJ kicking off the festivities. Santa will make a grand entrance – sirens, cheers, and Christmas magic included, for a fun-filled festive celebration. Bring your family, bring your friends and spoil your furry friends this festive season and capture a special photo with Santa!
- When: Sunday 10 December, 4pm-7pm
- Where: Ernest Place, Crows Nest
- Details
Christmas at Patchwork Ponies, Dural
Join in the festive spirit at Patchwork Ponies in Dural! Book in a 2-hour session that includes a 15-minute led pony ride on one of their Christmas themed ponies, as well as Christmas craft and activities, including decorating a gingerbread house!
- When: Sunday 17 December, 10am-12pm
- Where: 6 Rosella Street, Dural
- Age: 3-9 year olds with a weight limit of 40kgs
- Book
Christmas Storytime: Hornsby & Berowra
Hornsby & Berowra libraries are hosting a Christmas Storytime for children on Thursday 14 December & Friday 15 December.
Dress up in your favourite Christmas clothes and join us for a fun, interactive session filled with Christmas stories, songs and craft.
Age: 0 – 6 years. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Locations
- Hornsby: Thursday 14 December, 10am @ Hornsby Library, 28-44 George Street, Hornsby
- Berowra: Friday 15 December, 10.30am @ Berowra Library, The Gully Road, Berowra
- Pennant Hills: Friday 15 December, 10am @ Pennant Hills Library, Yarrara Road, Pennant Hills
Christmas Fun at The Mix, Chatswood Place
Join in the Christmas Fun at The Mix at Chatswood Place with free face painting for kids on sat 16 December from 10am to 1pm In the evenings, catch up, dine and enjoy Christmas carols, string duo and acoustic duo.
- When:
- Thursday 14 December, 6pm-8pm, Acoustic Duo
- Saturday 16 December, 10am-1pm, Free Face Painting
- Thursday 21 December, 5pm-7pm, Xmas Carolling
- Saturday 23 December, 1pm-3pm, Xmas Carolling
- Where: Chatswood Place
- Details
Christmas Movie Night, Mosman
The big screen returns to Mosman for a night to enjoy a Christmas classic. Put on your comfy movie attire, bring a friend, the family and join us at Mosman Village Church for our first movie night to watch: The Santa Clause.
- When: Saturday 16 December, 6.30pm-9pm
- Where: Mosman Village Church, Raglan Street, Mosman
- Details
Christmas Movie Night at Sub Base Platypus
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Celebrate the festive season with a magical movie night at Sub Base Platypus! Running 6pm to 10pm on Saturday 9 December, this special family event will be held in the recently opened Torpedo Factory Precinct.
In addition to a screening of holiday classic ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’at 8pm, there will be DIY craft activities with Reverse Garbage as well as live Christmas music with Sydney Ensemble.
Bean bags are provided but attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy throughout the evening. Tickets available for just $5 per person.
- When: Saturday 9 December, 6pm-10pm
- Where: 120 High Street, North Sydney
- Book
Christmas by the Beach, Dee Why
Head to the Christmas By The Beach on Friday 15 December at James Meehan Reserve in Dee Why to enjoy all your favourite traditional carols and a children’s Christmas show with fun entertainment for the whole family. Bring your own picnic, take-away from one of Dee Why’s many restaurants or choose something delicious from a range of food vendors operating onsite.
The event opens at 4pm with free face painting as well as free Santa photos which will be available for download after the event. The show starts at 5pm and is headlined by The Vegetable Plot, ARIA-nominated Australian Children’s band to keep the kids entertained. Aspara Gus, Sir Paul McCarrotney and Ru Barb will be serving up a funky-fresh soundtrack for the kids, families and foodies.
Following The Vegetable Plot we will have traditional Christmas carols brought to you by Northern Beaches Chorus and Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble and even a visit from Santa himself.
- When: Friday 15 December, 4pm-7.30pm
- Where: 30 Clyde Road, Dee Why
- Details
Christmas Fun in Manly
There’s going to be some Christmas fun in Manly on Saturday 9 December! Bring the Family to Manly and enjoy a meet and greet with Aussie Santa and photo opportunity with assistance from his elf. Listen to Christmas music & carols on the stage and roving entertainment throughout the day.
- When: Saturday 9 December, 10am-4pm
- Where: The Corso, Manly
- Details
FESTIVE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN SYDNEY 2022
Christmas Crafting Workshops
Christmas Crown Workshop for Kids (ages 8-13 years)
Festive fun for kids … while you get the shopping done!
Get your tinsel on with this interactive session where your children will engage in hands-on creating, mastering the art of crafting lively and colorful Christmas crowns using a delightful mix of festive materials.
All necessary materials, and equipment will be provided. As we will be using various tools and glues*, we will have a safety induction prior to getting our creative on.
Whether you’re seeking Christmas craft ideas for kids or need to go shopping without the kids in tow, this workshop promises to unleash creativity and unveil the secrets to crafting stunning crowns that they can make again at home. Join us for a memorable and artistic holiday experience!
- When: Saturday 9 December, 10am-2pm
- Where: Hornsby Library, George Street, Hornsby
- Cost: 25
- Book tickets
Santa’s Studio, The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Your little elves can create beautiful Christmas crafts and presents for their family and friends. Children will be introduced to a range of art mediums and natural materials to make presents your parents and grandparents will love. Dress ups encouraged!
- When: Wednesday 20 & Thursday 21 December, 10.30am-12pm & 1pm-2.30pm
- Where: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
- Ages: 4-10 years
- Cost: $18 per child
- Book
Christmas on the North Shore
Where to get your Santa photo in Sydney
PetO Santa Paws
Wondering where to get a Santa photo on Sydney’s North Shore this Christmas? Discover the best places to get your Santa photos in 2023 in our post: Santa photos! Where to get your Christmas pics around Sydney’s North Shore. If you’re looking for a unique way to capture Christmas 2023, we’ve found some talented North Shore photographers who are opening their studios or choosing amazing locations to do some super special Christmas mini photo shoot sessions in our post: Guide: Special Christmas Photo Shoots by North Shore photographers.
Where to book Christmas Lunch
Thinking about booking a restaurant for Christmas Day in Sydney? If the thought of preparing a Christmas feast for your extended family fills you with dread, booking a restaurant means you don’t need to worry about cooking or cleaning! Luckily, there are a few local restaurants that are open on Christmas Day for a scrumptious Christmas lunch. But make sure you reserve your table soon, as they always book out.
Christmas in Sydney: Lights, festive fun and more in the CBD
Sydney city is sparkling and buzzing this Christmas, with pop-up musical performances in local neighbourhoods, light displays, decorations, roving performers and more Christmas trees than ever. There are so many wonderful events and festivals running, guaranteed to get you into the festive mood! See list.
- Martin Place Christmas Tree
- Canopy of Light, Pitt Street Mall
- David Jones Christmas Windows
- Christmas Wonderlanes in The Rocks
- Christmas at Darling Square
- Barangaroo Bells
- Darling Harbour Christmas
- QVB Christmas Tree
Where to get a real Christmas Tree
If you want to get a real Christmas tree this year, there are lots of Christmas Tree Farms scattered all over Sydney. This family tradition is one of the best Christmas events for kids in Sydney. Enjoy a leisurely country drive to one of the farms for a festive family day out. Or, if you’re strapped for time, order online and get it delivered direct to your home. The smell of fresh pine is guaranteed to make you feel festive! Find out Where to buy a real Christmas tree in Sydney 2023 in our dedicated article!
- Dural Christmas Tree Farm
- Sydney Christmas Tree Farm, Duffys Forest
- Christmas World, Belrose
- Royal Far West Christmas Trees, Manly
- Christmas Tree Man, Wingello
- Willy’s Christmas Tree Farm, Vineyard
- Merlino’s Christmas Trees, Wareemba
Christmas Carol Concerts in Sydney
If you love belting out some Christmas tunes & being surrounded by the festive mood, then visiting one of the many carol concerts happening around the North Shore is probably a cherished tradition. Here’s your Ultimate Guide to Christmas Carol Concerts.
- Carols Under The Star, Berowra
- Carols by Candelight, Fagan Park, Galston
- Balmoral Carols, Mosman
- San Carols 2023, Wahroonga
- West Ryde Christmas Carols, West Ryde
- Christmas Choral Concert, Manly Oval
- LaVoce Community Choir Carols, Lane Cove
- Carols by the Beach, Dee Why
- Carols in the Domain, Sydney
- Taronga Zoo Christmas Concert, Mosman
- Carols by the Lake, Narrabeen
- Turramurra Community Carols
- Thornleigh Community Christmas Carols, Thornleigh
- Carols on the Common, North Ryde
Christmas Concerts, Shows & Pantomimes
Get into the festive spirit by taking the kids to see a live kids show or pantomime in Sydney this Christmas! From Christmas Spectacular, The Muppet Christmas Carols and The Australian Chamber Orchestra, through to a selection of local Christmas pantomimes, you’re spoilt for choice.
- Christmas Spectacular, State Theatre
- Christmas Actually, Sydney Opera House
- Bluey Live Christmas Experience, Lane Cove
- A Cracker Kransky, Riverside Theatre, Parramatta
- Willoughby Symphony Orchestra: The Magic of Christmas
- Cinderella, Berowra
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 in 2023. Head to our post on Best streets for North Shore Christmas light displays.
