25 Things to do in Sydney this Weekend (1-3 December)

Wondering what to do in Sydney this weekend? There’s lots happening across the North Shore with Christmas in the air! Check out Taronga Zoo’s Festive Weekend, or enjoy a spot of shopping at the many Christmas Markets. You can also pull out the reindeer ears and get singing at Carols in Willoughby Park and more. See what’s happening this weekend.

• Things to do all weekend
• Things to do this Friday
• Things to do this Saturday
• Things to do this Sunday

Christmas is around the corner and it’s time to get festive! Take the kids to Taronga Zoo’s Festive Weekend to grab selfie with Santa, enjoy a twilight Seals for the Wild Presentation and late opening to explore more of the zoo.

If you love festive music, pack a picnic and enjoy one of the many Christmas carol concerts happening around Sydney this weekend, like:

• Concert in Pyrmont
• Surry Hills Christmas Concert
• Carols in Willoughby Park
• Christmas Carols at Manly Vale Public School

There are also plenty of Christmas markets this weekend to buy some lovely gifts for all the special people in your life, like

• Knox Christmas Markets
• Twilight Christmas Markets at Mt Colah Public School
• Paddy’s Flemington Christmas Night Food Markets
• Paris to Manly Christmas Markets
• Northern Beaches Christmas Markets
• The Ultimate Christmas Markets EQ, Moore Park

Book in those Santa photos! Head to Santa in the Garden in St Ives for a unique outdoor photo opportunity in a beautiful bushland setting. Or check out Santa’s Secret Garden at Macquarie Shopping Centre where you can cross the board walk, explore the glow worm cave, pass by iconic Australian landscapes and more this magical season.

Want to experience the magic of Christmas? Head to Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular with a wondrous 4 million lights on display. Or, closer to home, don’t miss the Canopy of Light at Pitt Street Mall and discover a Christmas wonderland right in the heart of Sydney.

The Wahroonga Village Fair is on this Sunday! Entertainment, Art, Food, Coffee, Handmade goods, handbags, Persian sweets, Artisan wares, french linen, hand made bespoke items, businesses open, Christmas stalls, books, singers, dancers, musicians, Knox Pipe band and so much more to see. 

There’s also plenty of markets happening this weekend. Head along to Twilight Food Fair in North Sydney, or the Twilight Market at Macquarie University. Head to St Ives Organic Market, Crows Nest Markets, Northside Produce Market, East Lindfield Community Market or Lane Cove Makers Market.

Here’s some of our top picks for things to do in Sydney this weekend, to help you get out and about. Discover what’s on this weekend and get planning!

Things to do in Sydney all weekend

1. Taronga Zoo’s Festive Weekend

Don’t miss Taronga Zoo’s Festive Weekend at Taronga Zoo Sydney from Friday 1 – Sunday 3 December. Grab a selfie with Santa, enjoy a twilight Seals for the Wild Presentation and late opening to explore more of the Zoo. PLUS 10% off all retail purchases so you can get your Christmas gifting sorted and so much more.

• When: Friday 1 – Sunday 3 December
• Where: Taronga Zoo Sydney, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

2. Santa Photos

Wondering where to get a Santa photo on Sydney’s North Shore this Christmas? Santa is popping up all over Sydney’s North Shore – from our trusty shopping centres right through to the bush or Sydney Harbour! Discover the best places to get your Santa photos. Be sure to book your session online to secure your spot and avoid the queues!

Santa photos at local Shopping Centres

• Macquarie Centre, North Ryde
• St Ives Shopping Village, St Ives
• PetO, Lane Cove, Chatswood & Hornsby
• Westfield Chatswood
• Westfield Hornsby
• Top Ryde City
• QVB, Sydney CBD

Santa photos with a twist!

• Santa in the Garden, St Ives Wildflower Gardens
• BridgeClimb Santa on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney
• Santa at Luna Park, Milsons Point
• Santa Selfies at Taronga Zoo, Mosman

GUIDE: SANTA PHOTOS

3. Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas

Hunter Valley Gardens’ Christmas Lights Spectacular is back again for 2023, ready to brighten up your holiday season with more illuminating attractions than ever before! The Southern Hemisphere’s largest light display will kick off on Friday November 3rd and run through to January 2024, so visitors can make memories to a lifetime. With a wondrous 4 million lights on display this year, families can explore over 8 acres of breathtaking light displays, as well as enjoy the accompanying rides and performances, while grabbing a bite along the way. There is something for the whole family with the extensive program of entertainment and attractions set to take over the Hunter Valley Gardens across Summer.

• When: 3 November 2023 to 28 January 2024, 5.30-10.30pm
• Where: Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin
• Cost: $88
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

4. Canopy of Light

Don’t miss the Canopy of Light at Pitt Street Mall from Saturday 25 November to Monday 1 January.

Discover a Christmas wonderland right in the heart of Sydney as you stroll along Pitt Street Mall underneath a canopy of suspended lights.

Featuring 80,000 LEDs and ten stunning two metre high stars this Christmas light installation will bring sparkle to your night.

While you are in the city take a minute to see the Martin Place Christmas tree.

The City of Sydney is proud to support the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation this festive season. Donate to support hospital wards, research labs and patient care programs for sick kids.

• When: 25 November 2023 to 1 January 2024
• Where: Pitt Street Mall, Pitt Street, Sydney
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

5. Martin Place Christmas Markets

The Martin Place Christmas Markets will running in Sydney from Friday 24 – Sunday 26 November, then Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until December 23, from 11am-8pm.

These beautiful, festive markets will be held in Martin Place over late November and throughout December at the Martin Place Christmas tree.

Each day they will bring different stallholders across a range of goods, from fashion, to gifting, Christmas goods, candles, toys, accessories, art, photography, food and so much more. There will be global hot food stalls, live music, visits from Santa and a great community atmosphere. We can’t wait to see everyone there in this unique alfresco space.

• When: 24 November 2023 to 23 December 2023, 11am-8pm
• Where: Martin Place, Sydney
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

6. Christmas Pantomime: Cinderella

Things to do in Sydney this Friday

7. Knox Christmas Markets

Head to the Knox Christmas Markets at Great Hall, Knox Senior School on Friday 1 December from 4-8pm.

Knox Christmas Markets will be held for the first time since 2019 (exciting!). This is a fun family night out! There are lots of stallholders with beautiful Christmas gifts for purchase, as well as festive music performed by the Knox student ensembles. Food available for purchase on the evening includes gourmet pizza, ice cream and Dutch pancakes.

Stallholders will be selling items like Christmas decorations, candles and homewares, handmade items, gourmet food, clothing, fashion and jewellery, cosmetics and soaps and other gift ideas. All welcome. Entry is by gold coin.

• When: Friday 3 December, 4pm-8pm
• Where: Knox Grammar School, Borambil Street, Wahroonga
• Cost: Gold coin donation
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

8. Pyrmont Christmas Concert

Pack a picnic and take the family to the Pyrmont Christmas Concert at Pirrama Park on Friday night. Join The Listies, Tiptoe Giants, Endeavour Harmony, The Beanies and The Baker Boys Band to sing and dance in the spirit of Sydney Christmas. Santa will also make a special guest appearance.

There’ll be craft activities, table tennis and giant Jenga and other games for the kids (and the kids at heart).

Pack your picnic rug and get in early for the best spots. There’ll be a community barbeque, food trucks and Gelato Messina available to buy or bring your own picnic.

• When: Friday 1 December, 6pm-8pm
• Where: Pirrama Park, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont 
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

9. Twilight Christmas Markets at Mt Colah Public School

Mount Colah Public School is hosting their second annual Community Twilight Christmas Markets on Frida night. There will be LOTS of market stalls to help you make a dent in those Christmas shopping lists, food trucks so you can grab some dinner, entertainment for the whole family and much more so please save the date and join us for a great night of festive fun.

• When: Friday 3 December, 5pm-8pm
• Where: 19 Telopea St, Mount Colah
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

10. KWP Snag & Tag 

KWP Rugby Club is bringing back Tag and Snag! Starting Friday 17th November from 6pm, kids (big and small) parents and members of the local community are invited to take part in this FREE community event.

Play a game of touch/tag football and then settle in with a sausage sizzle (great dinner option for the kids) and a cold drink in our renovated clubhouse.

We’d love to see as many families down at Lofberg Oval, regardless of whether you are playing touch football or happy to watch and be part of the fun! If you or your kids would like to play, please register (at no cost).

Funds raised from the sales of snags will help to fund an upcoming tour of Fiji, where local villages will be supplied much needed kits and equipment. 

• When: Friday 3 December, 6pm-8.30pm
• Where: Lofberg Oval, Lofberg Road, West Pymble
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

11. Christmas Tree Markets, with 1st Sailors Bay Sea Scouts

Support your local Scouts this Christmas. Beat the rush and pre-order your Christmas Tree  with 1st Sailors Bay Sea Scouts. We have a huge selection of trees sourced from the Southern Highland’s best producer.

Collect from Castlecrag, Artarmon or Chatswood (collection points below) or our scouts will deliver direct to your door (postcodes 2063, 2068, 2069, 2087 and 2092). All funds raised through our Christmas Tree sales go towards essential equipment for our youth members such as life jackets, rescue boats, tents, sails and repairs and maintenance.

You can pickup your orders, or turn up on the day at the following locations. More: northshoremums.com.au/events

Dates & Locations

• 1st Sailors Bay Sea Scouts Hall (43 Eastern Valley Way, Castlecrag): Fri 1 Dec: 3pm – 6pm | Sat 2 Dec : 8am – 4pm | Sun 3 Dec : 8am till stocks last
• Artarmon Public School (McMillan Rd, Artarmon): Sat 2 Dec 8am – 2pm
• Bunnings Chatswood (Smith Street, Chatswood): Sat 2 Dec: 8am – 4pm

GUIDE: WHERE TO BUY A REAL CHRISTMAS TREE

12. Twilight Food Market

The Twilight Food Fair is on every Friday evening until the Friday 1 December, with a range of international food stalls, live music and free children’s entertainment. Bring a picnic rug, friends and family and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a great way to finish off the week!

• When: Friday 10 November, 4:30pm – 8:30pm
• Where: Ted Mack Civic Park, 200 Miller Street, North Sydney
• Cost: Free entry
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

13. Chatswood Mall Market

Head to Chatswood Mall Market every Thursday & Friday for pastries, pizza or pork buns. There’s Japanese, Malaysian, Greek and Gozleme and a whole host more to explore including fresh produce. Pop down for lunch, dinner and shopping in the Chatswood Mall.

• When: Thursday & Fridays, 9am-9pm
• Where: 443 Victoria Ave, Chatswood 
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

GUIDE: CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN SYDNEY

Things to do in Sydney this Saturday

Wondering what to do around Sydney this Saturday? There’s plenty of fun events to choose from!

14. Carols in Willoughby Park

Bring your deck chairs and blankets and settle in for an evening of festive family fun at Carols in Willoughby Park 2023 on Saturday evening. Now in its 15th year, this free event will be a welcome community celebration during the lead-up to Christmas.

The fun starts at 4pm with loads of activities to get you in the Christmas mood. Entertain the kids with fairground rides and indulge in an extensive range of international food. Look out for our special guest, Santa, who will be making a personal appearance.

The stage will be filled with local entertainment and as the sun sets, get your voices ready for a spectacular carol sing-along extravaganza from 6:30pm. The Willoughby Band and Willoughby Symphony Choir will get you into the Christmas spirit with traditional carols and some funky favourites.

• When: Saturday 2 December, 4pm-9pm
• Where: Willoughby Park, McClelland Street, North Willoughby 
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

GUIDE: CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERTS

15. Paris to Manly Christmas Market

• When: 2 December, 3pm-8pm
• Where: 106A Darley Rd, Manly 
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

16. Christmas Carols at Manly Vale Public School

Join Christ Church Northern Beaches for Christmas Carols at Manly Vale Public School on Saturday night for a free Sausage Sizzle, school bands & choir Performances, face painting, jumping castle, freestyle Football Skills Demonstration by Ben Kelly, Nativity Photo Booth & more family fun. Everyone is welcome!

• When: 2 December, pm-8.30pm
• Where: Manly Vale Public School, Sunshine Street, Manly Vale
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

17. Surry Hills Christmas Concert

It’s time to dust off your reindeer ears, put on your party shoes and kick off Christmas at the Surry Hills Christmas Concert on Saturday night.

Join The Listies, Tiptoe Giants, The Octanauts Christmas Show, Justine Clarke and Lah Lah’s Big Live Band to sing and dance in the spirit of Sydney Christmas. Santa will also make a special guest appearance. There’ll be craft activities, table tennis and giant Jenga and other games for the kids (and kids at heart).

Pack your picnic rug and get in early for the best spots. There will be food trucks and Gelato Messina or bring your own picnic.

• When: Saturday 3 December, 6pm-8pm
• Where: Prince Alfred Park, Chalmers Street, Surry Hills 
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

18. Kids @ the University of Sydney Alumni Festival

Looking for fun, family-friendly activities this December? Join us at the iconic University of Sydney campus for a day of education and entertainment!

Ask Dr Karl and our STEM superstars your burning science questions, sign up for a Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness camp in our state of the art facilities, get hands-on with our Nanoplayground or explore the grounds with our special scavenger hunt.

Open to everyone, the Alumni Festival is a chance for alumni, family, friends and community to experience the campus as they’ve never seen it before.

Free entry. Visit the Festival program for full details.

(Note: The Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness Camp is $30 per child.)

• When: Saturday 2 December, 10am-10pm
• Where: The University Of Sydney, Camperdown
• Cost: Free
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

19. St Ives Organic Food Markets

The St Ives Organic Food Markets are held at St Ives Showgrounds every Saturday. At these friendly community markets, you’ll find Certified Organic food, artisan gourmet produce and conventional fresh fruit & veg*, freshly baked bread and patisserie, seasonal produce from the farmer, salami, local and French cheese, smoked salmon and other delicacies, Aussie truffles…..in fact all the goodies you love to eat are at the markets, every week, rain or shine.

• When: Every Saturday, 8am-2pm
• Where: St Ives Showground, Mona Vale Road, St Ives
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

More markets happening this Saturday 2 December:

• Mosman Markets
• Berowra Community Markets
• Northside Produce Market
• Paddy’s Flemington Christmas Night Food Markets
• Surry Hills Vintage Market

20. Darling Harbour Fireworks

What better way to end dinner or entertainment than with an incredible array of fireworks at one of Sydney’s most glorious waterfront locations? Watch the Sydney sky above Darling Harbour come to life every Saturday night at 9pm, from anywhere along Darling Harbour’s edge, including the many waterfront restaurants or bars along Cockle Bay Wharf, Harbourside Shopping Centre, King Street Wharf and Barangaroo.

• When: Every Saturday night, 9pm
• Where: Darling Harbour
• More: northshoremums.com.au/events

Things to do in Sydney this Sunday