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

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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.


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:

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

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.

      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

      Santa photos with a twist!

      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.

            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.

            6. Christmas Pantomime: Cinderella

            Berowra Musical Society Presents their 2023 Christmas Pantomime: Cinderella. Book your tickets to enjoy a magical afternoon of family fun as our talented cast brings Cinderella to life on stage! Get ready for laughter, enchantment, and toe-tapping tunes!

            Secure your seats now for an afternoon that’s perfect for families and friends alike! Don’t miss the chance to support our talented young cast in this wonderful production.

            • When: Shows at 2pm on Saturday 2 & 9, Sunday 3 & 10 December
            • Where: Berowra Community And Cultural Facility, Community Centre, The Gully Road, Berowra
            • Tickets: Ages 0-2: Free | Ages 3-5: $5 | Ages 6+: $10. Book online or purchase at the door
            • More: northshoremums.com.au/events

                                                                                        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.

                                                                                              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.

                                                                                              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. 

                                                                                              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.

                                                                                                          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

                                                                                                              Don’t miss the Paris to Manly Christmas Markets at St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly on Saturday 2 December from 3pm-8pm.

                                                                                                              At his event, enjoy Christmas shopping and French food under the stars! A fabulous TWILIGHT MARKET in Manly…with a French twist! Enjoy christmas shopping, a gourmet French food, champagne and wine bar and live music!

                                                                                                                            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!

                                                                                                                                    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.)

                                                                                                                                      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.

                                                                                                                                      More markets happening this Saturday 2 December:

                                                                                                                                      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.

                                                                                                                                            Things to do in Sydney this Sunday

                                                                                                                                            21. Wahroonga Village Fair

                                                                                                                                            An annual community fair the first Sunday in December each year! 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 and gifts to buy! Please bring your reusable bags we are a sustainable fair, thank you.

                                                                                                                                            22. Northern Beaches Christmas Markets

                                                                                                                                            Head to the Northern Beaches Christmas Markets 2023 at Lakeside Park in Narrabeen on Sunday 3 December from 8am-2pm.

                                                                                                                                            Northern Beaches Council has introduced a new market in the calendar to showcase and connect with small businesses in your community.

                                                                                                                                            Find the perfect gift for your family and friends this holiday season at our upcoming Christmas Market. Support local and small businesses, grab a bite to eat, enjoy live local music and you can also have a free photo with Santa!

                                                                                                                                            23. The Ultimate Christmas Markets

                                                                                                                                            Don’t miss The Ultimate Christmas Market EQ, Moore Park on Sunday 3 December from 10am-4pm, hosted by Cambridge Markets.

                                                                                                                                            This festive season promises to bigger and better than ever and we can’t wait to deliver beautiful mega markets across Sydney. Today we are announcing our schedule of events and calling for stalls to be a part of these wonderful events.

                                                                                                                                            GUIDE: CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN SYDNEY

                                                                                                                                            24. Elevate the Stage Free Celebration Concert

                                                                                                                                            On International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), a unique FREE concert featuring some of Australia’s top artists, with and without disability, will be performing live at ICC Sydney from 4.00pm – 6.30pm (AEDT) on Sunday 3 December 2023.

                                                                                                                                            An event that promises to be a beacon of unity, acceptance and diversity, Elevate the Stage will be a spectacular showcase of talent on IDPwD – a United Nations initiative observed annually since 1992.

                                                                                                                                            25. The Coal Loader Sustainable Christmas Market

                                                                                                                                            Shop for Christmas at one of Sydney’s best artisans markets, the Coal Loader Sustainable Christmas Market. With over 100 stalls with thousands of unique gifts, live music, great food, harbourside bar and kids activities, it makes for a lovely Sunday afternoon!

                                                                                                                                            • When: Sunday 3 December, 3pm – 8pm
                                                                                                                                            • Where: The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton
                                                                                                                                            • Cost: Free
                                                                                                                                            • More: northshoremums.com.au/events

                                                                                                                                            Want more things to do?

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