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 2024
- Christmas in Crows Nest, Crows Nest
- Christmas Fun at The Mix, Chatswood Place
- Christmas Movie Night, Mosman
- Drop-In and Discover, Hornsby
- Christmas Spectacular, Sydney Zoo
- Christmas Pantomime: Hornsby, Berowra & Pennant Hills
- 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
FESTIVE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN SYDNEY
Christmas Festivals 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.
Fan favourite, the Christmas Festival, returns to Tumbalong Park. Expect live performances from Samantha Jade, Anthony Callea and, of course, Santa.
Little elves can get festive at The Harbour Village, where they can sing along to their favourite Christmas classics, be enchanted by Aussie storytelling sessions, get crafty at Santa’s workshop, or dance the day away at an epic dance party.
Don’t miss Sydney’s first floating Christmas Tree, and on Saturdays watch the sky light up with Christmas fireworks.
And for those looking to make the most of the summer weather, hop on a pedal boat and enjoy the harbour’s scenic views while paddling around with friends and family.
- 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, and hearty food and beverages.
- When: Until 26 January 2025, 5.30pm-10.30pm
- Where: Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
- Cost: Adult $40, Child (4-15 years) $30, Family (2A+2C) $122
- Book
Sugarplum Christmas at The Grounds of Alexandria
We’ve been dreaming of a pink Christmas, and it’s finally at The Grounds of Alexandria! Immerse yourself in our Sugarplum Christmas, where the world is tickled pink with holiday cheer and a delicious menu that will delight your taste buds and add a rosy glow to your celebrations.
- When: Now until early-January
- Where: The Grounds of Alexandria, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria
- Visit
Santa’s Elf Woodwork
Step into the magical world of toy-making with this special woodworking class on Sunday 8 December! In this 6-hour workshop, you will have the opportunity to craft beautiful toys designed for children aged 1 to 3 years, including adorable animal shapes like kangaroos, hedgehogs and whales, with holes for threading macramé cord, wooden stacking blocks that spark creativity in young minds, toy vehicles like cars and buses with wooden wheels for hours of imaginative play, a tic-tac-toe game, complete with dark and light wooden tokens and a classic hobby horse, perfect for pretend play and adventure.
You can also come down to Crows Nest library for a Santa-approved session of festive fun. Dress in your best Christmas outfit for an evening of fa-la-la-la-la-mazing fun and games. Suitable for little elves aged 0-12 years and their families.
- When: Sunday 8 December | Thursday 12 December
- Where: Ernest Place, Crows Nest
- Woodworking Class details
- Crows Nest Library 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 crafts and activities, including decorating a gingerbread house!
- When: Sunday 15 December, 10am-12pm
- Where: 6 Rosella Street, Dural
- Age: 3-9 year olds with a weight limit of 40kgs
- Book
Christmas Pantomime: Hornsby, Berowra and Pennant Hills
To celebrate another great year of Storytime you are invited to dress up in your favourite Christmas clothes and enjoy Jack and the Beanstalk. This interactive pantomime will be filled with songs, laughter and lots of fun!
Ages 0-6 years. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Hornsby: Thursday 12 December, 10am @ Hornsby Library, 28-44 George Street, Hornsby
- Berowra: Friday 13 December, 10.30am @ Berowra Library, The Gully Road, Berowra
- Pennant Hills: Wednesday 11 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 live music each Thursday from 6pm to 8pm and Christmas Carolling roaming the Centre on Thursday 19 December from 5 to 7pm and Saturday 21 December from 1pm to 3pm.
- When: Every Thursday, 6-8pm | Saturday 21 December
- Where: Chatswood Place
- Details
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.
It is suitable for children of all ages; children not yet in school must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Free drop-in event, no booking required.
- When: Friday 20 December, 10am-11.30am
- Where: The Creation Space – outside Barry O’Keefe Library, 609 Military Rd, Mosman
- Details
Christmas by the Beach, Dee Why
Christmas by the Beach is returning to James Meehan Reserve, Dee Why on Friday 13 December, with all your favourite carols and a children’s Christmas show with fun entertainment for the whole family.
You can bring your own picnic, grab takeaway from one of Dee Why’s many restaurants, or choose something delicious from a range of food vendors operating at the event.
Gates will open at 4pm, and the show will commence at 5pm.
- When: Friday 13 December, 4pm-7.30pm
- Where: James Meehan Reserve, 30 Clyde Road, Dee Why
- Details
Christmas Spectacular at Sydney Zoo
Let the magic of Christmas and wildlife surround you at the Sydney Zoo Christmas Spectacular in Eastern Creek!
Step into a festive wonderland filled with sparkling Christmas trees, giant candy canes, and decorations that delight the whole family.
Enjoy the enchanting Christmas Show, where kids can see Santa and his cheerful elves live on stage! Sing along to classic carols and learn about the incredible animals that call Sydney Zoo home.
Capture unforgettable memories at the Santa Photo Zone, where you’ll meet the jolly man himself! Snap a FREE selfie with Santa, or upgrade to a professional photo pack.
In the Craft Zone, kids can get creative by decorating their own Christmas bauble to take home and making their holiday wishes official by writing a letter to Santa.
- When: 7 to 24 December, 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm
- Where: Sydney Zoo, 700 Great Western Highway, Eastern Creek
- Details
FESTIVE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN SYDNEY
Christmas Crafting Workshops
Drop-In and Discover – Hornsby Library
Hornsby Library will be hosting a number of Drop-in and Discover sessions for all ages. At these free, interactive sessions, you can create a Christmas craft, play with a puzzle, or explore some of their discovery kits.
Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- When: Tuesday 10 Dec, Thursday 12 Dec, Tuesday 17 Dec & Thursday 19 Dec, 3pm-5pm
- Where: Hornsby Library, 28-44 George Street, Hornsby
- Details
Santa’s Studio, The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Your little elves can create beautiful Christmas crafts and presents for family and friends. They will be introduced to a range of art mediums and natural materials to make presents your parents and grandparents will love. Dress-ups are encouraged!
- When: Thursday 19 & Friday 20 December, 10.30am-12pm & 1pm-2.30pm
- Where: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney
- Ages: 4-10 years
- Cost: $18.50 per child
- Book
Christmas on the North Shore
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.
If you’re looking for a unique way to capture Christmas, 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.
Restaurants open for Christmas Day
Are you 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, a few local restaurants are open for a delicious Christmas lunch on Christmas Day. But reserve your table soon, as they always book out.
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 2024 in our dedicated article!
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 Under The Star, Berowra
- Christmas Choral Concert, Manly Oval
- West Ryde Christmas Carols, West Ryde
- Carols in Willoughby Park, Willoughby
- Balmoral Carols, Mosman
- San Carols, Wahroonga
- Asquith Carols, Asquith
- LaVoce Community Choir Carols, Lane Cove
- Taronga Zoo Christmas Concert, Mosman
- Carols by Candlelight, Fagan Park, Galston
- Christmas Carols in the Park, Mona Vale
- Carols on the Common, North Ryde
- Thornleigh Community Christmas Carols, Thornleigh
- Carols in the Domain, Sydney
- Carols by the Lake, Narrabeen
- Carols by the Beach, Dee Why
- Carols by Candlelight, West Pymble
Where to find streets with spectacular Christmas lights
Visiting one of Sydney’s North Shore neighbourhoods with spectacular Christmas light displays is often a festive season highlight. Christmas lights are back, and we’re excited to share the best streets for North Shore Christmas light displays in 2024. Head to our post on Best streets for North Shore Christmas light displays.
Want more Christmas inspiration? Visit our dedicated Christmas section!
