Carollers, a canopy of lights, handmade gifts and pop-up markets are just some of the highlights of the City of Sydney’s ever-growing Christmas program.
In addition to a series of concerts from Rosebery to Rushcutters Bay, there are plenty of ways Sydneysiders can celebrate the festive season in and around the city.
“From new cathedral projections and unique shopping experiences, to festive lights and carol singing, I invite all our residents and visitors to enjoy Christmas in Sydney,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“Sparkling decorations will create an exciting atmosphere in our main retail precincts and we are once again working closely with retailers to ensure the shopping experience is festive, fun and family friendly.”
Choirs
Choirs will entertain shoppers and passersby with traditional carols and favourite holiday tunes beside the Martin Place Christmas tree every Thursday to Sunday from 28 November and on 23 and 24 December.
Renowned carollers and choristers will keep the Christmas spirit alive in Martin Place, including the Australian Girls’ Choir, Sydney Philharmonia Choir, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir and the Salvation Army Band.
Sydneysiders can also enjoy a night of carols, music and readings at the annual Christmas at Sydney Town Hall Concert on Tuesday 17 December. The magnificent grand organ and stunning sandstone surroundings make this a memorable night for the whole family.
Lights and decorations
An overhead canopy of thousands of fairy lights has created a Christmas wonderland in the heart of the city. More than 85,000 lights and 10 giant stars are suspended above Pitt Street Mall. The canopy of lights will illuminate the area every day from dusk until 1 January.
Above Martin Place, 14 light poles are dressed with fairy lights and 2.7 metre festive decorations. Garlands of fairy lights are also draped across the plaza with six 1.5 metre stars suspended underneath.
The 800 branches of the 25-metre Christmas tree in Martin Place are decorated with more than 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4 metre colour-changing star, 330 specially created beach ball baubles and 15,000 native flowers. A sound and light show will light up the tree in a kaleidoscope of colours every 30 minutes from 7.00pm to 10pm until 1 January.
From 6pm on 28 November and every night through to Christmas, the lobby of the new Fullerton Hotel in Martin Place will light up in festive colours, along with a Christmas tree adorned with charity bears.
The façade of St Mary’s Cathedral will be the stage for a free sound and light show every night from 7.30pm from 5 to 24 December. The Lights of Christmas will celebrate its 10th anniversary by honouring St Mary’s Cathedral in a way not seen before. Details of the cathedral will be traced using light and colour and projections will feature the original story of Christmas including a selection of Madonna and Child artworks.
Shopping
With window displays, in-store decorations, shopping discounts, gift wrapping services and photos with Santa, big city retailers will be sure to put shoppers in the festive spirit. Retailers include David Jones, Myer, Westfield and the QVB.
For unique gifts and bespoke fashion, shoppers can explore their local village retailers and boutiques, each with its own style and local treasures.
Pop-up markets will offer a special shopping experience with unique and handmade gifts. Some of Sydney’s best Christmas markets options include: Finders Keepers market at Barangaroo (6 to 8 December), Green Square Christmas Fair (14 December), The Rocks Christmas Markets (5 to 22 December) and The Makers’ Nest Design Market at Harold Park Tramsheds (15 December).
Shoppers can also stop by the GPO Dessert Bar beside the Martin Place Christmas tree and indulge in festive themed sweets, cakes and gelato, coffee and beverages every day until 27 December.
