Visitors can join in a range of celebrations, with The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, and The Domain in Sydney, and The Station in Newcastle all creating a special festive atmosphere.
Events include live music performances, food and beverage trucks, arts and crafts, market stalls, and children’s activities, as well as the always popular opportunity to meet Santa.
Free festive activities include:
· The Rocks Christmas Markets – Stroll the harbourside market with over 100 stallholders selling a diverse range of artisan goods, including art and design, health and wellness, fashion and more. Every Saturday and Sunday until December 22.
· The Rocks Christmas Tree – Featuring a uniquely Australian design with native blooms and custom decorations crafted by First Nations artist and owner of Marara Designs, Shelby Rae, and brought to life by Nadia Duran. Jack Mundey Place, The Rocks until 25 December.
· Homegrown Christmas Concert Series – Gather in the park and enjoy Christmas classics with up and coming artists over two weekends on the lawn. BYO picnic style, with a small range of food trucks available. Saturdays, 14 and 21, and Sundays, 15 and 22 December, 3.30pm – 6.30pm, Tallawoladah Lawn, The Rocks.
· Christmas Festival – Performances from Samantha Jade, Anthony Callea, The Quokkas, and other entertainment including roving performers, Christmas selfie stations and a special guest from the North Pole. Join singalongs with Emily Who and Nyssa and the Outback Band, dance sessions with DanceKool, and a Santa’s craft workshop. Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15 December, 4.30pm – 9pm, Darling Harbour.
· Woolworths Carols in the Domain – Sydney’s iconic carols event is back. In 2024, the incredible line-up includes The Wiggles, Samantha Jade, Hugh Sheridan, Conrad Sewell, Erin Holland, Mark Vincent, Jael Wena, Kym Johnson, The Young Stars of Australian Opera, Janice Breen Performers, The Sydney Youth Orchestra, Rejoice Gospel Choir, and The Australian Girls Choir. Saturday, 21 Dec 2024, The Domain.
· Santa’s Workshop at Harbour Village – A hub of festive family activities including singalongs with Emily Who and Nyssa and the Outback Band, dance sessions with DanceKool, and a Santa’s craft workshop. Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 December, 11.00am – 2.30pm, Harbour Village, Darling Harbour.
· Merry Uke-mas - Get ready to strum your strings and spread some Christmas cheer at Merry Uke-Mas! Over three Sundays in December gather your friends and family for a delightful afternoon of acoustic ukulele music, picnics, and good cheer. Sundays, 8, 15, 22 December, 4.00pm – 7.00pm, Barangaroo Reserve.
· Homegrown Christmas Markets – Get a selfie with Santa and enjoy free entertainment including jumping castles, facepainting, craft station, and balloon twisters. Saturday, 14 December, 10.00am – 2.00pm, at The Station, Newcastle.
· Christmas Twilight Festival – Market stalls include handmade products, holistic products, natural therapies, food trucks, and live entertainment. Sunday, 15 December 4.00 – 8.00pm, The Station, Newcastle.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to providing free opportunities for families and friends to come together and celebrate over the Christmas period.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“The festive season is an important opportunity to come together and celebrate after a big year.
“These free family events are part of the Minns Government’s commitment to creating great spaces for the community to gather, play, and relax this Christmas.
“There is something for everyone with live music, family entertainment, and special visits from the North Pole for the kids – all for free.”
