Overview
We know it’s early. As in, department store-early. But this year's Christmas shenanigans in Sydney are looking like so much legitimate fun, we're more excited than mid-‘90s Mariah Carey. Besides, even though the holy day is still two months away, the shindiggery kicks off in less than four weeks — with the 2014 program announced this week.
As is the tradition, Sydney's festive season will begin with the lighting of a massive, bauble-covered, tinsel-wrapped tree in Martin Place, scheduled for November 27, from 6pm. But this year, Sydney's not toasting not just any old run-of-the-mill fir — it's a fully interactive adventure. Using onsite tech, including an interactive dance pad, you'll be able to change the colours of the tree's decorations and even send it a personal text message, which will appear on its branches. Performers programmed for the official illumination party include the Lahs Lahs, Eddie Perfect, a motley crew of Sesame Street characters, Santa and a yet-to-be-announced mystery headliner.
The tree will act as the centrepiece for a new 24/7 'street light disco' in Martin Place. Cue enormous, mirror-ball effect banners shimmering and glimmering day and night. If all the action gets you working up an appetite, you’ll be able to indulge in sweet treats at a GPO pop-up bar entirely dedicated to decadent desserts.
Just down the road at Pitt Street Mall, a very different kind of Christmas tree will be setting a record. At ten metres and made entirely of LEGO, it'll be the tallest plant of its kind ever to have been constructed in the South Hemisphere. Here's the world's largest LEGO Christmas tree, in LEGOland California, to give you an idea of what you'll be Instagramming:
Looking up, you’ll see what looks like a 'floating forest'. It’s interactive, too. A free smartphone app will enable passers-by to control the colour sequencing of its 24,000 lights.
Meanwhile, Town Hall and King Street will get to experience something akin to a mini, summertime Vivid, with dramatic light projections set to transform their facades. These will be the main acts in a series of lights and decorations that will appear all over the city.
For the ears, there'll be live choirs and carols, echoing around Pitt Street Mall every Thursday evening and, for the first time, in Martin Place — every night during December. December 16 will see the annual warm-fuzz inducing Christmas at Town Hall concert, while various Sydney suburbs will host free family concerts, scheduled for Rushcutters Bay (November 29), Rosebery (November 30), Alexandria (December 6) and Surry Hills (December 7).
"The City of Sydney has been working closely with local businesses for many months to make sure that this year's Christmas season is the best yet," said the Lord Mayor in a media statement. "Our elaborate decorations, our series of concerts, our fireworks and our special events for people of all ages will make the city centre the top Christmas destination this year. We're inviting everyone to visit the City and enjoy the spirit of the season."
