Seven End-of-Year Celebrations to See in Sydney's Inner City to Get into the Festive Spirit

in partnership with

It's safe to say 2021 has been a pretty big year. Despite its challenges, we're still think there are plenty of things to celebrate this festive season — getting through the trials of the year being at the top of the list.

Feel like getting into the festive spirit? We've done some digging with our mates at Broadway Sydney to figure out where you can go to find festive fun in the inner city this holiday season. Whether you want to get crafty, see some live music or find extra special gifts at a local market, we've found something to fill your end-of-year activities with holiday magic.

GET A PHOTO WITH SANTA AND YOUR FAVOURITE FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND

This festive season, treat yourself to a magical day of gift shopping at Broadway Sydney. It's going all out this year with a 'Merry Christmas and a Half' — meaning everything from decorations to gift wrapping stations are bigger and more exciting than ever.

Get a photo with Santa and your pet before getting your presents wrapped at the gift wrapping station, with a gold-coin donation going to Addison Roadd Community Organisation. You can also win one of eight gift boxes valued at over $500 each and the extended trading hours will make it easier you get everything you need for the holidays.

Sky Castle by ENESS. Photography: Zhu Rui

SEE LIVE MUSIC AND LIGHT INSTALLATIONS AT DARLING HARBOUR

Darling Harbour is getting into the spirit this year with the whole area transforming into a Christmas wonderland. Expect giant floating baubles on Cockle Bay, Christmas-themed pedal boats, competitions, and a building-sized bauble at the Convention Centre. Spend an evening taking in the light installations and finish up at Tumbalong Park where you can enjoy live music, entertainment and food stalls.

The Rocks Markets

GO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ALONG COBBLESTONE STREETS

Head down to The Rocks this month and lap up the glittering Christmas trees, fairy light installations, live music and Christmas markets. The usual markets will be transformed into a gifting haven with local creatives selling one-of-a-kind artisan works. There will also be festive movies, drag legends, Santa snaps and a stunning Moët & Chandon Christmas tree. 

GET CRAFTY AT THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN

After an immersive arts and crafts experience with a side of entertainment this festive season? Check out Dreaming of a Green Christmas at the Royal Botanical Garden. Elfis and Elvin the Elves will be putting on a show at 11am on Monday, December 20 as they try to make sure Christmas happens as they battle the harsh Aussie environment. Get into the festive spirit by visiting Santa's Studio Christmas craft workshop after the show to make your own nature-themed Christmas craft and decorations. 

SEE THE CITY SPARKLE IN FESTIVE LIGHTS

There's something special about walking through Sydney's city centre in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It emulates a happy nostalgia that's hard to replicate, with mammoth light decorations and towering Christmas trees taking over Martin Place. This year there'll also be street parties with roaming entertainers, a roller skating bauble, pop-up stages, arts and crafts workshops, choirs, light installations and more. 

SEE A CHRISTMAS FILM AT A LANEWAY CINEMA

One of the most exciting parts of the lead-up to Christmas is putting on your favourite Christmas movies. This year you can take that feeling to the next level by heading to the Laneway Cinema at The Rocks to watch a classic Christmas flick on the big screen from a comfy bean bag under the stars. Is there a limit to the amount of times you can watch Love Actually or The Holiday without it getting old? We don't think so. 

DANCE AT A GINGERBREAD HOUSE PARTY

The Sydney Christmas Fair is back with a huge lineup of Christmassy entertainment at Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter. Running across three weekends in December, you and the fam have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this outdoor and COVID-safe event. Hop on crowd-favourite rides like a giant water slide, a classic carousel and the dodgem cars, or join the interactive elf workshops where kids can write letters to Santa, make Christmas cards and stuff stockings. And, if your little one loves to dance, head to the gingerbread house party for a big ol' boogie.

Ready to get in the festive spirit? Head to Broadway Sydney to celebrate a Christmas and a Half this festive season.