Fun and Festive Christmas Things to Do in Sydney for 2022

There’s a lot happening this Christmas in Sydney for 2022, here are my top seven fun and festive things to do.

After the last two year of seriously uncertain and depressing Christmases, it looks like this year is going to go off with a bang, with so many fun and festive things to do around the Sydney, and with some of these activities already started.

It was only a few weeks ago, I was sitting down and talking with some friends, discussing how Sydney for a few years now (even pre-covid) has been seriously lacking in any worthy festivities to enjoy and talk about. I’m not sure why and what was going on, but things were just not so jingle around town, which was heartbreaking.

Whether you like Christmas or not, you can’t deny, there is something so nice about strolling through a city and enjoying the many festivities the season brings. So, it was refreshing to hear that this year in Sydney, or new state leader was going all out with Christmas markets, extra trees, and so much more.

There’s a lot happening, but I have chosen my top 8 – hope to see you there.

Christmas Markets – Martin Place:

This iconic 40 stall market will include everything from giftware, food, and other fun activities for all ages. And of course, the markets will be situated around the stunning Christmas tree of Martin Place.

Dates: Starting Saturday, November 26 (same time as Martin Place Christmas Tree), and Sunday 27, and then every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in December until Christmas Eve, from 11am-8pm.

Darling Harbour Christmas Festival:

There will be a 6-metre tall bauble at the harbour from November 21, including thousands of multi-coloured lights and 13 giant baubles floating in the water. And on Friday, and Saturday evenings in December there will be fireworks and Santa dropping into say hi.

Dates: Starting November 21, and on the weekends of December 10-11 and 17-18 there will be an exciting Christmas Festival with food trucks, live music and entertainment.

Tinseltown:

This over-the-top holiday bar in Surry Hills, will be decked out from head and toe, every day of December for Christmas and includes a drink on arrival, and many other festive activities like a visit from Santa and carolling, all while being surrounded by over the top decorations of baubles, tinsel, bows, wreaths, fairy lights, and every other Christmas decoration you can think of. Oh and an Instagrammable festive menu too.

Dates: Starting December 1 and bookings essential HERE. Tickets are $15 and for adults only. However, you can enquire about kid friendly times.

Christmas at The Grounds:

The Grounds are well known for their beautiful garden displays in their stunning cafe and restaurant grounds, where a different theme is displayed nearly every month. Last month we saw them offer an incredible display celebrating Alice and Wonderland. This month, they have already kicked off the festive season with their Naught or Nice Christmas decorations.

Dates: Already started and you can wander through the display from when they open to when they close. Best time to go is early in the morning when it’s quiet. But of course, a visit in the evening is also recommended, as the lights turn on. There will also be opportunities for a classic holiday picture with Santa Claus in December. But you’ll want to book a spot fast as it tends to sell out quick.

Christmas at The Rocks:

The historic laneways of The Rocks are transforming into Christmas themed lanes. There will be twinkling Christmas lights and a host of pretty trees, special Xmas feasts, loads of fun activities from live music to markets, and a mini Christmas village in Nurses Walk to explore. Perfect for photos.

Dates: The Rocks are already decked out with Christmas decorations. They will be coming down on boxing day though, so get in and explore the festivities before they disappear on December 26.

St Mary’s Cathedral:

The tradition of Christmas will continue again this year at St Mary’s Cathedral, where the whole church will light up with a colourful display of lights, as a beautifully filmed film on the tradition of Christmas is projected onto the entire cathedral. It reruns throughout the night at specific times, so if you miss the beginning, you can always start over and watch the entire movie.

Dates: Starting December 18, the show will continue to Christmas Eve on December 25, and starts as the sun begins to set, so after 7pm.

Wreath Making at The Rocks:

Learn to make a Christmas wreath from fresh pine and other incredible smelling botanicals, at the annual wreath making activity at the Rocks. It’s not cheap, but well worth it, as you learn the art of how to make a beautiful wreath. Grab your friends and enjoy some bubbles as you make a wreath.

Dates: Sunday 4 December, and the 11th December. From 10.30am to 12.30pm – Tickets are $70 and you can purchase HERE.