Sydney Christmas: “Celebrate The Magic And Joy”

Sydney is delivering a month-long program of free and festive events this Christmas for anyone who ventures into the city centre.

Key points:

In case you haven’t yet seen NSW’s biggest Chrissy tree, or the canopy of lights, we can confirm that Christmas has well and truly arrived in the city.

In fact, it came via sleigh in Martin Place on November 28, as Santa and his bicycle-riding elves rolled up their red and green sleeves to light the Martin Place Christmas Tree.

“See Sydney sparkle,” announced the City of Sydney at the time. “Celebrate the magic and joy of Christmas.”

From free concerts, decorations, events and a Santa parade, there’s plenty for all to enjoy in a city that has embraced the spirit of Christmas.

From free concerts, decorations, events and a Santa parade, there’s plenty for all to enjoy in a city that has embraced the spirit of Christmas.

Christmas hub

At the city’s heart as always is the Martin Place Christmas Tree, which holds a whopping 110,000 lights, a massive colour-changing star, and hundreds of glossy baubles.

“The tree’s 800 branches are dressed with 15,000 flowers representing nine different kinds of Australian flowers – banksia, waratah, bottlebrush, wattle, eucalyptus gum flower, kangaroo paw, flannel flower, pink wax flower and white wax flower,” reports the City of Sydney.

From 8pm until midnight at the tree, there will be a “kaleidoscope of colours” and decorative lights every 15 minutes.

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Time your visit right, and you could also be treated to the beautiful strains of choral caroling.

Each day from 6pm in December (until Christmas Eve), a choir will perform carols. There will be a different choir each night. For the full list of choirs visit the City of Sydney’s What’s on page.

And while you’re in Martin Place, don’t forget to visit the Christmas Markets, which run Thursdays to Saturdays, 11am to 9.30pm.

The Martin Place Christmas Tree holds a whopping 110,000 lights, a massive colour-changing star, and hundreds of glossy baubles.

Ceiling of light

Suspended above one of the busiest shopping precincts in Australia throughout the season is an amazing light display.

The Pitt Street Mall is once more hosting the Canopy of Light — 80,000 suspended lights above the bustling strip.

And this year, it will feature a first — the lights will “glisten” in an array of computer-generated colours.

The spectacle also includes ten two-metre stars.

The Pitt Street Mall is once more hosting the Canopy of Light — 80,000 suspended lights above the bustling strip.

Music magic

On December 17, Town Hall will host its annual “Christmas at Sydney Town Hall”, a celebration of the Christmas story through “carols and pageantry with choirs, harp and the NSW Police Band”.

And of course, the Town Hall’s grand organ will play its glorious part.

The event is produced by revered organist Titus Grenyer,  who is the director of music at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Chatswood.

For more information, visit here.

Time your visit right, and you could also be treated to the beautiful strains of choral caroling.

Pier Pavillion

Meanwhile Barangaroo’s Pier Pavillion is hosting “golden hour vibes” each evening from Thursday to Saturday.

Offering “relaxation and connection”, the free-entry event provides a unique opportunity for friends to meet for a Christmas catch up until December 20.

There is live music, cocktails and snacks — and naturally, the glorious sunset views across the harbour at the southern end of the stunning precinct.

There will be a lineup of local DJs, and food from seafood restaurant love.fish.

Free concerts

The City of Sydney is also putting on several free concerts over the festive season.

On Saturday, December 6, is the much-loved Glebe concert at Bicentennial Park. TV presenter Sally Stanton will host the event, which will include kids group Spaghetti Confetti and musical duo Diver City.

And, there will be a visit from Santa, with photo proceeds going to charity Variety – helping children in need.

Also for the kids, there will be craft activities, table tennis and giant Jenga. 

The action kicks off at 5.30pm, but get your rug down early for a good spot.

The next night, Sunday, December 7, Rushcutters Bay is throwing its annual Christmas Concert.

And on Sunday, 14 December, at Alexandria Park is the Alexandria Christmas Concert, from 5.30pm.

Both City of Sydney events follow the same theme of entertainment and activity as the Glebe concert.

“So I hope you can come along to our month-long program of free events and festivities celebrating the joy of Christmas,” said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

Crown fair

Crown Street will host all the fun of a fair on Saturday, December 13.

The Surry Hills Fair will have stalls to buy Christmas gifts, food and drinks. Expect games, a pop-up cinema and Santa. Plus, bring your canine for a chance to enter the Santa Paws Dog Parade!

Prizes will be awarded for the “best-dressed Christmas pooch”, “best dog and owner outfit combo” and best trick. You must register your doggie to take part.

The fair launches at 11am, and the entertainment starts at 2.30pm (the stage is on Collins Street Reserve).

At 6pm, the fair will host a Santa Sleigh Ride that journeys down Crown Street (from Cleveland Street) toward Collins Reserve.

“So I hope you can come along to our month-long program of free events and festivities celebrating the joy of Christmas,” said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

Looking for Christmas devotions this month?

Hope 103.2 has a variety of Bible plans on YouVersion The Bible App that’s available free with no in-app purchases.

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