Sydney sparkles with spectacular Christmas light displays celebrating summer holiday season. From the Martin Place Christmas Tree and choirs to Pitt Street Mall's Canopy of Lights and Darling Harbour's waterfront displays, the harbour city offers dazzling festive attractions. Explore beachside celebrations, iconic landmarks decorated for Christmas, and light shows across Sydney in warm December weather.
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
Pitt Street Mall Canopy of Light
Location: Sydney
Dates: Every day, 6pm to 11:55pm
Cost: FREE
Transform your evening into a magical holiday experience beneath Pitt Street Mall's stunning illuminated canopy, where thousands of twinkling lights dance overhead in an ever-changing palette of festive colors. This innovative light installation combines cutting-edge programmable technology with traditional Christmas charm, creating an enchanting urban wonderland that captures the spirit of the season in Sydney's heart.
Highlights:
- Stroll beneath a spectacular canopy of lights in Pitt Street Mall.
- Enjoy a vibrant, programmable light installation that brings sparkle to the holiday season.
- Experience a dazzling Christmas wonderland with 80,000 suspended lights.
Martin Place Christmas Tree
Location: Sydney
Dates: Every day, 8pm to 11:55pm
Cost: FREE
The Martin Place Christmas Tree stands as the tallest in New South Wales, adorned with over 110,000 LED lights and crowned with a 3.4-meter color-changing star. Visitors can enjoy nightly choir performances and witness a captivating light show every 15 minutes from 8 PM to midnight, enhancing the holiday spirit in the heart of the city.
Highlights:
- Experience the dazzling Martin Place Christmas tree, a central holiday attraction.
- Enjoy nightly choir performances throughout December.
- Witness a mesmerizing light show every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight.
Magic of Christmas
Location: Carss Park
Dates: Saturday 6 December 2025, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Magic of Christmas at Carss Bush Park offers a free evening of family-friendly entertainment, including live performances from popular children's entertainers and a grand finale with a spectacular fireworks display. Visitors can also see beloved characters like Santa and enjoy interactive activities throughout the event.
Highlights:
- An evening of free festive entertainment for the whole family.
- Live performances from popular children's entertainers and local artists.
- A grand finale featuring a spectacular fireworks display.
St Mary's Cathedral Christmas Lights
Location: Sydney CBD
Dates: December 12-25, 2025
Cost: Free
From December 17 to 25, St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney transforms into a radiant canvas of festive storytelling, where dazzling light projections animate the iconic façade with scenes inspired by 'The Little Drummer Boy.' This immersive Christmas celebration combines cutting-edge visuals, live music, and a bustling marketplace, creating a captivating holiday experience that blends tradition with modern artistry in the heart of the city.
Highlights:
- Large-scale light projections
- Live choir performances
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Food stalls and markets
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Darling Harbour Floating Christmas Tree
Location: Darling Harbour
Dates: November 17 - December 25, 2025
Cost: Free
This Christmas, Darling Harbour transforms into a festive wonderland with Sydney’s iconic Floating Christmas Tree, a spectacular 10-metre-tall illuminated centerpiece bobbing gently in Cockle Bay. More than just a dazzling light display, the tree is surrounded by free live music, interactive holiday installations, and a vibrant atmosphere that brings together locals and visitors for unforgettable moments. Its shimmering baubles and nightly light shows create a magical backdrop perfect for photos, celebrations, and soaking up the spirit of the season by the water.
Address: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9240 8500
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- 10-metre floating tree
- Free concerts
- Light installations
- Santa photo opportunities
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Queen Victoria Building Christmas Decorations
Location: Sydney CBD
Dates: November - January 2026
Cost: Free
Experience the Queen Victoria Building’s enchanting transformation into a festive spectacle for Christmas 2025, featuring a towering 20-meter indoor Christmas tree inspired by native Australian flora and First Nations art. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive light shows, augmented reality displays, and a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary holiday decorations across three historic shopping levels.
Highlights:
- Giant suspended Christmas tree
- Historic architecture
- Luxury shopping
- Festive window displays
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Christmas Lights Spectacular - Hunter Valley Gardens
Location: Pokolbin
Dates: November 7, 2025 - January 26, 2026 (closed December 25)
Cost: Adult $41, Child (4-15 yrs) $31, Children under 4 free, Family passes available
Experience the Hunter Valley Gardens transformed into a luminous winter wonderland with over four million sparkling lights casting a festive glow across themed garden displays. This immersive event combines enchanting light installations, interactive family rides, and a variety of seasonal food stalls, creating a captivating night-time celebration that delights visitors of all ages. New for 2025, explore the Italian Grotto Garden and festive Santaville, making it a unique holiday tradition in the heart of Pokolbin.
Address: 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320, Australia
Phone: (02) 4998 4000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Over four million Christmas lights
- Family-friendly entertainment and amusement rides
- Festive food and drink options
- New Year’s Eve fireworks display
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Vivid Sydney Festival (Christmas Lights Installations)
Location: Barangaroo, Circular Quay, The Rocks
Dates: May 23 - June 14, 2025 (Note: Vivid Sydney is not a Christmas event but includes festive light installations during the festival period)
Cost: Free to view most installations; some ticketed events
Vivid Sydney 2025 transforms Sydney’s iconic precincts—Barangaroo, Circular Quay, and The Rocks—into a luminous celebration of creativity and festive spirit. This immersive festival features innovative Christmas-themed light installations and projections that animate historic architecture and waterfronts, inviting visitors to explore a vibrant nocturnal playground of art and technology. The event uniquely blends interactive displays with cultural storytelling, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
Address: Barangaroo, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Iconic Sydney landmarks illuminated with creative light art
- Interactive light installations
- Live music and performances
- Creative Christmas-themed light displays
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Christmas Lights at Centennial Parklands
Location: Centennial Park
Dates: December 1 - December 25, 2025
Cost: Free
Experience the enchantment of Christmas at Centennial Parklands, where winding pathways and lush parklands transform into a dazzling wonderland of festive light displays. This immersive event features creatively illuminated installations, interactive light art, and seasonal decorations that blend the natural beauty of the park with the magic of the holidays. Families and visitors can stroll through glowing tunnels, discover whimsical light sculptures, and enjoy the warm glow of communal celebration under the stars.
Address: Centennial Park, Grand Drive, Centennial Park, NSW 2021, Australia
Highlights:
- Festive light displays throughout the park
- Family-friendly environment
- Seasonal decorations and illuminated walking paths
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Christmas Lights at Moore Park
Location: Moore Park
Dates: December 1 - December 25, 2025
Cost: Free
Experience the enchanting Christmas Lights at Moore Park, where vibrant light installations transform the park into a dazzling holiday wonderland. This festive event combines artistic light displays with immersive decorations, creating a magical setting perfect for evening strolls and family celebrations. Unique to Moore Park, the display blends contemporary design with traditional Christmas charm, offering visitors a memorable seasonal spectacle in Sydney’s heart.
Address: Moore Park, Sydney, NSW 2021, Australia
Highlights:
- Christmas light displays
- Festive decorations
- Family-friendly outdoor experience
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Christmas Lights at Sydney Olympic Park
Location: Sydney Olympic Park
Dates: December 1 - December 25, 2025
Cost: Free
Experience the magic of Christmas 2025 at Sydney Olympic Park, where vibrant light displays transform the precinct into a dazzling winter wonderland. Wander through illuminated pathways, marvel at creative themed installations, and enjoy interactive festive features designed to delight visitors of all ages. This event offers a unique blend of spectacular visuals and engaging activities in a spacious, iconic setting.
Address: Sydney Olympic Park, Australia Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127, Australia
Highlights:
- Illuminated walkways and Christmas light displays
- Themed festive installations
- Family-friendly activities and atmosphere
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Lane Cove Christmas Lights Festival
Location: Lane Cove
Dates: December 1-25, 2025
Cost: Free
The Lane Cove Christmas Lights Festival transforms the suburb into a dazzling wonderland each December, where residents and visitors alike stroll through streets aglow with creative light installations and festive displays. What sets this event apart is its strong community spirit, with local families, schools, and businesses collaborating to design unique, interactive lightscapes that reflect the joy and warmth of the season. From whimsical animated scenes to immersive light tunnels, the festival offers a magical experience that celebrates both holiday cheer and Lane Cove’s vibrant local culture.
Address: Lane Cove, NSW, Australia
Highlights:
- Interactive Christmas lights displays
- Community participation with local businesses
- Family-friendly festive atmosphere
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Christmas Lights at Parramatta Park
Location: Parramatta
Dates: December 1-24, 2025
Cost: Free
Experience the enchanting glow of Christmas Lights at Parramatta Park, where historic landscapes are transformed into a vibrant wonderland of color and light. This annual celebration features immersive light installations, festive decorations woven through ancient trees, and interactive displays that captivate visitors of all ages. Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s rich heritage, the event offers a unique blend of tradition and modern holiday magic.
Address: Parramatta Park, Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia
Highlights:
- Illuminated trees and festive light installations
- Historic park setting
- Family-friendly activities
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Manly Christmas Festival and Lights
Location: Manly
Dates: December 6, 2025
Cost: Free
Experience the enchanting Manly Christmas Festival and Lights, where the coastal charm of Sydney’s beachside suburb transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland. This festive event showcases an impressive array of Christmas light installations, lively performances, and artisan markets, creating a joyful atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season by the sea. Unique to Manly, visitors can enjoy a blend of seaside ambiance with vibrant holiday cheer, perfect for all ages.
Address: Manly Corso, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
Highlights:
- Christmas lights along Manly Corso
- Live entertainment and market stalls
- Family-friendly festive activities
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Wundrful World of Christmas
Location: Sydney
Dates: November 1 - December 24, 2025
Cost: $$
Step into the enchanting Wundrful World of Christmas in Sydney’s CBD, where families embark on a 50-minute immersive journey to the North Pole. This unique experience blends live actors, animated characters, and interactive sets to create a magical festive adventure featuring a snowy forest, elves’ workshop, and a cozy visit with Mrs Claus. New surprises and enhanced environments make it a must-see holiday event for 2025.
Address: 31 Market Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Immersive Christmas experience
- Interactive sets and live actors
- Magical journey to North Pole
Christmas at the Cathedral Light Show
Location: Sydney
Dates: December 12-25, 2025, 8:30 PM nightly
Cost: FREE
Transform your December evenings at Sydney's iconic St Mary's Cathedral, where cutting-edge projection technology animates the beloved classic 'The Little Drummer Boy' across the cathedral's grand facade. This nine-night festival combines stunning visual storytelling with live musical performances, festive market stalls, and traditional holiday displays including a towering real fir tree and nativity scene, creating an immersive celebration of Christmas that welcomes all to experience hope, generosity, and community spirit in the heart of the city.
Address: 2 St Mary's Road, Sydney, NSW 2000
Highlights:
- Light projection show on cathedral
- A Christmas Carol story nightly
- Festive market and nativity scene
Darling Harbour's Rockin' Christmas
Location: Sydney
Dates: November 15 - December 25, 2025
Cost: FREE
Darling Harbour's Rockin' Christmas 2025 transforms Sydney's iconic waterfront into a vibrant, music-filled wonderland, where dazzling light installations, a majestic floating Christmas tree, and lively family entertainment create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere. Experience unique moments like Santa’s jet-ski arrival, free concerts under the stars, and interactive workshops that blend festive tradition with modern flair. This multi-week celebration is designed to delight visitors of all ages with its energetic spirit and spectacular harbour views.
Address: Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW 2000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Free concerts and entertainment
- Floating Christmas tree
- Santa's Workshop and light installations
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Barangaroo Christmas Lights
Location: Sydney
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Barangaroo transforms into a luminous harbourside wonderland for Christmas 2025, where native flora-inspired installations and dazzling light displays blend with Sydney’s summer spirit. Visitors can wander through a curated trail of living Christmas trees adorned with Indigenous artwork, enjoy festive music and waterfront dining, and experience augmented reality decorations that bring the season to life. The precinct’s unique blend of contemporary design, cultural celebration, and harbour views creates a truly distinctive holiday atmosphere.
Address: Barangaroo, Sydney, NSW 2000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Waterfront harbour precinct
- Modern dining and shopping
- Festive lights and decorations
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St Mary's Cathedral Christmas at the Cathedral
Location: Sydney
Dates: December 12–25, 2025
Cost: FREE
St Mary's Cathedral presents 'Christmas at the Cathedral' from 12–25 December 2025, running nightly from 5:30pm–10:30pm, with the light show beginning at 8:30pm. The display features impressive light projections by The Electric Canvas illuminating both the main and western sides of the Cathedral, accompanied by narration. The event is free to attend.
Address: College Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Highlights:
- Impressive light projections illuminating both the main and western sides of the Cathedral
- Light show beginning at 8:30pm nightly
- Accompanied by narration
Darling Harbour Christmas Lights
Location: Sydney
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Darling Harbour transforms into a vibrant festive wonderland each Christmas, showcasing dazzling light installations and a floating Christmas tree that illuminates the waterfront. This unique celebration blends Sydney’s iconic harbor views with lively entertainment, including jet-pack elves and a jet-ski Santa, creating an unforgettable holiday experience for all ages. The precinct buzzes with music, food stalls, and spectacular fireworks that crown the festive nights.
Address: Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW 2000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Festive Christmas lights and decorations throughout the waterfront
- Magical holiday atmosphere
- Waterfront location with restaurants, shops, and attractions
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Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Sydney.