Top Christmas Things To Do in Sydney in 2026
Christmas in Sydney is a long season: lights go up in November, the carols peak in December, and the city stays festive well into the new year. Here is our guide to the best Christmas things to do in Sydney in 2026, from the CBD to Burwood in the Inner West. We have only listed dates we could confirm. Where a 2026 program has not been announced yet, we say so and tell you where to check.
1. Carols in the Domain (Saturday 19 December 2026)
The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain is Sydney’s biggest Christmas singalong, and 2026 is its 43rd year. It runs on Saturday 19 December in the Domain, with the day starting at 1pm. Premium reserved seating and picnic-lawn tickets are sold through the official site, and there is free general admission on the Festive Lawn. Pack a picnic blanket, sunscreen and a hat, as it is a long summer day. Details and tickets: carolsinthedomain.com.
2. Martin Place Christmas Tree and Choirs
The giant light-up tree in Martin Place is a Sydney tradition. In recent years it has carried more than 110,000 LED lights with a nightly animated display, free to watch, alongside community choirs. The City of Sydney had not released the 2026 dates and schedule when we wrote this, so check the City of Sydney website before you go. It is an easy evening stop if you are already in the CBD, and Entermission Sydney is on Kent Street.
3. Carols in the Park and Christmas Markets in Burwood
Burwood Council’s annual carols night is one of the best free Christmas events in the Inner West. In 2025 it ran on Saturday 13 December in Burwood Park (2 Comer Street): markets from midday, carols and entertainment from 5pm, Santa, and fireworks at 9pm. The 2026 date is yet to be announced, but the event is usually held in mid-December. Watch the Burwood Council events page for the date.
Burwood is also the home of Entermission Burwood (Level 2, Suite 201, 1-17 Elsie Street). It is a good way to build a Christmas night out: play a VR escape room in the afternoon, then walk over for the markets and carols.
4. Christmas Windows and Lights in the CBD
Sydney’s big department stores and shopping arcades dress up for Christmas each year, with the David Jones windows on Elizabeth Street a long-running tradition. Displays are usually unveiled in November, so walk the CBD in the evening for the best view. Because programs change every year, check each venue’s website for the 2026 opening dates.
5. Play Christmas Indoors with VR Escape Rooms
Sydney in December can mean hot sun or sudden storms, so an indoor plan is worth having. Our Christmas VR escape room, Help Santa Find His Way Home, is a team game where you work together to save Christmas. We also have a full range of other VR escape rooms and challenge games for families, friends and work groups.
Planning a team event or Christmas party? See our Christmas parties page and our guide to Christmas party ideas for teams in Sydney. You can book at either of our Sydney venues: Entermission Sydney (CBD) or Entermission Burwood. Check which games are offered at each venue when you book.
Christmas Day in Sydney
Opening hours change on 25 December, so check with each venue before you set off. Many Sydneysiders spend the day at the beach or in a park, and plenty of restaurants offer set-menu lunches that need to be booked well ahead. If you are after more festive ideas, our guide to things to do on Christmas Day in Sydney has more.
We update this guide as official 2026 programs are announced. Last updated October 2026.
