‘Tis the season to be jolly and embrace those long summer nights with the best twilight carols and events in the local area and beyond. Here’s our list of all things Christmas to help you celebrate the festive season… we’ll keep adding to it!
Good Food and Wine Christmas Markets, Carriageworks
Pick up all your gourmet gifts or find cooking inspiration for Christmas Day at this first-ever Sydney market. Explore a curated line-up of 100+ small artisan producers, then relax with a cocktail at the summer bar, enjoy French crepes and Berliner doughnuts, watch a gingerbread house masterclass with Kirsten Tibballs, or take part in a Wine Selectors Secret Sips Sessions.
When: Friday, 17 November 4-9pm, 18-19 November, 10am-5pm
Where: Carriageworks, South Eveleigh
Event: https://goodfoodshow.com.au/christmasmarket-sydney
Willoughby Park Carols
Celebrate 15 years of Willoughby Park’s magical Christmas carols with fairground rides, Santa appearances and international food trucks. Pack your deck chairs and blankets and sing along to all your favourite carols played by the Willoughby Band and Willoughby Symphony Choir.
When: Saturday, 2 December, 4-9pm
Where: Willoughby Park, McClelland Street, Willoughby
Event: https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Events/Carols-in-Willoughby-Park-2023
Carols on the Grass, St Stephen’s
What better way to celebrate the hope of Christmas than with carols?
Join us for a Kids Fair and dinner. Carols will begin at 5:30pm, featuring Willoughby Public School band, children’s activities, a nativity play and carolling.
Cost: $15 per person, $5 for children, $30 for a family.
*Bring your own picnic blanket and any additional drinks and snacks. Places are limited – book your tickets now on our website!
When: Saturday December 9, 5-7pm
Where: St Stephen’s Willoughby, 211 Mowbray Rd, Willoughby NSW 2068
Event: https://st-stephens.com.au/christmas/
Coal Loader Christmas Market, Waverton
One of Sydney’s best makers markets returns for a special Christmas edition at the beautiful and historic Waverton Coal Loader site, right on Sydney Harbour. You can shop ethical and original handmade products including ceramics, sustainable fashion, children’s design, art, accessories and more. Bring your own food and drinks for a picnic on the lower lawn or sandstone terrace.
When: Sunday, 3 December, 3-8pm
Where: Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton
Event: https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/event/415/the-coal-loader-sustainable-christmas-market
Pre-schoolers Bush Christmas, Artarmon
Dress your kids as their favourite bush fairy, elf or character for this annual Christmas bush party. The young ones will get to meet a fun range of animals and Bush Santa might even make an appearance.
When: Wednesday, 6 December, 10-11.30am
Where: Artarmon Reserve, Burra Road (Meet at the lowest car park, beside the oval)
Event: https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Eventbrite/Preschoolers-Bush-Christmas-681952948627
Mosman Christmas Night Market
Get all your Christmas shopping done at this family-friendly night market with stallholders selling everything from clothing and jewellery to fair trade goods, baked treats and plants. You can also enjoy gourmet takeaway food, a licenced area and live entertainment.
When: Thursday, 7 December, 4.30-9pm
Where: Mosman Square and Village Green, Spit Junction, Mosman
Event: https://events.mosman.nsw.gov.au/events/mosman-christmas-night-market-0
Dance to the Nines Christmas Party, Chatswood
Lace up your dancing shoes for a fun night of grooving and shaking for those 18 years and older living with disabilities. The tunes will be supplied by Evergreen Music and volunteer DJs, with light refreshments and beverages also available.
When: Friday, 8 December, 5.30-8.30pm
Where: Dougherty Community Centre, 7 Victor Street, Chatswood
Event: https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Eventbrite/Dance-to-the-Nines-2023-Christmas-theme-644439996377
Willoughby Symphony Orchestra: The Magic of Christmas Concert
Get in the festive spirit with this enchanting musical celebration by Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir, and WSO Youth Chorus. Sing along to your all-time favourite Christmas carols and create special memories with the family. Tickets start at $16.40 for children and are $75 for adults.
When: Friday, 8 December, 7-9pm
Where: The Concourse Concert Hall, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood
Event: https://www.willoughbysymphony.com.au/Events/The-Magic-of-Christmas-2023
Balmoral Carols
Rally your friends and family for this joyous evening of carols hosted by Mosman Village Church. Come early for kids’ activities at 5pm with carols and music from 7pm. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grass and don’t forget to download a copy of the songbook online.
When: Saturday, 9 December, 5-8.30pm
Where: Rotunda, 63 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach, Mosman
Event: https://www.mosmanvillage.church/events/balmoral-carols-2023
Christmas Cupcake Classes
Learn to create your very own Christmas cupcakes using effective piping techniques with our famous whipped buttercream & fondant. This is a fun festive class which will teach you skills that can also be applied to other cake decorations all year round.
This is a great family activity for children aged 10 years or older, when accompanied by a paying adult.
When: See website for session times or book your own group class
Where: The Classic Cupcake Co Baking Academy (Shop 1 / 142 Spit Road, Mosman)
Event: https://theccc.com.au/collections/christmas-gift-ideas/products/christmas-cupcakes
Christmas in The Nest
Save the date for Sunday, December 10, 4-7 PM – the afternoon you won’t want to miss.
Ernest Place will transform into Santa’s playlist with a cool Christmas DJ kicking off the festivities.
Santa’s making a grand entrance – sirens, cheers, and Christmas magic included!
Hungry? The Crows Nest Rotary Club’s famous sausage sizzle is on, and the kids get FREE face painting. Let the festive transformation begin!
There will also be a selection of Christmas market stalls. Christmas in the Village is back!
Bring your family and friends for a jolly good time at this year’s Christmas event. Your Sunday is covered – festive fun guaranteed!
When: Sunday, 10 December, 4-7pm
Where: Ernest Place, Crows Nest
Event: https://crows-nest.com.au/
Green Park Carols, Cammeray
This annual community event hosted by Naremburn Cammeray Anglican Church returns on December 10. Bring their own picnic dinner and get into the holiday spirit by singing all your favourite Christmas carols.
When: Sunday, 10 December, 5.30-7.05pm
Where: Green Park, 18 Warwick Avenue, Cammeray
Event: https://www.ncachurch.com/events/green-park-carols-2023
Edible Christmas Gift Cooking Class, Cammeray
Keep the kids busy this summer school holidays with a delicious cooking class. The young ones will make a variety of special Christmas treats including shortbread, gingerbread, coconut ice and chocolate hedgehog to take home and gift to friends and family.
When: 11, 13, 15, 18 and 20 December, 10.40am
Where: Lytton Street, Cammeray
Event: https://www.sheridanrogers.com.au/events/
Taronga Zoo Family Christmas Concert, Mosman
Experience the holiday magic at Taronga’s annual Christmas Concert. Set yourself up on the idyllic lawns with a picnic and enjoy stunning views across Sydney Harbour, along with festive entertainment and a visit from Santa. Tickets are $29 for adults, $24 for children aged 4-15 and free for children under four.
When: Saturday, 16 December, 6-8.30pm
Where: Taronga Zoo Concert Lawns, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
Event: https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/events/christmas-concert
Prada Clutch’s All-Drag Christmas Revue
The show is headlined by Prada Clutch; one of Australia’s most in demand livesinging drag queens. Prada has headlined stage shows across Australia playing both regional & capital cities. She draws her inspiration from the likes of Dusty Springfield, Patti LaBelle, Bette Midler & Cher.
When: Saturday, 16 December, 8.00pm
Where: Norths Cammeray
Event: https://norths.com.au/events/prada-clutchs-all-drag-christmas-revue/
Carols in the Domain, Sydney
Australia’s biggest Christmas party is back for its 41st year in Sydney’s historic Domain, near the famous Sydney Harbour and Royal Botanic Gardens. Catch some of Australia’s biggest stars on the stage including Ruva Ngwenya who plays Tina in The Tina Turner Musical, The Wiggles, Mahalia Barnes, Dami Im, Big T and more.
When: Saturday, 16 December, 11am-11pm
Where: The Domain, Sydney
Event: https://carolsinthedomain.com/
Community Party & Christmas Carols
In the lead up to Christmas, this community party held on the lawn at St Thomas’ Church will have pony rides, a jumping castle, slide, face painting and balloon artist, plenty of food and so much more! There will also be a Carols service in the church at 6pm to sing some classic Christmas songs with a choir.
When: Sunday, 17 December, 4-8pm
Where: St Thomas’ Church, North Sydney, Crn McLaren and Church Street
Event: https://st-thomas.org.au/
Christmas Carols and Readings at St Mark’s, Northbridge
Join St Mark’s Anglican Church for a magical musical journey through the Christmas story, with beautiful music, carefully chosen readings, and plenty of Christmas cheer.
When: Sunday, 17 December, 5-6.30pm
Where: St Mark’s, 17 Tunks Street, Northbridge
Event: https://www.northbridgeanglican.org.au/events/christmas-2023
Bridgemas 2023
When: Sunday, 17 December, 12-3pm
Where: Bridgeview Hotel
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/295192483490477/?ref=newsfeed
Know of local carols or a great Christmas event that should be added to the list? Please get in touch via willoughby@thelivingcollective.com.au
