What to Do on Christmas Day in Sydney
On Christmas Day in Sydney, you can find a unique blend of festive atmosphere and exciting activities. Sydney transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with festive markets and decorations. Iconic spots like Taronga Zoo, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach offer a range of holiday experiences that cater to different interests and ages. Enjoy stunning ocean views on the 6km Bondi to Coogee walk or visit cinemas like Hoyts and Event Cinemas. Several restaurants like Mode Kitchen & Bar and SkyFeast offer dining experiences, with reservations recommended due to high demand. Discover more options for festive fun in Sydney this Christmas.
Sydney's Festive Atmosphere
Sydney's festive atmosphere is a treat for many on Christmas Day.
You'll be amazed by the stunning visual displays, particularly the 24m Christmas tree in Martin Place, adorned with 110,000 LED lights and 330 baubles.
The Pitt Street Mall features a Canopy of Light with 85,000 LEDs, creating a magical ambiance as you stroll through the area.
Over 4,000 icicle lights illuminate Martin Place, enhancing the holiday spirit.
The city also hosts festive markets, such as the Martin Place Christmas Market, offering unique gifts, decorations, and seasonal treats until December 23.
Take in the vibrant atmosphere, complete with Christmas lights and festive markets, for a truly unforgettable experience in Sydney.
Christmas Day Activities
On Christmas Day in Sydney, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to activities.
You can spend the day visiting popular attractions, exploring the city's dining scene, or enjoying outdoor fun activities that take advantage of Sydney's sunny weather.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly animal encounters, a festive meal with a view, or a scenic coastal walk, there's something for everyone in Sydney on Christmas Day.
Visiting Sydney Attractions
Many of Sydney's top attractions remain open on Christmas Day, offering a fun way to spend the holiday.
If you're interested in animal encounters, consider visiting Taronga Zoo or Sydney Zoo. At Taronga Zoo, you can enjoy animal talks and festive animal feasts throughout the day.
Sydney Zoo features Australia's largest reptile house and a Christmas Animal Kingdom experience for families.
For a unique holiday tradition, take a BridgeClimb and enjoy stunning views of Sydney Harbour – just be sure to book in advance.
With public transport operating on a holiday schedule, getting to these attractions is easy.
Take advantage of the opportunity to visit these popular spots on Christmas Day.
Dining Out Options
After spending the morning exploring Sydney's top attractions, you'll likely be ready to refuel and indulge in a festive meal. Sydney offers a range of culinary experiences and festive menus to suit different tastes and budgets. Here are a few dining options to contemplate:
| Restaurant | Price per Adult |
|---|---|
| SkyFeast at Sydney Tower | $75-$179 |
| Mode Kitchen & Bar | $320 |
| Sheraton Grand Sydney | $495 |
If you're looking for a more intimate or family-friendly experience, contemplate Botanica House's nine-course sharing menu for $240 per adult or Fratelli Fresh's Italian-themed Christmas lunch for $95 per adult and $19 per child. These options provide a range of choices for a memorable Christmas Day meal in Sydney.
Outdoor Fun Activities
You'll likely find yourself outdoors on Christmas Day in Sydney, surrounded by the city's beautiful coastline and picturesque parks.
Consider spending the day at Taronga Zoo, where you'll experience wildlife encounters through animal talks and special festive feeds.
Alternatively, take the popular Bondi to Coogee walk, offering stunning ocean views and access to various beaches along the way.
If you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, enjoy a beach day at one of Sydney's family-friendly beaches, perfect for testing out new surfboards or building sandcastles.
You can also participate in beach games and outdoor activities in local parks, allowing you to bond with family and friends surrounded by nature.
This way, you can make the most of the festive atmosphere on Christmas Day in Sydney.
Places to Visit and Dine
Sydney transforms into a vibrant holiday destination on Christmas Day, offering an array of exciting places to visit and dine. You can engage yourself in holiday traditions by visiting festive markets or exploring the city's cultural attractions.
For a unique dining experience, head to Mode Kitchen & Bar, featuring a lavish Christmas Day buffet for $320 per adult. Alternatively, SkyFeast at Sydney Tower offers a 360-degree view with an unlimited feast for $75 to $179.
Many CBD restaurants, such as the Sheraton Grand Sydney and Botanica House, also offer special Christmas menus. Popular coffee shops like Bake Bar and Shuk are open on Christmas Day, serving fresh pastries and coffee to fuel your holiday adventures.
Family-Friendly Fun
Beyond the festive markets and holiday dining options, Christmas Day in Sydney offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that are sure to delight both kids and adults.
You can spend the day at Taronga Zoo, participating in festive animal activities and animal talks, or catch a movie at cinemas like Hoyts and Event Cinemas, which remain open on Christmas Day.
To incorporate family traditions, consider visiting local beaches like Bondi or Manly for a fun-filled day of swimming, beach games, and picnics.
Many community Christmas events also offer opportunities for holiday crafts, local carol singing, and festive markets.
Capturing holiday memories with Santa at designated photo spots, such as the Queen Victoria Building, is another great way to celebrate the holiday together and start new family traditions.
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Outdoor Events and Celebrations
On Christmas Day in Sydney, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor events and celebrations.
You can join in on the Harbour Christmas Celebrations, which offer a range of activities, or head to one of the many outdoor picnic spots scattered throughout the city, such as the Royal Botanic Garden, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.
Alternatively, you can take a scenic stroll along one of Sydney's iconic coastal walking tracks, like the Bondi to Coogee track, with its stunning ocean views.
Harbour Christmas Celebrations
With the city's stunning harbour as its backdrop, you'll find a plethora of outdoor events and celebrations to get you in the festive spirit on Christmas Day.
To fully engage yourself in the harbour's festivities, consider booking a harbour cruise, which offers a unique perspective on the city's landmarks while enjoying festive dining options.
Some popular harbour activities include:
- Taking a Captain Cook Cruise for a traditional Christmas lunch experience with stunning harbour views
- Exploring Darling Harbour's outdoor attractions, such as pedal boats and mini-golf
- Walking along Sydney's picturesque coastline, enjoying the summer weather and scenic views
- Visiting Taronga Zoo, which is open on Christmas Day and features festive-themed animal talks
Outdoor Picnic Spots
As you look for a spot to soak up the festive atmosphere in Sydney on Christmas Day, consider packing a picnic and heading to one of the city's picturesque outdoor spaces. Popular picnic spots include Centennial Park and Hyde Park, which offer ample space for families and friends to enjoy festive gatherings. To guarantee a stress-free picnic, don't forget to pack the essentials.
| Picnic Essentials | Festive Treats | Picnic Spots |
|---|---|---|
| Blanket, utensils, plates | Gourmet cheeses, crackers | Centennial Park, Hyde Park |
| Refreshments, napkins | Christmas cookies, fruit | Bondi Beach, Manly Beach |
| Cooler, shade structure | Champagne, chocolates | Royal Botanic Garden, Rushcutters Bay Park |
Don't forget to plan ahead for picnic supplies, as grocery stores are closed on Christmas Day.
Coastal Walking Tracks
If you're looking for a more active way to enjoy the festive atmosphere in Sydney, consider exploring the city's extensive coastal walking tracks.
These scenic routes offer stunning ocean views, beaches, and parks, providing a perfect opportunity for outdoor exploration and enjoyment of nature. Many walking tracks, including the coastal paths in national parks, feature diverse landscapes, ranging from bushland to beachside scenery.
- Follow the iconic 6 km Bondi to Coogee walk, featuring ocean views, beaches, and parks.
- Encounter various lookout points, rock pools, and opportunities to spot local wildlife, such as dolphins and seabirds.
- Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and scenic views along the way.
- Take in the diverse landscapes, from bushland to beachside scenery, ensuring a revitalizing experience.
What's Open on Christmas Day
On Christmas Day in Sydney, you'll find some popular attractions and businesses are open to cater to your holiday needs.
If you're looking to do some last-minute holiday shopping, select IGA stores may operate with reduced hours, but major supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi remain closed on December 25.
Public transportation is also available, but be sure to check the schedule in advance.
For entertainment, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Zoo, and local cinemas like Hoyts and Event Cinemas are open, offering a range of activities and films.
Additionally, several restaurants in the CBD, such as Mode Kitchen & Bar and SkyFeast at Sydney Tower, offer special Christmas menus.
