It’s that time of year when the calendar starts filling with Christmas catch-ups, the kids begin their wish lists and a little festive excitement finds its way into everyday life. And this November, you won’t need to travel far to get into the Christmas spirit.
Double Bay Christmas Festival is coming to Steyne Park on Saturday 28 November 2026, bringing Christmas shopping, food, entertainment and an evening celebration to the Eastern Suburbs. With free entry and festivities running from midday until 9pm, it’s an outing you can shape around your family—whether that means an afternoon browse or staying for the evening fun.
Start your Christmas shopping somewhere special
The Christmas markets, curated by Cambridge Markets, will run from 12pm to 6pm, with stalls offering gifts, handmade products and festive treats. It’s a chance to browse for something a little different while enjoying the atmosphere of a local Christmas celebration.
Rather than racing through a shopping list, make the browsing part of your family’s day out. Let the children help choose a present for a grandparent, look for a small thank-you gift or find something thoughtful for a friend.
Giving children a modest shopping budget can make choosing a gift especially meaningful. Encourage them to think about what the recipient enjoys—their favourite colours, hobbies or little everyday pleasures. The conversation can be just as lovely as the present they eventually pick.
Food, treats and fun for the kids
The announced program includes international hot food, desserts and children’s rides, giving families plenty of reasons to spend some time exploring.
For parents, an outing with different things to see and do can make it easier to keep everyone interested. You might browse a few stalls, pause for something to eat and then let the children choose what they would like to explore next.
Entry is free, but allow a separate budget for purchases and check individual ride prices before joining a queue. Agreeing on a treat or spending limit beforehand can help keep the afternoon relaxed.
Stay for a Christmas concert and fireworks
When the retail market finishes at 6pm, the celebrations continue with an evening concert and fireworks. The advertised concert line-up includes Conrad Sewell, Paulini, Shannon Noll, Hugh Sheridan, Harlan Goode and the All-Star Carols Band, with Christmas favourites and sing-along songs on the program.
Pack a picnic rug and make an evening of it with family or friends. There’s something special about gathering outdoors, hearing familiar Christmas songs and watching the children join in.
Food vendors are scheduled to keep trading until 9pm, so families staying for the evening can buy dinner at the festival. The overall event finishes at 9pm; check the latest program for specific performance and fireworks times.
Why this is a lovely family outing
The appeal is being able to enjoy a Christmas celebration close to home, with enough variety to suit different ages and attention spans.
Families with toddlers might prefer an earlier visit, leaving plenty of time to browse before heading home for dinner. Those with older children could arrive later in the afternoon, explore the markets before they close and stay for the concert.
Free admission also gives you flexibility. You can enjoy the atmosphere without making it a major shopping day, or put your budget towards a shared meal and a few carefully chosen gifts.
It’s a good opportunity to catch up with another family, too. Choose a meeting point, bring your rugs and let the festival provide the backdrop to a relaxed Christmas get-together.
For another free local outing this November, take a look at Bondi Outdoor Cinema’s family movie nights.
A few things to pack
A little preparation can make the day more comfortable:
- A picnic rug if you’re planning to stay for the concert.
- Hats, sunscreen and water bottles for the afternoon.
- Reusable shopping bags for market purchases.
- A light extra layer for anyone staying into the evening.
- Ear defenders for children who find fireworks loud.
Choose a meeting point when you arrive, especially if you’re visiting with a larger group. And give yourself permission to leave when your children have had enough—a happy afternoon can be just as memorable as staying until the final celebration.
Double Bay Christmas Festival: the details
Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
Location: Steyne Park, Double Bay
Festival hours: 12pm–9pm
Retail markets: 12pm–6pm
Evening: Concert and fireworks, with food vendors trading until 9pm
Entry: Free; purchases and any paid activities are extra.
Whether you’re coming for Christmas shopping, a family dinner outdoors or an evening of music, this is a lovely chance to welcome the festive season together in Double Bay.
Visit Cambridge Markets’ Double Bay Christmas Festival page for event updates, and check the Woollahra Council listing and City of Sydney event program before heading out.
