See major art exhibitions, browse seasonal markets and celebrate at our free Christmas concerts. Here are 9 events to add to your hit list this month.

Get into the festive spirit


Welcome Santa at free family-friendly Christmas concertsMake merry in the city centre and hear from a different choir every night under the tallest Christmas tree in NSW. Shop for gifts or treats at the Christmas markets in Martin Place or take a stroll under the stunning canopy of lightat Pitt Street Mall. See the full Sydney Christmas program.Various dates throughout December

Sing, dance and be merry

We encourage singing along at our free Christmas concerts in Surry Hills, Rosebery, Rushcutters Bay, Glebe, and Alexandria. For the added splendour of the grand organ, experience Christmas at Sydney Town Hall with carols and festive music.

Various dates throughout December

Explore inclusive events on International Day of People with Disability

Explore more than 60 vibrant stalls at Carriageworks marketsEnjoy a free inclusive concert at ICC Sydney. Laugh out loud – or learn how to make others laugh – with some of Australia’s funniest comedians. Improve your accessibility and boost your business at a breakfast networking event. And grab some popcorn for the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, screening in Glebe and Woolloomooloo. Find out what else is on for International Day of People with Disability.Tuesday 3 December

Savour fresh produce and Christmas treats at Carriageworks markets

See the largest exhibition in Australia of influential Chinese artist Cao FeiThese popular weekly markets celebrate the season with 2 special editions. Sample fresh produce at the Summer Seasonal Farmers Markets. Come back later in the month for the Christmas market with all the speciality ingredients set to take your festive menu and gift giving to the next level.7 and 21 December

Two major exhibitions will call the Art Gallery of NSW home during summer: Australia’s first retrospective of the celebrated surrealist René Magritte and a huge exhibition of contemporary Chinese artist Cao Fei, featuring 2 new commissions, exclusive to Sydney.Head down to the former wartime oil bunker beneath Naala Badu, the gallery’s north building. There you’ll be immersed in the large-scale video and sound installation Angelica Mesiti: The Rites of When.Throughout December

Dive into our aquatic and fitness centre open day

Celebrate the arrival of summer with free entry across our pools including family activities, fitness competitions, giveaways and health consultations.

Saturday 7 December

Meet your new best friend at our animal shelter open day

Beautiful dogs and cats are waiting to meet you at our animal shelter open day

Visit our animal shelter in the Sutherland Shire on its open day for half-price adoptions, dog training demos and fun for the whole family.

Saturday 7 December

Take flight through the history of Australian aviation

Discover the spirit of Australian aviation with the Powerhouse Museum

On World Aviation Day, discover the stories and achievements that shaped aviation in Australia through unique artifacts with speakers from the Powerhouse Museum.

Thursday 12 December

Count down to the fireworks on New Year’s Eve

Welcome the new year with a bang at Sydney Harbour. Photo: Morris McLennan

Ring in 2025 with a spectacular fireworks show at Sydney Harbour. Plan your New Year’s Eve with information about vantage points, public transport options and the fireworks schedule for the night.

Tuesday 31 December

Want more? Find everything happening in Sydney this month

 

by jay