It’s the time of year when celebrations are at their best, and this is certainly true in the case of Sydney. With perfect blue skies, pristine waters and the best fireworks display in the world, December is a fantastic time to pay a visit.
Click! at Badger and Fox Gallery
Boasting an impressive collection of more than 180 photographs from the likes of Bill Henson, Max Dupain and Henri Cartier-Bresson, Click! is a great opportunity to view some classic photographs and maybe pick yourself up some new art.
When: 19 November – 21 December
Where: Badger and Fox Gallery
Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story On Stage
To celebrate a decade since it’s debut performance in Sydney, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage has returned to its roots. Following amazing worldwide success, Sydneysiders will once again get a chance to enjoy the magical story of Frances “Baby” Houseman.
When: 28 November – March, 2015
Where: Lyric Theatre
Santa Fest
For one whole magical month Darling Harbour will celebrate all things Santa, from paddle boat rides to carols, movies under the stars and more.
When: 29 November – 24 December
Where: Darling Harbour
Crystal Boudoir Burlesque Show
With its Parisian feel, Sydney’s Crystal Boudoir is the perfect place for an exciting Saturday night burlesque show that puts you straight into the 1920s.
When: 1 – 27 December
Where: GPO Sydney
Disney Fairies Trail
Take a magical journey through the Australian Botanic Garden to discover Tinkerbell and friends in various enchanted locations.
When: 1 December – 28 February, 2015
Where: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney; Australian Botanic Gardens, Mount Annan; Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah
V8 Supercars Sydney NRMA 500
V8 Supercar drivers will push their limits in the season’s nail-biting final over three days. Kids under 14 receive free entry to the race.
When: 5 – 7 December
Where: Sydney Olympic Park
World’s Biggest Train Date
Join over 1,000 singles and board a privately booked Tangara train in a bid to find “the one”. Participants will find a potential new love interest at six different stops on this exciting train adventure, and will be given roughly ten minutes to chat with each new prospect.
When: 6 December
Where: Six stops
SLAM Beach Volleyball Tournament
SLAM is centred around a social beach volleyball competition and plays on some of the best beaches in around Australia. This year sees teams split in two – a ‘social’ team and a ‘competitive’ team.
When: 6 December
Where: South Cronulla Beach
Variety Santa Fun Run
Join thousands of Santas as Variety encourages people to raise money and run dressed up as Santa. Get in the festive spirit and raise some money for Sydney’s sick children.
When: 7 December
Where: Darling Harbour
Tropfest Film Festival
The world’s largest short film festival returns to Sydney in December and sees filmmakers battle it out to win the votes of high profile industry and celebrity judges.
When: 7 December
Where: Centennial Park
Belle Property Balmain Fun Run
Suitable for novice or experienced runners, the Belle Property Balmain Fun Run consists of four events: a 10 km, 5 km, 2 km, or 100 metre dash.
When: 7 December
Where: King George Park
Mother Goose: A New Australian Pantomime
This fun and exciting Christmas production sees everyone’s much-loved nursery rhyme characters come to life on stage. Featuring Paul Holmes as Mother Goose, this is one the kids won’t want to miss.
When: 8 – 23 December
Where: King Street Theatre, Newtown
Strut the Streets
With a target of raising $200,000, AIME is calling for everyone to enjoy a swimwear only party in Martin Place. AIME is a Non-Profit educational program proven to support Indigenous students through high school and university.
When: 13 December
Where: Martin Place
Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks
Be amazed by the architectural detail in an incredible lineup of Asian and Australian LEGO towers. Each tower is a 1:200 scale replica of a famous ‘real life’ tower.
When: 13 December – 19 April, 2015
Where: Museum of Sydney
Voices of Angels
The acclaimed Sydney Children’s Choir and Gondwana Voices present a mesmerising vocal performance that this year has a Latin flair. Conducted by Lyn Williams, this has been a sold out event for the last five years.
When: 13 and 15 December
Where: City Recital Hall
Christmas by the Beach
See the beautiful Dee Why promenade light up with an evening Christmas market perfect for stocking up on last-minute gifts. You can even have your photo taken with Santa while you’re there.
When: 19 December
Where: The Strand, Dee Why Beach
Woolworths Carols in the Domain
Australia’s biggest Christmas concert is back for its 32nd year, and looks set to be another star-studded event. Big performing names include Samantha Jade, The McClymonts, Mark Vincent, and the cast of Wicked the Musical.
When: 20 December
Where: The Domain
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
For 69 years, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has been a big part of Aussie Christmas. An iconic summer sport, it sees maxi yachts battle it out to cross the Tasman Sea to reach the finish line in the Derwent River, Hobart. Don’t miss the launch in Sydney, where you will see hundreds of sails scattering the harbour.
When: 26 December
Where: Sydney Harbour
NYE Fireworks
Sydney is renowned as the New Year’s Eve capital of the world, thanks to the huge range of stunning fireworks on the harbour. There are some excellent vantage points from McMahon’s Lookout to Lady Macquarie’s chair, or get down in the heart of it all and enjoy them from The Rocks or the Opera House.
When: 31 December
Where: Various locations
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