Christmas In Sydney And The Inner West
It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas – and there are lots of ways to get into the festive spirit!
Deck the halls and put up the tree
Can’t do Christmas without that real pine tree smell? It’s not too late to find a real Christmas tree for the living room. Try Merlino’s (they’re open till Dec 22 or until stocks last), go to the Don de L’Amour pop-up Xmas tree store at Tramsheds in Forest Lodge, or drive up to Dural Christmas Tree Farm (open till Dec 23) to buy one and cart it home yourself.
Sing along at the Carols
Grab your picnic blanket, a basket of goodies and your Santa hat – it’s time for a festive sing-a-long of all the carols you remember (and those you don’t)! Woolworths Carols in the Domain is happening on Dec 18 – and on the same night, Taronga Zoo is holding its Christmas concert. On Dec 19, Carols on Norton 2021 is being held at Pioneers Memorial Park in Burwood.
Happy snaps with Santa
Yep, Santa photos may be socially distanced this year, but you’ll still find lots of pop-up Santa grottos where the kids can tell the big guy what they want for Christmas - like The Grounds at Alexandria. If you fancy something a bit special, the QVB is holding a high tea and Santa photo event. At Broadway Sydney, Santa is doing photos with your kids (or your pets) – and you’ll find Saint Nick hanging out on his furry throne at Marrickville Metro till December 24. It’s a good idea to pre-book whenever possible.
Window shopping
Check out the famous Christmas display at the amazing Flour Drum in Newtown. Or take a trip into the CBD to enjoy the window display at David Jones - this year they are based on the story of the children’s book My Pet Star.
Visit a Christmas market
Looking to snap up a Christmas ham, a heap of seasonal produce and a few last-minute gifts? Carriageworks’ Twilight Christmas Market is on Dec 22 from 4-9 pm. Or, pop on your beret and join the revellers at Customs House Forecourt, Circular Quay for the French Christmas Market, from Dec 17-20 – there’ll be a champagne and oyster bar, French wine tastings and a pop-up creperie. Oui, oui!
Check out the festive lights
If your kids get excited about Christmas lights, we’ve got you covered! Residents go nuts on the LEDs and Santa decorations at 19 Burwood Road Concord, 7 South Street Tempe and Second Street in Ashbury – all of which are famous for epic Christmas light displays. In the city, head to Martin Place – it has the tallest Christmas tree in NSW and features 110,000 LEDs and 330 glossy baubles, while Darling Harbour will feature giant floating baubles and a luminous, interactive Sky Castle. There’ll be canopies of lights at the Pitt Street Mall, and a light display at the QVB. The Sydney Culture Walks app is also worth downloading to discover the Christmas lights and decorations walk.
Let someone else cook on Christmas Day
Forget about getting all hot and bothered in the kitchen – leave it to the pros with these great Christmas lunch options. Local Newtown favourite, Continental Deli Bar and Bistro, is open for lunch, and Willie the Boatman in St Peters is too. Try something on the water like Canada Bay Club’s Christmas Day Lunch in the Brasserie, which is offering a 4-course Christmas feast (with a special kids’ menu and vegetarian options). In the CBD, the Sheraton Grand Hyde Park has an amazing Christmas buffet open for three-hour sittings. Book fast as many places are at capacity all ready for Christmas Day.
Great events around Christmas and beyond
Want to kick up your heels on an, er… freeway? Your chance is coming! From New Year’s Day to Jan 6, Sydney’s Cahill Expressway will be transformed into the free Elevate Sydney festival, featuring more than 20 acclaimed Aussie artists. There’ll be music acts, kids’ entertainment, variety shows, First Nations and more. Field Day also returns to the Domain on New Year’s Day, with a heap of live acts … and you won’t want to miss family-friendly Waterworld Central Sydney, Australia’s first mobile waterpark at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. It’ll feature a multi-lane Epic Racer slide, 80m water tubing ride and Wave slide, plus a heap of inflatable pools. Open Dec 28 till January 26.
Give
This year has been challenging for many people - consider helping out a charity like the Salvos, our local hospital, or the Smith Family.
Wishing you and your family all the best for the festive season. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
