The Martin Place tree switches on Thursday 26 November, and that’s just the opening act. The City of Sydney has lined up a full program of free Christmas events for 2026: street fairs, concerts in the park, choirs, markets and Santa photos, all a ferry ride from the Beaches.
“With festive street fairs and concerts, choirs and the epic tree in Martin Place, the elves at the City of Sydney are busy preparing a Christmas to remember,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. “These free events are our gift to city residents and visitors.”
Oh Christmas Tree
The Martin Place tree is the centrepiece. Follow Santa’s sleigh ride from Customs House to Martin Place before the official lighting on Thursday 26 November. From then, the tree puts on a sound and light show every evening until Tuesday 5 January.
Fair Play
Three inner-city streets turn into Christmas street fairs, with food, music, performances, games and a visit from Santa. Glebe Point Road kicks things off on Saturday 28 November, followed by Potts Point on Saturday 5 December and Crown Street, Surry Hills on Saturday 12 December.
Carols on the Picnic Rug
Pack the reindeer ears and a rug. Free Christmas concerts run on three Sunday evenings from 5.30pm: Turruwul Park, Rosebery on Sunday 29 November, Pirrama Park, Pyrmont on Sunday 6 December and Alexandria Park on Sunday 13 December.
Hark! The City Sings
Choirs perform the Christmas classics under the Martin Place tree from 6pm to 8pm, Tuesday 1 to Monday 21 December. New this year, some of Sydney’s best choirs will also sing at neighbourhood Christmas trees around the inner city on Wednesday 23 December, 6pm to 8pm.
Sleigh Your Shopping
The Martin Place Christmas markets open from 11am to 9.15pm over the last weekend of November, then every Wednesday to Saturday until Christmas Eve. Santa’s house opens nearby from Friday 27 November; bring the family, the friends and the dog for the Christmas photo.
Make the Ferry Part of the Day
From Manly, the ferry drops you at Circular Quay, a short walk from Customs House and Martin Place. Time it for the tree lighting or an evening light show and the trip home across the harbour is half the fun. [Link: Felons Brewing Co. is Now Onboard Manly Fast Ferry]
Giving Back
The City of Sydney’s official Christmas charity partner is Variety, the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT, which supports children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.
Christmas in the City at a Glance
Tree lighting: Thursday 26 November, Martin Place. Light show nightly until Tuesday 5 January
Street fairs: Glebe, Saturday 28 November, 12pm to 8pm | Potts Point, Saturday 5 December, 12pm to 8pm | Surry Hills, Saturday 12 December, 12pm to 10pm
Concerts: Rosebery, Sunday 29 November | Pyrmont, Sunday 6 December | Alexandria, Sunday 13 December; all 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Choirs: Martin Place, Tuesday 1 to Monday 21 December, 6pm to 8pm | Neighbourhood trees, Wednesday 23 December, 6pm to 8pm
Markets: Martin Place, 11am to 9.15pm, last weekend of November, then Wednesday to Saturday until Christmas Eve
Santa’s house: Martin Place, from Friday 27 November
Cost: Free
sydneychristmas.com.au | Variety NSW/ACT
Image: Chris Southwood
