By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Whether you’re craving a touch of magic or an immersive trip to the North Pole, these Christmas Festivals in Sydney are unwrapping all the joy you could hope for. So don’t be a Grinch and head to these fab four for your chance to spot Santa or one of his happy helpers!
The Dural Christmas Tree Farm has been bewitched with a Harry Potter-themed holiday display that’s sure to charm fans of the Wizarding World. From Monday, December 9 to Sunday, December 15, this enchanting experience will leave Muggles and magical folk alike spellbound.
Picture this: a grand gated entrance draped in twinkling lights, reminiscent of the Hogwarts Great Hall’s floating candles. More than 50 glowing Christmas trees stand proudly, adorned with decorations straight out of Diagon Alley. Spot Hedwig perched among the branches, Golden Snitches glinting like ornaments and even Ron’s flying car tucked into the foliage. Each bespoke decoration captures the whimsy of the Wizarding World - from cauldrons bubbling with colour to Dobby himself making a surprise appearance.
Feeling lucky? Join the daily scavenger hunt to win one of 15 Christmas trees, pre-decorated with Harry Potter-inspired magic. While you’re there, take home a fresh, fragrant Christmas tree from Sydney’s largest tree farm, where festive traditions meet family fun.
Leo Demasi, the farm’s owner, summed up the excitement perfectly: "As Harry Potter fans ourselves, we can’t wait to see visitors’ reactions when they walk through this magical world. It’s the perfect way to bring a little extra sparkle to the season.”
Make sure to mark your Marauder’s Map for 879 Old Northern Road, Dural and bring your inner wizard along for the ride. Admission is free, but the memories? Priceless.
Get ready to sleigh your way into Santa’s magical world! Opening its doors until December 24, the Wundrful World of Christmas invites families to an immersive adventure that’ll leave hearts aglow.
Head to the heart of Sydney’s CBD and begin your Arctic escape at the North Pole Post Office, where you can pen a letter to Santa and snag a sweet treat before snapping an Insta-worthy photo under a polar-perfect backdrop. Tthe magic doesn’t stop there - step aboard the Wundr Lift, a whimsical ride powered by Santa’s elves. With Chief Elf Conductor Noel and Captain Pinecone at the helm, you’ll be whisked away to the North Pole faster than you can say ‘ho ho ho!’
Once you disembark, it’s time to explore the snow-kissed Winter Wundrland, complete with reindeer paddocks. Think you can name all of Santa’s team? Keep an eye out for the red-nosed Rudolph and his frosty friends, Comet and Vixen.
Venture further into the heart of the experience to discover The Elves’ Workshop, where the secrets of Santa’s toy-making magic are revealed. Master Builder Jock McChisel and his clumsy apprentice, Holly, are hard at work crafting holiday joy. Don’t miss a peek into the elves’ cosy cottage before heading next door to Mrs Claus’s Kitchen. Here, she’s whipping up Santa’s favourite treats - grab the recipe so you can impress St Nick with your own culinary creations!
Barangaroo is pulling out all the stops this Christmas to make your season merry and bright! Whether you’re in the mood for waterfront dining, unique shopping or just soaking in some festive cheer, this harbourside hub has it all. From sipping cocktails by the water to strumming along at a free ukulele concert, there’s something to keep everyone in the holiday spirit.
Start your festivities with Merry Uke-Mas, a one-of-a-kind Christmas concert series where ukuleles take centre stage. Bring your own instrument, or just sing along as the joyful tunes echo through Barangaroo Reserve every Sunday from December 8 to December 22. Add in a picnic mat, your favourite snacks and some friends and you’ve got the perfect Sunday session under Sydney’s Summer sky.
The merriment doesn’t stop there. Take a leisurely stroll to admire native living Christmas trees, stunningly decorated with Indigenous artwork by Taleena Simon. These vibrant creations are not just beautiful - they tell the story of Barangaroo’s rich cultural history and connection to the land. Made from living flora native to the area, these trees are a testament to sustainability and tradition, perfect for a Sydney Christmas.
Of course, no festive outing is complete without food and Barangaroo delivers in spades. With more than 40 venues to choose from, you can indulge in everything from Spanish tapas at Born by Tapavino to elegant waterfront seafood at love.fish. If cocktails are calling your name, Sax Bar’s Aperitivo Hour is not to be missed, while French cafe Saisons serves up delectable happy hour specials. For a luxury holiday treat, consider a Christmas dinner at a’Mare or Oncore at Crown Sydney, where the views are as exquisite as the menu.
Don’t forget to tackle your Christmas shopping list while you’re here. From handcrafted chocolates at Oh! Boo to niche finds at Title Store, Barangaroo’s diverse retailers have something for everyone. You might even spot Santa himself in The Streets of Barangaroo, snapping photos and spreading cheer on select dates.
Cap it all off with a night at the Mov’in Bed Outdoor Cinema, where white sand and plush queen-size beds set the scene for screenings of Christmas classics like ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ and ‘Love Actually’. It’s the ultimate way to unwind after a day of festive fun.
Get ready to trade snowy backdrops for sandy shores because Santa by the Surf is back! This quintessentially Aussie take on Christmas photos is the perfect way to add a splash of sunshine to your holiday memories. Whether it’s just you, the kids or even your four-legged friends, Santa’s making his way to Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel on Thursday, December 19 and Friday, December 20, ready to create stunning snaps with Sydney Harbour as the ultimate backdrop.
Sessions run from 8 am to 12 pm and each shoot is a breezy five minutes - just enough time to capture that perfect festive vibe. From barefoot beach poses to harbour views sparkling in the Summer sun, this annual event is a must for families looking to swap reindeer sleighs for surfboards.
Not only is Santa by the Surf about making memories, but it’s also about making a difference. Proceeds from the $59 ‘Dasher’ package - which includes at least two high-res digital photos - go toward supporting Surf Life Saving NSW, ensuring our beaches stay safe for everyone.
Spots fill up faster than a Summer BBQ, so avoid the queue and book your session in advance online. Head to Santa by the Surf to secure your spot and make this Christmas a little sunnier.
Santa hats optional. Festive fun guaranteed!
