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Christmas in Sydney 2025

FROM MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2025

CITY WIDE – DARLING HARBOUR, MARTIN PLACE, PITT STREET MALL, CIRCULAR QUAY 

Sydney transforms for Christmas with an unmissable citywide program of concerts, choirs, light displays and festive performances. Expect the Christmas Festival at Tumbalong Park, roving entertainers, a floating Christmas tree in Darling Harbour, Saturday fireworks, and the Martin Place tree lighting with Santa’s sleigh ride and marching band.

Beyond the calendar of events, there’s something about the season itself that feels extraordinary. Streets shimmer under canopies of light, choirs fill the evening air with carols, and landmark trees glow with colour and detail. Families gather, friends reconnect, and travellers from around the world come to experience Sydney at its most enchanting.

It’s a time to savour the city’s festive energy, then retreat to the calm of Double Bay — where celebrations continue in refined style.

Highlights at a Glance

  • Darling Harbour Christmas Festival at Tumbalong Park: live performances, kids’ activities, workshops and festive storytelling.
  • Floating Christmas Tree at Darling Harbour and Saturday fireworks over the water.
  • Santa’s sleigh ride & tree lighting: Pitt Street to Martin Place, with a 90-piece band and evening fireworks.
  • Martin Place Christmas Tree: towering 24 m tree, Australian native floral decorations, light shows every 15 minutes from 8 pm.
  • Pitt Street Mall Canopy of Light and festive installations along George Street.
  • Choirs in the City: nightly carols at Martin Place throughout December (typically 6–8 pm)


Darling Harbour

Festive by day, sparkling by night. Stroll the Harbour Village, join kids’ workshops, catch the floating tree, then watch Saturday night Christmas fireworks. Pedal boats run during the day for a relaxed view of the lights on the water.

Martin Place & the CBD

Follow Santa’s sleigh along Pitt Street to the Martin Place tree lighting. Across December, enjoy choirs under the tree, light shows every 15 minutes from 8 pm, and the Pitt Street Mall Canopy of Light. Look up for star-topped smart poles along George Street.

Stay up to date with all of the festivities thanks to the City of Sydney

Celebrate the Season in Style

Before or after the festivities, return to Double Bay for a refined bayside pause. Sip signature cocktails at The Bar, enjoy contemporary favourites at the new Bayside Bistro & Bar (open seven days for lunch and dinner), or settle in for a classic High Tea. For a quiet close to the evening, order 24-hour In-Room Dining.

Travelling From InterContinental Sydney Double Bay:

By car/taxi: Double Bay to Darling Harbour or Martin Place is typically 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.
By train: From Edgecliff Station (a 12-minute walk or short rideshare), take the train to Town Hall for Darling Harbour or Martin Place for the CBD lights.
By ferry: From Double Bay Wharf to Circular Quay, then walk to Martin Place or connect by light rail to Darling Harbour.

From city lights to bayside calm, your festive escape awaits at InterContinental Sydney Double Bay.