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
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
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.
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.
33 Cross Street, New South Wales, Double Bay 2028, Australia
Reservations: 1 800 468 357
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Central Reservations Office: 1 800 468 357
Reservations: reservations.doublebay@ihg.com
© 2024 InterContinental Sydney Double Bay. All rights reserved. This hotel is owned by DB Hotel Management Pty Ltd and managed by IHG® Hotels & Resorts.
The following are some of the service marks owned by Six Continents Hotels, Inc., its parent, subsidiaries, or affiliates, all InterContinental Hotels Group companies: IHG®, InterContinental®, Regent®, Kimpton®, voco™, Crowne Plaza®, HUALUXE®, EVEN®, Hotel Indigo®, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express®, avid®, Holiday Inn Resort®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites®, IHG® Rewards Club
Subscribe to our Newsletter
33 Cross Street, Double Bay, New South Wales 2028 Australia
Reservations: 1 800 468 357
© 2024 InterContinental Sydney Double Bay. All rights reserved. This hotel is owned by DB Hotel Management Pty Ltd and managed by IHG® Hotels & Resorts.
The following are some of the service marks owned by Six Continents Hotels, Inc., its parent, subsidiaries, or affiliates, all InterContinental Hotels Group companies: IHG®, InterContinental®, Regent®, Kimpton®, voco™, Crowne Plaza®, HUALUXE®, EVEN®, Hotel Indigo®, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express®, avid®, Holiday Inn Resort®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites®, IHG® Rewards Club
Central Reservations Office: 1 800 468 357
Reservations: reservations.doublebay@ihg.com