We confirmed 22 Christmas events for kids in Sydney for 2026. The season starts on 21 November with Camden Christmas Festival and runs until 5 January (Martin Place Christmas tree). 16 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Australia.
The short version
- 22 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Sydney, Parramatta, Alexandria, Belrose and Camden
- First: Camden Christmas Festival, Camden, 21 November
- Free events: Camden Christmas Festival, Martin Place Christmas tree, Santa's Sydney sleigh ride and tree lighting, Tree Lighting and Christmas Markets, Parramatta Square, Glebe Christmas Fair and Rosebery Christmas Concert
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by suburb, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).
Sydney Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 22 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs
- Sydney, Parramatta, Alexandria, Belrose, Camden, Dee Why, Glebe, Mona Vale, Mosman, Potts Point, Pyrmont, Rosebery, St Leonards and Surry Hills
- Season
- 21 November to 5 January
- Free events
- 16
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Sydney
8 confirmed events in Sydney, soonest first.
Martin Place Christmas tree
Christmas lightsFreeCity of Sydney · Sydney
- Host
- City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Martin Place, Martin Place, Sydney 2000
- When
- Daily, Nov 26 to Jan 5; light show nightly 8 pm to midnight
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Martin Place tree is decorated with over 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4 metre colour changing star, 330 glossy baubles and 15,000 flowers representing nine kinds of Australian flowers, including waratah, banksia and kangaroo paw. From 8 pm to midnight every night there is a light display every 15 minutes, which children tend to love.
Choirs perform at the tree every night in December, and the Martin Place Christmas Markets and Santa's House are right alongside, so it is easy to combine a look at the tree with other festive stops. It is free to visit at any time between 26 November and 5 January.
Parent tip: Visit after 8 pm to catch the light show, which repeats every 15 minutes. Pitt Street Mall's Canopy of Light is a short walk away.
See dates and details from City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)Santa's Sydney sleigh ride and tree lighting
Christmas paradeFreeCity of Sydney · Sydney
- Host
- City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Martin Place (sleigh ride starts at Circular Quay), Martin Place, Sydney 2000
- When
- Thu, Nov 26, 6:30 to 8:30 pm (tree lit around 8:30 pm)
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa sets off from Customs House at Circular Quay just after 8 pm, riding his sleigh along Pitt Street with a 90 piece marching band and elves on reindeer tricycles. Families are welcome to walk along behind the procession, though nobody rides on the sleigh. From 6:30 pm there are DJs and roving entertainers at both Customs House Square and Martin Place.
When Santa reaches Martin Place he helps the Lord Mayor light the 24 metre tree at about 8:30 pm, followed by fireworks. Colourful light shows then run every 15 minutes until midnight. It is a big crowd event in the heart of the city, so it suits children who are happy with a late night and lots of people.
Parent tip: Public transport is recommended. Pick a spot along Pitt Street or arrive early at Martin Place for the lighting and fireworks.
See dates and details from City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)Santa in the City: Santa's House, Martin Place
Meet SantaScene to Believe, in partnership with the City of Sydney · Sydney
- Host
- Scene to Believe, in partnership with the City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Santa's House, Martin Place (near the Christmas tree, between George and Pitt streets), Martin Place, Sydney 2000
- When
- Daily, Nov 27 to Dec 24, 8 am to 10 pm
- Cost
- From $29.95 (AUD), booking required
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa's House sits next to the big Christmas tree in Martin Place. Families peer through the windows first, then step inside an immersive Santa's home where Santa and his elves are waiting to meet you and capture a Santa photo. Pets are welcome too, so the family dog can join the picture.
The house is open every day from 27 November to Christmas Eve, 8 am to 10 pm, with prices starting from $29.95. Five dollars from each booking goes to Variety, the Children's Charity NSW/ACT. Martin Place also has festive markets, nightly choirs and roaming entertainers, so it is easy to make an outing of it.
Parent tip: Book a time slot online. Pair your visit with the tree light show, which starts at 8 pm.
See dates and details from Scene to Believe, in partnership with the City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)The Greatest Christmas Show
Meet SantaICC Sydney · Sydney
- Host
- ICC Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Drive, Sydney 2000
- When
- Sun, Dec 13, 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm
- Cost
- From $49.90 (AUD)
- Ages
- Suitable for all ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Greatest Christmas Show returns to the Darling Harbour Theatre at ICC Sydney for two performances on Sunday 13 December. The cast of dancers, aerialists, singers and an illusionist combines beloved carols and new festive songs with illusions, glittering costumes and aerial acts, and Santa Claus makes a grand appearance.
The show is listed as suitable for all ages and runs for 110 minutes including an interval. The afternoon session is the easier choice for younger children. Haze, smoke and strobe effects may be used during the performance, which is worth knowing for sensitive children.
Parent tip: Running time is 110 minutes with an interval. Haze, smoke and strobe lighting may be used.
See dates and details from ICC Sydney (opens in a new tab)Christmas at Sydney Town Hall
Christmas showCity of Sydney · Sydney
- Host
- City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sydney Town Hall, George Street, Sydney 2000
- When
- Tue, Dec 15, 8 to 9:30 pm (doors 7 pm)
- Cost
- $25.50 adult, $20 concession (AUD)
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas at Sydney Town Hall tells the Christmas story through carols and pageantry, with choirs, harp, the NSW Police Band and the hall's grand organ. The City describes it as a memorable night for the whole family, held in one of Sydney's most beautiful buildings, and produced by organist Titus Grenyer.
Tickets are general admission for either the ground floor great hall or the first floor galleries, and seats are not allocated. Doors open at 7 pm and the performance starts at 8 pm, so it best suits older children who can manage a later evening. Tickets went on sale on 5 November.
Parent tip: Arrive when doors open at 7 pm to choose seats together. Guests needing assisted access should use the lower ground entrance on Druitt Street.
See dates and details from City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)Darling Harbour Christmas Festival
Meet SantaFreeDarling Harbour (Placemaking NSW) · Sydney
- Host
- Darling Harbour (Placemaking NSW) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, Sydney 2000
- When
- Sat, Dec 19, 4 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families; some acts aimed at under 5s and ages 5 to 10
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Tumbalong Park fills with family entertainment from 4 pm, including a family friendly DJ, a kids dance party with host Jayden Rodrigues, and live sets from children's acts Whistle and Trick, aimed at under fives, and Diver City, aimed at five to ten year olds. A community choir sings along through the evening.
There is a games area with competitions, roving performers and a Creative Corner with Christmas crafts, face painting and the chance to write a letter to Santa. Santa arrives at 8:15 pm and leads a sing along at 8:30 pm, and the Darling Harbour fireworks over Cockle Bay follow at 9 pm.
Parent tip: Santa arrives at 8:15 pm, so younger children may want a rest earlier in the day. Stay for the 9 pm fireworks over Cockle Bay.
See dates and details from Darling Harbour (Placemaking NSW) (opens in a new tab)The Salvation Army's Carols in The Domain
Christmas carolsFreeThe Salvation Army · Sydney
- Host
- The Salvation Army (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Domain, Art Gallery Road, Sydney 2000
- When
- Sat, Dec 19, 1 to 11 pm
- Cost
- Free general admission at the Festive Lawn; paid reserved areas available
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Carols in The Domain is a long standing Sydney tradition broadcast on Channel 7, bringing together some of the country's biggest names to sing favourite carols. The evening ends with fireworks, and organisers promise a touch of snow. Families can come early for family friendly pre show entertainment, activities, food and drinks as the countdown to the main show begins.
Free general admission is available at the Festive Lawn precinct, where everyone is welcome. Those wanting a set spot can book Premium Reserved seating or the reserved picnic lawn in TinselTown through the Carols in The Domain website.
Parent tip: Public transport is recommended as parking is limited. Arrive early for a good spot on the free Festive Lawn.
See dates and details from The Salvation Army (opens in a new tab)Sydney Sings Christmas
Christmas lightsFreeCity of Sydney · Sydney
- Host
- City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sydney Town Hall steps and local Christmas trees across the city, 483 George Street, Sydney 2000
- When
- Wed, Dec 23, 6 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On the evening of 23 December, choirs gather at local Christmas trees around the City of Sydney to sing carols and classic holiday songs. The Australian Girls Choir performs at Sydney Town Hall and at Minogue Reserve in Glebe, The Singing Angels sing at Green Square Plaza and the Ellen Lawman Rest Area in Erskineville, and other choirs appear at Taylor Square, Union Square in Pyrmont, Collins Street Reserve in Surry Hills and Fitzroy Gardens in Kings Cross.
It is a relaxed, free way for families to sing along close to home without a big crowd or a long night. Simply turn up at your nearest tree.
Parent tip: Choose the tree closest to you; the Surry Hills performance is next to Surry Hills Library and the Green Square one next to Green Square Library.
See dates and details from City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Parramatta
2 confirmed events in Parramatta, soonest first.
Tree Lighting and Christmas Markets, Parramatta Square (Parramatta)
Tree lightingFreeCity of Parramatta (AtParramatta) · Parramatta
- Host
- City of Parramatta (AtParramatta) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Parramatta Square, Parramatta Square, Parramatta 2150 (near Sydney)
- When
- Thu, Nov 26, 11 am to 9 pm (tree lit at 8 pm)
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Parramatta marks the start of the festive season with the lighting of its 18 metre Christmas tree in Parramatta Square. The Lord Mayor switches on the tree at 8 pm, a short and memorable moment for children to count down to.
From 11 am the square hosts Christmas markets with handcrafted gifts, local art, gourmet food and live music, so families can browse and eat before the lighting. The markets return to Parramatta Square from 17 to 22 December, and the tree stays lit through the season. The festive program in Parramatta also includes free Carols in Parramatta Park on Saturday 12 December.
Parent tip: Aim to arrive by 7:30 pm for a good view of the 8 pm lighting. Parramatta station is a short walk from the square.
See dates and details from City of Parramatta (AtParramatta) (opens in a new tab)Carols in Parramatta Park (Parramatta)
Christmas carolsFreeCity of Parramatta (AtParramatta) · Parramatta
- Host
- City of Parramatta (AtParramatta) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Parramatta Park (The Crescent and Monuments), Parramatta 2150 (near Sydney)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 3 to 9 pm (fireworks 9 pm)
- Cost
- Free (some rides and activities extra)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Carols in Parramatta Park runs from 3 pm, with performers including Justine Clarke, Jay Laga'aia and Kate Miller-Heidke, the Jingle Jammers band, and a special appearance from Santa. Major performances start at 5 pm at The Crescent, and the night ends with fireworks at 9 pm.
At the Monuments area, children can enjoy a free petting zoo, free face painting, amusement rides and a Santa's Workshop nature craft session run with Greater Sydney Parklands, where kids make Christmas decorations from leaves, flowers and gumnuts. There are also fire truck, police and SES displays, a food village, Christmas markets and horse and carriage rides, which end at 8 pm.
Parent tip: Parramatta Park is closed to vehicles, so walk from the train station or nearby car parks. The petting zoo and carriage rides finish at 8 pm.
See dates and details from City of Parramatta (AtParramatta) (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Alexandria
1 confirmed event in Alexandria, soonest first.
Alexandria Christmas Concert (Alexandria)
Meet SantaFreeCity of Sydney · Alexandria
- Host
- City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Alexandria Park, Buckland Street, Alexandria 2015 (near Sydney)
- When
- Sun, Dec 13, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Free; Santa photos for a $5 donation (AUD)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This City of Sydney concert, hosted by Sheba Williams, features children's favourites Monski Mouse and The Mik Maks along with Lucas Proudfoot, Sharnee Fenwick and Brown Sugar. Santa makes an appearance, and photos with him raise a $5 donation for Variety, the Children's Charity NSW/ACT.
Kids can try the Circus Drop Zone, enjoy free craft activities and play table tennis and giant Jenga. Food trucks offer dinner, and Variety runs face painting for a donation. Unlike some of the other park concerts, pets are not permitted at this one. A quiet space, live captioning and accessible toilets are provided.
Parent tip: Redfern and Green Square are the nearest train stations, and Waterloo is the closest Metro. Leave the dog at home for this one.
See dates and details from City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Belrose
1 confirmed event in Belrose, soonest first.
Christmas Pantomime at Glen Street: Carol Claus, the untold story of Santa's sister (Belrose)
Christmas carolsNorthern Beaches Libraries · Belrose
- Host
- Northern Beaches Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Glen Street Theatre, Sorlie's Space, Corner Glen Street and Blackbutts Road, Belrose 2085 (near Sydney)
- When
- Fri, Dec 18, 12:45 to 1:30 pm and 2 to 2:45 pm
- Cost
- $5 plus booking fee (AUD); under 2s free
- Ages
- All ages welcome; aimed at children aged 2 to 7
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The library's Christmas pantomime Carol Claus plays twice at Glen Street Theatre's Sorlie's Space. In the story, Jack Frost has made it impossible for Santa to fly his sleigh, so Rudolph sets off on a musical mission to find Santa's long lost sister Carol and help her believe in Christmas again, with the children joining in along the way.
Each session runs for 45 minutes with catchy songs and colourful characters. It is aimed at children aged 2 to 7, though everyone is welcome. Tickets cost $5 plus a booking fee for children and adults, babies under 2 are free, and adults must stay for the show.
Parent tip: Bookings are essential. Choose the 2 pm session if your child naps late in the morning.
See dates and details from Northern Beaches Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Camden
1 confirmed event in Camden, soonest first.
Camden Christmas Festival (Camden)
Meet SantaFreeCamden Council · Camden
- Host
- Camden Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Camden Town Centre, Argyle Street, Camden 2570 (near Sydney)
- When
- Sat, Nov 21, 4 to 9 pm (tree lighting 8:20 pm)
- Cost
- Free entry; amusement rides cost extra
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Argyle Street in Camden's town centre hosts the Christmas Festival from 4 pm to 9 pm. Kids can have photos with Santa, get their faces painted, decorate gingerbread and Christmas bracelets, write letters to Santa with Camden Library, and enjoy roving performers, neon putt putt golf, a silent disco and arcade games.
The main stage program builds to the lighting of the Camden Community Christmas Tree at 8:20 pm. Amusement rides are also on site for a fee. Auslan interpretation is provided, and road closures will be in place around Argyle Street for the event.
Parent tip: Expect road closures around Argyle Street; check Council's Facebook page for wet weather updates. Bring money for rides.
See dates and details from Camden Council (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Dee Why
1 confirmed event in Dee Why, soonest first.
Christmas by the Beach 2026 (Dee Why)
Meet SantaFreeNorthern Beaches Council · Dee Why
- Host
- Northern Beaches Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- James Meehan Reserve, Dee Why 2099 (near Sydney)
- When
- Fri, Dec 11, 4 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas by the Beach returns to James Meehan Reserve in Dee Why for a late afternoon of carol singing and a special children's Christmas show, with entertainment for the whole family. Free face painting and Santa photos are provided by the event partner.
Bring your own picnic, grab takeaway from a local restaurant, or buy dinner from the food trucks on site. Picnic rugs and low lying chairs are welcome, but camping chairs and glass are not permitted. Children must stay under adult supervision, and the council asks families to leave dogs at home because of the size of the crowd.
Parent tip: Bring a picnic rug or a low beach chair, as camping chairs are not allowed. Pets are strongly discouraged.
See dates and details from Northern Beaches Council (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Glebe
1 confirmed event in Glebe, soonest first.
Glebe Christmas Fair (Glebe)
Christmas paradeFreeCity of Sydney · Glebe
- Host
- City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Glebe Point Road (between St Johns and Parramatta roads), Glebe Point Road, Glebe 2037 (near Sydney)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, 12 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free entry; Santa photos for a $5 donation (AUD)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
For one day Glebe Point Road becomes a traffic free festive street with outdoor dining, two stages of live music and performances, market stalls, games and family activities. Santa's sleigh ride departs from the corner of St Johns Road between 2 and 2:30 pm and travels down to Minogue Reserve, and families can follow along.
Santa photos run on Glebe Point Road from 3 pm to 8 pm for a $5 donation to Variety, the Children's Charity NSW/ACT. Children can decorate their own Christmas hat at Santa's favourite hat activity, and there is face painting and coloured hair spray for a donation. A quiet space and accessible toilets are provided.
Parent tip: Central is the nearest train and metro station, and the light rail stops at Glebe. Be at St Johns Road by 2 pm for the sleigh ride.
See dates and details from City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Mona Vale
1 confirmed event in Mona Vale, soonest first.
Christmas Pantomime at Mona Vale: Carol Claus, the untold story of Santa's sister (Mona Vale)
Christmas carolsNorthern Beaches Libraries · Mona Vale
- Host
- Northern Beaches Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Mona Vale Memorial Hall, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale 2103 (near Sydney)
- When
- Fri, Dec 18, 9:45 to 10:30 am
- Cost
- $5 plus booking fee (AUD); under 2s free
- Ages
- All ages welcome; aimed at children aged 2 to 7
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Northern Beaches Libraries presents Carol Claus, a musical pantomime with catchy songs, colourful characters and plenty of Christmas cheer. When a mischievous Jack Frost stops Santa flying his sleigh, Rudolph is sent to find Santa's long lost sister Carol, once famous for writing everyone's favourite carols, and the children help him bring back her Christmas spirit.
The show lasts 45 minutes and is aimed at children aged 2 to 7, though all ages are welcome. Tickets are $5 plus a booking fee for children and accompanying adults, and babies under 2 are free. Adults must stay for the whole show.
Parent tip: Bookings are essential for both children and adults. The same show also plays twice at Glen Street Theatre that afternoon.
See dates and details from Northern Beaches Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Mosman
1 confirmed event in Mosman, soonest first.
Christmas Live at Taronga (Mosman)
Christmas showTaronga Zoo Sydney · Mosman
- Host
- Taronga Zoo Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Taronga Zoo Sydney, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman 2088 (near Sydney)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, evening (times to be announced)
- Cost
- Ticketed; prices to be announced
- Ages
- Family event
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas Live at Taronga is the zoo's much loved family Christmas evening, returning on Saturday 5 December with a new host, new live music and a fresh twist. The page describes an evening of live music, festive favourites and Christmas cheer for the whole family, set at Taronga Zoo on the harbour in Mosman.
At the time of checking, Taronga said tickets would be on sale soon and invited families to register their interest to hear first. Times and prices had not yet been published, so check the event page before planning your day.
Parent tip: Register your interest on the Taronga page to be told when tickets are released.
See dates and details from Taronga Zoo Sydney (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Potts Point
1 confirmed event in Potts Point, soonest first.
Potts Point Christmas Fair (Potts Point)
Christmas paradeFreeCity of Sydney · Potts Point
- Host
- City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Macleay Street and Darlinghurst Road (Greenknowe Avenue to Roslyn Street) and Fitzroy Gardens, Macleay Street, Potts Point 2011 (near Sydney)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 12 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free entry; Santa photos for a $5 donation (AUD)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Macleay Street and Darlinghurst Road close to traffic for a day of outdoor dining, live music, stalls, games and family activities. The Jingle Jam Stage runs all day, and Fitzroy Gardens hosts the Tinsel Showtime Garden from 5 pm with performances for all ages.
Santa's sleigh ride leaves from Greenknowe Avenue between 1:30 and 2 pm and travels down Darlinghurst Road. Santa photos follow on Macleay Street from 2:30 pm to 8 pm for a $5 donation to Variety, the Children's Charity NSW/ACT, and children can decorate a Christmas hat at Santa's favourite hat activity. Face painting is offered for a donation.
Parent tip: Kings Cross station is the closest train stop. Head to Greenknowe Avenue before 1:30 pm to follow the sleigh.
See dates and details from City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Pyrmont
1 confirmed event in Pyrmont, soonest first.
Pyrmont Christmas Concert (Pyrmont)
Meet SantaFreeCity of Sydney · Pyrmont
- Host
- City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Pirrama Park, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont 2009 (near Sydney)
- When
- Sun, Dec 6, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Free; Santa photos for a $5 donation (AUD)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Sheba Williams hosts this free City of Sydney concert, with performances from The Quokkas, The Vegetable Plot, The Pretty Amazing Jono and others, and a visit from Santa. The line up leans towards young families, mixing Christmas songs with other singalong favourites.
Between sets children can test their skills in the Circus Drop Zone, make free crafts and play table tennis and giant Jenga. Santa photos raise a $5 donation for Variety, which also offers face painting for a donation. Food trucks are on site, and the event provides a quiet space, live captioning and accessible toilets.
Parent tip: John Street Square light rail stop is about a 10 minute walk away. Pack a picnic rug and come early for a spot near the stage.
See dates and details from City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Rosebery
1 confirmed event in Rosebery, soonest first.
Rosebery Christmas Concert (Rosebery)
Meet SantaFreeCity of Sydney · Rosebery
- Host
- City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Turruwul Park, 115 Rothschild Avenue, Rosebery 2018 (near Sydney)
- When
- Sun, Nov 29, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Free; Santa photos for a $5 donation (AUD)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Sydney's Rosebery concert is hosted by Jayden Rodrigues, with sets from Team Dream, The Gagliardis and other performers mixing Christmas songs with other favourites. Santa drops in, and photos with him raise a $5 donation for Variety, the Children's Charity NSW/ACT.
Kids can try the Circus Drop Zone challenge, join free craft activities, and play table tennis and giant Jenga. Face painting is available for a donation, and food trucks serve dinner. The event has a quiet space, live captioning and an accessible drop off zone. Pets are allowed, but it can get crowded.
Parent tip: Bring a picnic rug and arrive early for a good spot. The nearest stations are Mascot and Green Square, and bike parking is provided.
See dates and details from City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in St Leonards
1 confirmed event in St Leonards, soonest first.
Evening Christmas Storytime @ St Leonards (St Leonards)
Christmas storytimeFreeLane Cove Libraries · St Leonards
- Host
- Lane Cove Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- St Leonards Library (LG level), 88 Christie Street, St Leonards 2065 (near Sydney)
- When
- Wed, Dec 16, 5:30 to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free, no booking needed
- Ages
- Family storytime
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Lane Cove Libraries hold this annual evening Christmas storytime for families at St Leonards Library, on the lower ground level at 88 Christie Street. The half hour session features festive stories and Christmas songs, and the early evening time makes it easier for working parents and school age children to come along.
The event is free and no bookings are required, so families can simply drop in. It is a gentle, low key way to share Christmas books together before the holidays begin, and it is short enough for toddlers while still fun for older siblings.
Parent tip: No booking needed; arrive a few minutes early to find a spot on the floor.
See dates and details from Lane Cove Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Surry Hills
1 confirmed event in Surry Hills, soonest first.
Surry Hills Christmas Fair (Surry Hills)
Christmas paradeFreeCity of Sydney · Surry Hills
- Host
- City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Crown Street (between Cleveland and Foveaux streets), Crown Street, Surry Hills 2010 (near Sydney)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 12 to 10 pm
- Cost
- Free entry; Santa photos for a $5 donation (AUD)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Surry Hills fair spreads across several zones along Crown Street, with live music stages, games, stalls and outdoor dining. Santa's sleigh ride departs at 2 pm from Cleveland Street and travels to the Surry Hills Christmas tree at Collins Street Reserve, next to Surry Hills Library.
Santa photos run at the Festive Hub from 3 pm to 9 pm for a $5 donation to Variety, and children can decorate a hat at Santa's favourite hat activity. In the evening there is a free outdoor screening of The Grinch at the Festive Hub from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. There is also a festive dog parade at midday.
Parent tip: Central is the nearest station, and the light rail stops at Surry Hills on Devonshire Street. Bring something to sit on for the outdoor movie.
See dates and details from City of Sydney (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cosy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com.au (opens in a new tab)Sydney Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Sydney in 2026?
We confirmed 22 Christmas events for kids in Sydney for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Camden Christmas Festival (Camden), Martin Place Christmas tree, Santa's Sydney sleigh ride and tree lighting, Tree Lighting and Christmas Markets, Parramatta Square (Parramatta), Santa in the City: Santa's House, Martin Place, Glebe Christmas Fair (Glebe), Rosebery Christmas Concert (Rosebery), Christmas Live at Taronga (Mosman), Potts Point Christmas Fair (Potts Point), Pyrmont Christmas Concert (Pyrmont), Christmas by the Beach 2026 (Dee Why) and Carols in Parramatta Park (Parramatta). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Sydney?
Yes. 16 of the 22 events here are free, including Camden Christmas Festival (Camden), Martin Place Christmas tree, Santa's Sydney sleigh ride and tree lighting, Tree Lighting and Christmas Markets, Parramatta Square (Parramatta), Glebe Christmas Fair (Glebe), Rosebery Christmas Concert (Rosebery), Potts Point Christmas Fair (Potts Point), Pyrmont Christmas Concert (Pyrmont), Christmas by the Beach 2026 (Dee Why), Carols in Parramatta Park (Parramatta), Surry Hills Christmas Fair (Surry Hills) and Alexandria Christmas Concert (Alexandria). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Sydney this year?
Santa appears at Camden Christmas Festival (Camden), Santa's Sydney sleigh ride and tree lighting, Santa in the City: Santa's House, Martin Place, Glebe Christmas Fair (Glebe), Rosebery Christmas Concert (Rosebery), Potts Point Christmas Fair (Potts Point), Pyrmont Christmas Concert (Pyrmont), Christmas by the Beach 2026 (Dee Why), Carols in Parramatta Park (Parramatta), Surry Hills Christmas Fair (Surry Hills), Alexandria Christmas Concert (Alexandria) and The Greatest Christmas Show. Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Sydney?
Christmas storytimes on this page: Evening Christmas Storytime @ St Leonards (St Leonards). Library storytimes are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 2 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
