We all know that to spend Christmas far away from home may not sound very exciting, but it doesn’t have to be like that if you are in Australia! For those who will be in Sydney, here are some useful ideas, which will help you to enjoy this time of the year. After all Christmas in the summertime doesn’t sound that bad does it?!
- Martin Place Christmas Concert & Tree Lighting
- Saturday 26 November 2016 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
- Martin Place, Sydney CBD
- Free
The interactive Christmas tree lighting offers a spectacular show of lights and colour. But that is not all, you will also see Santa arriving in his cycle-drawn sleigh, whilst enjoying the fireworks, that makes this event a must see.
- Lights of Christmas
- Thursday 8 December to Sunday 25 December 2016. Every day, 7.30pm to 12.00am
- St Mary’s Cathedral Square, College St, Sydney CBD
- Free
This is a much loved event in Sydney, where you can enjoy a stunning combination of music and lights over the sandstone façade of St Mary’s Cathedral. Before the show starts each evening, a choir will perform live carols on the steps of the Cathedral.
The theme for this year is ‘Joy to the World’ and will feature an extraordinary animation of the timeless Christmas tale, the Nutcracker Suite along with a pictorial journey of Christmas decorations throughout the ages. I hope you enjoy the show!
- Rushcutters Bay Village Christmas Concert
- Saturday 3 December 2016 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
- Reg Bartley Oval, Rushcutters Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs
- Free
What better way to enjoy the summer Christmas season than an outdoor free concert? If you are free on the first Saturday of December, I encourage you to spend some time enjoying the sounds of Justine Clarke, SplashDance and Caravana Sun on the stage. A sausage sizzle, ice cream and coffee will all be available.
- New Year’s Eve fireworks
- Saturday 31 December, 9.00 pm & 12.00 pm
- Different locations all over Sydney
- Free
The New Year’s Eve fireworks are world famous and they are a totally unforgettable experience to celebrate the start of the next year.
With the Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House in the background, 12 minutes of dazzling fireworks will start at 9pm (suggested for children) and midnight (everyone else!). To make the most of New Year’s Eve night, it’s recommended you plan your day in advance because the best spots fill up very quickly (even days beforehand). Here are some examples of places where you can experience (for free) the best views, which will make the last night of the year a totally magical experience.
- Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point, Sydney
- Bradfield Park
Alfred Street South, Milsons Point
- Mrs Macquaries Point
Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
- Pirrama Park
Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
- Blues Point Reserve
Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
- Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour, Sydney
Article by: Patricia Martin