New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
North Island
South Island

What to expect from Sydney in December

Lucy Pascual
November 17, 2023
darling harbour sydney dine outside

Sydney in December is the most vibrant and festive time to visit, as the city is buzzing with holiday cheer and seasonal activities. The warm summer weather gives you temperatures from 19°c to 26°c, meaning it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the Christmas markets, festive celebrations and spectacular New Year’s Eve events.

The Capital of Celebrations

Sydney fully embraces the holiday season with a huge range of festive activities. The city’s streets and landmarks are always decorated with dazzling Christmas decorations, and popular spots like Martin Place and Pitt Street Mall transform into festive wonderlands.

Besides giant Christmas trees and stunning light displays, there are festive events such as Carols in the Domain and other holiday-themed performances held all across the city, so the Christmas spirit is truly alive all throughout December in Sydney.

If you love shopping, Sydney’s Christmas markets are a must-visit. The EQ Ultimate Christmas Market and Martin Place Christmas Market are both big deals with a delightful range of knick knacks, gifts, festive foods and live entertainment, but there are so many more local market events, you might have a hard time choosing!

If you’re spending the latter part of December in Sydney, you’ll get to experience the world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks. Sydney Harbour hosts some spectacular celebrations, with dazzling fireworks above the Harbour Bridge and Opera House lighting up the sky and water.

For a truly unforgettable experience, booking a New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise will give you a prime viewing position of the fireworks, along with champagne, canapés and live entertainment. There’s truly no better time to be in Sydney!

Sail Through a Sydney Summer

The pleasant summer weather in December is so good for outdoor activities and there’s no better way to see the city than by jumping aboard a cruise or sailing tour. There are multiple tour options to suit all tastes and if you’re a true sailing fan, you can also jump on a cruise for the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Visit our Things to Do in Sydney page for even more fun!

Travelling during another month? Check out what to expect from Sydney in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

AUTHOR PROFILE
Lucy Pascual
Lucy is a true-blue Aussie living in Far North Queensland. When she's not writing, she spends her time travelling to Australia's top destinations, aiming to see as much of the country as possible so she can share its best locations with her readers.

Related Posts

Uluru at sunrise

What to expect from Uluru in October

If you’re visiting Uluru in October, you can expect warmer temperatures ranging from 15°c to 32°c – a pretty comfortable climate for most activities. Between exploring the region’s beautiful natural wonders, this month gives you a great opportunity to look into Aboriginal culture, learn traditional techniques and create your own meaningful artwork inspired by the […]

Guide to North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island - where laid-back vibes, pristine beaches, and indigenous culture combine to create the ultimate Aussie adventure. Known as 'Straddie' to the locals, this island paradise is the perfect escape for anyone looking for some relaxation and breathtaking natural beauty. (And did we mention the resident kangaroos hopping around? It's like living in […]

Unlocking Accessible Adventures

Your accessible travel guide to Brisbane and the Gold Coast

Cairns beach shorefront

Sydney to Cairns Road Trip Itinerary | East Coast Reefs and Beaches Tour 

Buckle up and get ready for an epic Australian adventure! The open road beckons on this thrilling road trip from Sydney all the way to the tropical paradise of Cairns. Get set to soak up the sun and uncover hidden gems along the way on this epic 15 Day East Coast Reefs and Beaches Tour! […]

cairns esplanade at sunset

What to expect from Cairns in September

Cairns in September is such a good time for backpackers and other visitors to explore this natural beauty in the heart of tropical North Queensland. As winter transitions into spring, you can expect delightful dry weather with low humidity and temperatures ranging from 19°c to 29°c – not too hot and not too cold. These […]

All Accessible Pass: QLD Summer Itinerary

Your complete guide to a summer in the Sunshine State

Social Media

Accepted Payments

Members of

chevron-down