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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.

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