The best things to do in Sydney between Christmas and NYE

Dates open: Year round (except for Dec 25)

Price: Free

Want something to do that will most definitely blow your mind? We recommend heading to the Sydney Modern extension of the Art Gallery of NSW that just opened this year. The most significant cultural development in the Harbour City since the Sydney Opera House, you cannot fully comprehend the scale of this mammoth building until you start descending down within it. Expect to explore a massive underground WW2 fuel bunker, a whole host of wildly colourful multisensory exhibitions, and an all-round art experience that rivals MoMa in New York. You heard it here first folks. 

Dates open: December 26-30

Price: from $50 (includes unlimited rides)

The space between Christmas and New Year's Eve is a special one at Luna Park this year with the "world first" Dream Circus. For one week, the park will have 360 degree projections, holograms and surround sound in the Big Top. Dream Circus is its own event so you can either enter a new world at the Big Top, or pair it with some epic rides for all ages. There’s plenty of time for repeat goes on the Wild Mouse, soaking up history in Coney Island or spinning on the Rotor until you vomit (although we don’t recommend ending your night that way).

Dates open: Dec 26-30

Price: $26

These in-between times are perfect for catching a flick – and why not do it outdoors? Pack your picnic baskets and bring a blanket, because after months of being cooped up inside, Sydney's famous Moonlight Cinema is back for another run at Centennial Park. Yes, Love Actually is playing, multiple times. 

IMAX Sydney closed for a rebuild back in 2016, and after a longggg wait, it finally relaunched in October 2023. IMAX Sydney’s new movie screen is the third largest in the world, spanning a staggering 693 square metres. While most cinemas rely on digital projectors, IMAX Sydney goes all out with a state-of-the-art 4K laser projection system. This means that the screen practically pops with brighter images, more vivid colours and crystal-clear resolution. Plus, it boasts an impressive 12-channel sound system, meaning you will be able to feel the action run through your bones.

Game on, Sydney. On December 21, these brand new interactive gaming rooms will open in Darling Harbour, offering full-scale, immersive versions of Squid Game, Angry Birds, Ghostbusters and a whole lot more. You and your crew will have more than 13 exhilarating games to pick from, which range from 30-minute speed sessions to epic 120-minute extravaganzas.

Dates open: December 25-29

Price: From $294

If you’re a Sydneysider and you’re yet to climb the Harbour Bridge, now is as good a time as ever. They are open on Christmas Day for a festive time with a twist, and are hinting that Santa may make an appearance at the summit. Take in the iconic white sails of the Opera House, the silhouette of the Blue Mountains and the endless ocean that flows beyond the east.

Dates open: Year round

Price: Free

All other kinds of activities aside, it's no secret that Sydney's real power lies in its astoundingly beautiful beaches. We have put together a list ranking the 50 best beaches in town. Spend the middle days hopping between them all, with each of these beachy selections chosen for their accessibility, safety and all-round beachy beauty that has to be seen to be believed. Start packing that picnic now.

Dates: Dec 26-31

Price: Free

While the rest of Sydney sleeps, the MCA will continue pumping out the goods. Head down to Circular Quay for a sunny day of contemporary art pondering, and make sure you check out the vibrant and massive interactive works of Korean-born artist Do Ho Suh. 

Dates open: Year-round

Price: Free

Let's be real. Europe ain't as cute as at this time of year, but even if you can't travel out of Sydneytown during this time, you can pretend that you have. Head to one of these eight places that will make you feel like you're living in a European summery dream, all without the hefty international price tag. 

Dates: Year round 

Price: Free

In the national parks that sit on the city’s fringes, you'll find several wonderful hikes that are perfect for those who prefer a relaxed amble to a major expedition. Lace-up those boots, grab a fistful of trail mix, top up your water bottle and head out on one of these easy day hikes near Sydney.

Dates open: December 25-31

Price: From $40.80 (if you book online)

Head underwater with the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, the world's largest indoor system of Australian marine life, with 60 tanks and three oceanaria filled with more than 12,000 animals from 650 different species. Highlights include Shark Valley, the Great Barrier Reef exhibit, Japanese Spider crabs and the Bay of Rays.

Dates open: Year round

Price: Free

When you can’t choose between the beach and a swimming pool, these salty swimming spots have the best of both worlds. Dive in as the sun rises and you’ll have the baths to yourself, or wade in at high tide for a thrilling swell as waves crash against the walls. Here, we have collected Sydney's 11 best ocean pools for all your salty needs during the holiday season. 

Dates open: Year-round

Price: Free

Whether you're looking to go for a run, walk your dog, have a sedate picnic or just take a break from your four walls, these are the parks to visit. They have sprawling open spaces, free barbecues and shaded spots to while away an afternoon or simply catch a break at lunchtime. Some of these parks also welcome horse riding, if you fancy a bit of equestrian exercise.  

Dates open: December 25-31

Price: From $35.10

Why not head to Mosman for a day amongst the animals in this middle period? Whether you’re a lover of mammals, reptiles or birds, there’s plenty to see, do and learn. Hang out with lion cubs at the African Safari, or spend your time in a dark cave with snakes and crocodiles at Reptile World. Head to the free flight bird show or the seals for the wild show, and visit the dingo pups at their fresh Australian native exhibit.

Dates open: December 26-31

Price: Free 

It’s the perfect time to retreat into the air-conditioned palace of knowledge that is the Powerhouse. Stop by the revamped museum for the epic 1001 Remarkable Objects exhibition. This truly is an exhibition for everyone, so it's perfect for a nice family outing to pass the time in the silliest week of the silliest season. 

Dates open: Early-December to early January

Price: Free

Christmas has hit Sydney with a vengenance this year. In the city centre, you'll find extravagant trees towering into the skyline, while if you take an excursion in the suburbs, you'll find houses decorated to the nines by DIY merrymakers.