While the majority of Sydneysiders are at home celebrating Christmas, take advantage of their absence
The Flying Spaghetti Monster has no birthday. Mawlid is either donezo or on the horizon. Hanukkah is a distant memory at this point, and the summer solstice is old news. Yep, it's December 25, and it's #NotMyChristmas. Without family obligations, what does one do on a day when almost everything is closed? Well, my non-Christian compatriot, follow us on a journey through an almost-abandoned city. Almost, but not quite...
Somebody's got to take care of the animals no matter what day it is, which means Taronga is open on Christmas Day. Over giraffes (you monster)? Well, you can also check out seals and sharks at Sea Life Aquarium, which is open till 7pm.
Don't celebrate Christmas? Do celebrate it but don't dig turkey? Luckily some of Sydney's best yum cha restaurants will be dishing up all the dumplings your heart could desire this Christmas Day.
Bondi Beach remains rammed on December 25, but every other beach in town will be blissfully quiet. If you really want to make an adventure of it, head to a Royal National Park beach and hike to your swim.
Sure, it's not as Insta-perfect as swimming under a waterfall on New Year's Day, but nature doesn't close for Christmas, and these waterfalls won't stop flowing.
Sure, almost everything is shut on Xmas Day. Lucky for you, we've rounded up a few cafés and restaurants that are open, so you can just be your regular, caffeinated self.
Nothing says "Thank god this isn't my holiday" like watching people who've been trapped with their families all day desperately trying to drink the pain away. Meanwhile, you can sip a mojito and just enjoy the feeling of total relaxation.
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.
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