Christmas markets, festivals & events in NSW

Hunter Valley

Witness Australia’s largest Christmas lights display at the Christmas Lights Spectacular at the Hunter Valley Gardens. Boasting over three million lights, as well as a 35-metre super slide, a Venetian carousel, a flying swing chair, food stalls and much more, the event runs from 7 November until 26 January (closed 25 December). 

For fireworks, live music, performances and foodie fun, head to Christmas on John Street on 5 December when Singleton's main street is transformed into Santa Claus Lane. While in the area, there are lots of unexpected things to do, from exploring a stock route on a Segway to getting a bird's-eye view of the vineyards from a hot air balloon.

Christmas Lights Spectacular, Pokolbin - Credit: Hunter Valley Gardens

Central Coast

Your Christmas shopping will be a cinch thanks to the Central Coast's many festive markets. Stock up on gifts and decorations at the Central Coast Christmas Fair on 29 November at Gosford Showgrounds. Avoca Beachside Markets are holding a special Christmas Twilight Edition on 6 December, with over 120 vendors selling seasonal produce and gifts, international foods, desserts, drinks and more. Celebrating its 10th year in 2025, the market will be held as the sun sets at Avoca Lagoon. Enjoy a magical evening filled with local wares, tasty treats, a jumping castle, face painting and even a parade by Santa and his friends at the Ourimbah Twilight Christmas Market on 12 December.

Avoca Beachside Markets Twilight Edition, Avoca Beach - Credit: Fixx Events and Marketing

North Coast

In Newcastle, the free Christmas Under the Stars held on 13 December encompasses an evening of carols led by talented local artists including The Roadies, Joy Trio and Matt McLaren. Kids will enjoy activities including face painting, lawn games, an inflatable soccer target, sustainable craft workshops and a screening of Elf. 

In Coffs Harbour, Coffs Coast Carols on 20 December is a laid-back evening of family-friendly performance, with a visit from Santa and an exciting fireworks display. In Glen Innes, Christmas lights and decorations will illuminate the historic Town Hall with food and gift stalls stretching down to the parklands at Christmas in the Highlands - Illuminations on 29 November. 

Coffs Coast Carols, Coffs Harbour - Credit: Matt Evens | Naturally Creative

South Coast

Shop local this festive season with markets along the South Coast. Find handmade goodies, plants and foodie delights at Long Beach Christmas Fair on 14 December. With over 150 stalls selling everything from the latest pet apparel to local honey, Milton Village Showground Christmas Market on 6 and 20 December has your gifts sorted.

Long Beach Christmas Fair, Long Beach - Credit: Long Beach Christmas Fair

Country NSW

Get into the festive spirit on 22 November with a Santa Parade through the heart of Orange featuring live reindeer as well as the jolly man himself. On 5 December at the Cowra Christmas Festival, the main street of town is transformed into a market city with stalls selling every gift imaginable. Christmas carols will fill the air as children enjoy free activities, families take photos with Santa Claus and feast on festive meals. While in town, be sure to stop by the Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.

Decorative street light displays are an annual tradition throughout NSW, one in which houses are illuminated with thousands of festive lights in anticipation of the holidays. Head for Light Up Leeton and the official turning on of the Christmas lights on 7 December when Mountford Park hosts a market and community concert featuring local musicians. Walk or drive around to see over 200 houses and businesses lit up around Leeton. In Tamworth, Baiada Carols in the Park on 13 December will feature opera, jazz, rock and country stars performing alongside a 30-piece orchestra as well as a tree lighting. 

Cowra Christmas Festival, Cowra - Credit: Cowra Christmas Festival

Situated between Canberra and Yass, Murrumbateman puts on a fun Twilight Market and Christmas Carols on 6 December at its recreation grounds. Come to sing songs, do your Christmas shopping, and enjoy delicious food and drink. En route to Canberra from Sydney, Goulburn puts on the annual Carols by Candlelight, a carol concert in the beautiful Belmore Park on 14 December.

If you find yourself in the Murray region, check out the North Pole Wonderland in Mildura on 13 December for an evening of Christmas lights, live music, food trucks and a reindeer trail the kids will love. Meanwhile, Echuca Twilight Christmas Market on 13 December is a fantastic way to find unique gifts, located in Hopwood Gardens, right in the heart of Echuca's Historical Port.

Nearby in the Riverina, the Australian Army Band will fill the night sky with Christmas classics under the stars at Carols by Candlelight in Wagga Wagga on 6 December. Also in town, Christmas with the Con on 13 December is a fun-filled concert engaging over 220 professional and aspiring musicians from the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.

Christmas with the Con, Wagga Wagga - Credit: Christmas with the Con

Sydney

When the Martin Place Christmas Tree is lit on 28 November, you know Christmas in Sydney has arrived. It’s the tallest Christmas tree in the Southern Hemisphere and the centrepiece for light shows, Santa photos and carolling. For another stunning tree, visit the Queen Victoria Building Christmas tree that spans three levels of the historic building.

Every night from 17 December, visit St Mary’s Cathedral for the nine-day Christmas at the Cathedral festival. Food and gift stalls will be set up in the elegant Gothic Revival building’s forecourt, with festive performances nightly. Don’t miss the 8.30pm light show when the facade becomes the backdrop for light projections.

Christmas at the Cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral

In Randwick, Burwood, Wentworth Point and Green Square the streets are lit up for twilight Christmas markets, while daytime markets will be held at Ryde, Maroubra and Cronulla, with a Christmas Festival in Double Bay on 23 November. 

For one of a kind gifts, head to Sydney's markets. The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition starts on 6 December and runs every weekend until 21 December. Tick everyone off your gift list with jewellery, pottery and Christmas chocolates, then pick up a bowl of paella or a stack of gozleme at one of the food stalls for a picnic under the Harbour Bridge. Over the water at White Bay Cruise Terminal, the Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market on 13 and 14 of December features exclusively made-in-Australia goods at its colourful stalls. Discover more great ideas on how to celebrate Christmas in Sydney.

The Rocks Christmas Markets, The Rocks - Credit: Place Management NSW