Lord Mayor Clover Moore will be joined by Santa tonight, to officially light the 24m Christmas tree in Martin Place under a glittering fireworks display, following a sleigh ride from Circular Quay with a marching band and elves on reindeer tricycles.
Once lit, the tree's sound and light show will entertain crowds every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight until New Year's Day.
From today and for the first time, families and pets can get their photos taken with Santa at his specially constructed workshop next to the beloved Martin Place Christmas tree. $5 from each photo package purchased will go to the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.
"With more than 110,000 lights and 330 baubles, the centrepiece of our Christmas celebrations is a real stunner. Uniquely Australian, the tree's branches are decorated with 15,000 flowers representing 9 native blooms including waratahs and wattle," Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
"I'm looking forward to helping Santa light up the Martin Place tree. Christmas in the city is a magical time and I look forward to seeing you and soaking up the festive atmosphere."
Six free children's concerts, Christmas markets, choir performances, lights and decorations will also make sure the city centre and local neighbourhoods sparkle for the festive season.
Neighbourhood Christmas concerts
Six free community concerts start Friday 1 December. There'll be music and dance from various performers, including The Listies, Justine Clarke, Diver City and Lah Lah's Big Live Band, games and food trucks, as well as a visit from Santa.
Bring a picnic rug to:
- Pyrmont Christmas concert, Pirrama Park, Friday 1 December, 6pm-8pm
- Surry Hills Christmas concert, Prince Alfred Park, Saturday 2 December, 6pm-8pm
- Rosebery Christmas concert, Turruwul Park, Sunday 3 December, 6pm-8pm
- Rushcutters Bay Christmas concert, Reg Bartley Oval, Friday 8 December, 6pm-8pm
- Glebe Christmas concert, Bicentennial Park, Saturday 9 December, 6pm-8pm
- Alexandria Christmas concert, Alexandria Park, Sunday 10 December, 6pm-8pm
Accessible features include Auslan interpretation, hearing loop, live screen captioning, drop off and pick up areas, sensory tents at 4 of the 6 concerts, online food menus and accessible toilets.
Choirs
From Friday 1 December, choirs will sing all your Christmas favourites at the Martin Place Christmas tree 6pm to 8pm until 24 December. Carols will also be performed at the QVB forecourt from mid-December until 23 December.
Lights and decorations
A shimmering canopy of 80,000 suspended lights make Pitt Street Mall shine while 8,000 icicle fairy lights span Martin Place.
Dazzling projections featuring Christmas baubles light up the QVB façade along George Street. The Woolworths building across from Sydney Town Hall is also draped in a curtain of light.
Martin Place Christmas markets
Returning for the second year running, markets selling gifts and Christmas goodies are on at Martin Place 11am to 8pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Christmas Eve.
Christmas at Sydney Town Hall
Tickets are now on sale for this concert at Sydney Town Hall, featuring carols and festive music on 20 December 2023.
Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation
The City of Sydney is proud to support Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation this festive season.
Donate to help support critical specialist units and transport services for babies and children in times of urgent need. Help secure the best facilities to care for childhood health conditions and create environments focused on improving quality of life for sick kids in the short and long term.
Visit sydneychristmas.com.au for more.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Santa's sleigh ride and official lighting of the Martin Place Christmas tree
When: 6-8.30pm, Thursday 30 November 2023
Where: Along Pitt Street, from Circular Quay to Martin Place
Cost: Free
