You may be running around shouting Ho Ho Ho and Merry Christmas to everyone who crosses your path, or you may not feel like the most festive day of the year is just around the corner. However you feel, here are some ideas to help you ramp up (or maintain) the Christmas spirit.
Summer Santa at the Tower Eye
Find Santa as he should be in Australia, slipped, slapped, and slopped with thongs on. You’ll find him chilling in his beach chair atop Sydney Tower Eye. You’ll need to book your tickets as they’re selling up fast. A standard entry to the attraction will also give you a free photo with Santa.
Until 23 Dec 12-6pm
How much: Tickets from $20.30 for adults and $14 for children
Christmas at Sydney Town Hall
Enjoy carol singing, readings, and festive music at this very traditional, Christmassy affair. Set under the beautiful sandstone of one of our most beloved buildings.
18 Dec 8-9.30pm
How much: Adults $17, Children $14, Concession $14
The Gantry Luxe Buffet– Pier One
Let someone else do the hard work and treat yourselves to a luxe lunch at Pier One. It’s an all you can eat affair with fresh seafood, Christmas favourites at the carvery, and some delicious sides – all washed down with Australian beer, wine, and soft drinks. But the best thing about it is, no washing up.
25 Dec 12.30-3.30pm
How much: Adults $295 (13+), Child $205
An Italian Feast – The Domain
Enjoy 5 courses of soulful, traditional Italian favourites amongst the greenery of The Domain and accompanied by 2 ½ hours of unlimited beverages.
25 Dec – 1st sitting 11am-2pm 2nd sitting 2.30-5.30
How much: Adult $175 Kids $155
The Nightmare Before Christmas at Mov’in Bed
Settle down in one of the 150 beds under the stars at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park.
You could even order dinner if you wanted to – have something from The Bavarian Beer Cafe, Fratelli Fresh, The Burger Project delivered to your bed. Or, if you’d rather stay out of bed for a bit longer, take your picnic blanket and set yourself up in your own space, ready to watch this Christmas classic.
21 Dec 8.30-11.30pm
How much: $10-$93.90
The Grounds Christmas Cake Decorating Masterclass
For one day only, this special one-off class will guide you to build and decorate The Grounds’ limited edition Christmas cake. The dedicated pastry team will work through a step-by-step demonstration. Sharing tips in preparing and layering a 4-layer cake, using different icing finishes and piping techniques, and adding the perfect delicious decorative touches to finish.
20 Dec 6.30pm-8.30pm
How much: $145
12 days of Chiswick Cocktails
The Chiswick are inviting you to come and share their 12 Chiswick Christmas Cocktails before the big day. There’s even a couple of non-alcoholic ones for younger family members or those that don’t want to drink:
1. Chiswick’s 4 Pillars Christmas Gin Martinez (A) – tastes like Christmas pudding
2. Bloody Mary (A)
3. Garden Tonic (NA)
4. Monet (A)
5. Pink Grapefruit Margarita (A)
6. Cucumber Pisco (A)
7. Rose Spritz (A)
8. Spiced Negroni (A)
9. Honey Bush Spritz (NA)
10. Picasso (A)
11. Rosemary Twist (A)
12. Baileys Espresso Martini (A)
Finishes 24 Dec
Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Sundays 12 pm-3.30pm
Weds 12-9.30pm
How much: varies
Giant Gingerbread Train
Executive pastry chef, Anna Polyviou has created a giant 4 metre gingerbread train using over 1,000 kilos of gingerbread bricks, 500 kilos of lollies, 100 kilos of fondant, giant lollipops, and candy canes – topped with oodles of cherry icing.
Where: Shang-ri-La
When: Until 31 December 7am-9pm
The Lights of Christmas – St Mary’s Cathedral
It’s a Christmas tradition which should not be missed. The spectacular Lights of Christmas adorning St Mary’s Cathedral. The free nightly light and sound show includes 7.30pm choir performances and projections from 8.30 until midnight.
When: Until 25 Dec 7.30pm-12 am
How much: Free