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 3 November 2023 until 28 January 2024 (closed 25 December). While in the area, check out these unexpected things to do in the Hunter Valley, 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 at Hunter Valley Gardens - Credit: Christmas Lights Spectacular | Harrigan's Hunter Valley

Central Coast

Need to do some last-minute gift shopping? Spend an evening perusing the Christmas Wollemi Artisan Markets on the Central Coast, featuring live music and a range of products from art and homewares to jewellery and homemade creations from talented Blue Mountains artists. Meanwhile, the largest outdoor Christmas event on the Central Coast is back in 2023: the Central Coast Christmas Fair. With over 160 vendors, browse art, crafts, gifts and fresh produce while enjoying live music, free kids activities and meeting Santa and his pals.

Central Coast Christmas Fair, Central Coast - Credit: Central Coast Christmas Fair

North Coast

Heading further north up the coast, the Very Merry Market and Elders Christmas is a joint collaboration between the Lismore Regional Gallery, Lismore Library and the Lismore Produce Market. Expect tasty food, funky gifts by local artists (from cermaics to original prints), live music and free kids' activities. 

In Newcastle, the free Christmas Under the Stars encompasses an evening of carols, fun activities for kids, free popcorn and a special Christmas movie, not to mention plenty of food trucks and a certain jolly red man who is expected to make an appearance. In Coffs Harbour, Coffs Coast Carols on 16 December is a iad-back evening of family-friendly performance, wuith a visit from Sata and an exciting fireworks display.

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

Country NSW

Get into the festive spirit on 1 December 2023 at the Cowra Christmas Festival, with live music, family activities, bar and barbecue, and a special appearance from Santa. 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 2023 Christmas lights on 3 December. Festivities kick off with a fair in Mountford Park with stalls and entertainment.

Cowra Christmas Festival, Cowra - Credit: Cowra Christmas Festival

Situated between Canberra and Yass, Murrumbateman puts on a fun Christmas Carols and Twilight Market on 7 December at its recreation grounds. Come for carols, Christmas shopping, and delicious food and drink. En route to Canberra from Sydney, Goulburn puts on the annual Christmas in the Park, a carol concert in the beautiful Belmore Park.

If you find yourself in the Mighty Murray region, check out the Howlong Twilight Christmas Festival on 16 December for a night of twilight market stalls, live music, kid-friendly activities, nativity play, a vintage car display and more. Meanwhile, on 1 December, Light Up Corowa illuminates the town with a number of light installations, alongside a number of market stalls, carols and food trucks.

Nearby in the Riverina, Christmas with the Con in Wagga Wagga is a fun-filled concert engaging over 100 professional and aspiring musicians from the Riverina Conservatorium of Music. Also in town on the 6 December is the Wagga Wagga Christmas Trail, for those who want to meet Mr and Mrs Claus face to face.

Wagga Wagga Christmas Trail, Wagga Wagga - Credit: Wagga Wagga Christmas Trail

Sydney

A magical marketplace pops up annually in the historic precinct of The Rocks with 70-plus market stalls with unique gift ideas such as handmade Christmas decorations, artisan jewellery, street food and locally designed fashion. While in the area, be sure to check out Christmas Wonderlanes, an immersive installation that takes over the picturesque laneways.

The Rocks Christmas Markets. Image Credit: Place Management NSW

Running from 16 November until 25 December, Deck the Harbour - Darling Harbour Christmas features back-to-back Christmas events and family attractions. Some highlights include the weekend fireworks, mini golf, Santas's workshop, Christmas pedal boats and much more.

On 3 December, the Ultimate Christmas Market is taking over the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park with 150 stalls, live entertainment and kid's rides – just to name a few fun activities. Meanwhile, the Jolly Market, set against the stunning backdrop of Customs House and inspired by Europe's Christmas markets, is returning to the city centre from 15-22 December, complete with wooden huts, artisanal giftwares, delicious food and wine, and live music. 

For more ideas on how to celebrate Christmas in Sydney, click here.