Have a Very Artsy Christmas: Sydney Family Arts Events for the Holidays

From carols to craft, the Christmas holiday season is a great time to get artsploring around Sydney with the kids. Here is a round up of a variety of opportunities to get your holiday and creativity fix all in one go!


Sydney Village Carols

We love the City of Sydney Village Carols. Not only are they free, but they feature some of our favourite Aussie kids musicians. This year, choose from:

Elf: The Musical

“Experience the Australian premiere of Elf: The Musical, a heartwarming adaptation of the beloved film. This hilarious show follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity and the spirit of Christmas.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 19 – 29 December
Recommended Age: All ages
Tickets: $99 – $159

The Christmas Spectacular

“Master magician and illusionist Michael Boyd and special guest Prinnie Stevens arrive with the most magical holiday event of the season returning to the State Theatre from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 December. The Christmas Spectacular is an extravaganza of music, circus, dance and magic that celebrates the joy and excitement of Christmas.”
Where: State Theatre
When: 20 – 22 December
Tickets: $49 – $79

The Magic of Christmas (The Metropolitan Orchestra)

“This is a wonderfully engaging opportunity for children to enjoy an interactive first-class musical experience with a unique opportunity to get up close to the instruments of a symphony orchestra with a live orchestra walk-through.  Little ones will be immersed in the magic of Christmas while falling in love with beautiful and timeless music played by the orchestra, leaving everyone filled with that special Christmas spirit.”
Where: Petersham Town Hall
When: 30 November – 1 December
Recommended Age: 6 months – 9 years
Tickets: $20 – $24

Christmas as Sydney Town Hall

“Celebrate the much-loved Christmas at Sydney Town Hall, a spectacular of carols and festive music. Enjoy the Christmas story through carols and pageantry with choirs, harp, NSW Police Band and the grand organ. A truly memorable night for the whole family, in one of Sydney’s most beautiful buildings.”
Where: Town Hall
When: Tuesday 17 December
Tickets: $18.35 – $23.47

Carols in the Domain

If you’re keen to brave the crowds, Sydney’s Carols in the Domain lineup this year includes The Wiggles, Samantha Jade, Hugh Sheridan, Conrad Sewell, Erin Holland, Mark Vincent, Jael Wena, Kym Johnson, The Young Stars of Australian Opera, Janice Breen Performers, The Sydney Youth Orchestra, Rejoice Gospel Choir, The Australian Girls Choir. (Or, watch from the comfort of your lounge room on Channel 7)
Where: The Domain
When: Saturday 21 December
Tickets: Free seating on the Festival Lawn or purchase reserved seating $84.90 – $149

Taronga Zoo Christmas Concert

“With festive season just around the corner, it’s time to get together with family, friends and loved ones and experience the holiday magic at Taronga’s annual Christmas Concert! Set in the idyllic grounds of Taronga Zoo with magical views across Sydney Harbour, this family friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas and enjoy a spectacular summer night of entertainment featuring a special guest all the way from the North Pole!”
When: 14 December
Where: Taronga Zoo
Tickets: Kids from $24.00 | Adults from $29 | Children under 3 years are free 

Christmas Activities at Darling Harbour

From concerts, free craft, story sessions, roving entertainment and more, there is a lot of holiday creativity happening at Darling Harbour/Darling Quarter this season. (Dates and times in the link above)

The Nutcracker (Australian Chamber Orchestra)

“Join Clara in an enchanted dreamland as she befriends the Nutcracker and goes on a magical Christmas Eve journey in this mesmerising ACO Families production, returning again this December due to popular demand. The ACO’s The Nutcracker is the perfect introduction to live classical music and ballet, guaranteed to captivate and delight the whole family this festive season.” Run time is 30 minutes.
Where: The Neilson at ACO On The Pier
When: 13 – 22 December
Recommended age: 2 – 8
Tickets: $39

The Nutcracker

“The Tanya Pearson Academy will present their full-length production “The Nutcracker”…. In keeping with Christmas tradition, this enchanting performance will feature Principal Artists and Soloists from The Australian Ballet and the Royal New Zealand Ballet, offering audiences a truly festive experience. This magical production promises to captivate and entertain audiences of all ages.”
Where: The Concourse (Chatswood)
When: 21 – 22 December
Tickets: $65 – $95

Storytime Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

While Sleeping Beauty isn’t strictly a Christmas story, the Australian Ballet’s annual Storytime Ballet is a bit of a December tradition for some families with small people. “Running for under an hour, this narrated version of The Sleeping Beauty will have children dancing in their seats…and all the way home. Don’t forget to dress up in your favourite ballet-inspired outfit!”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 19 – 29 December
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $59 – $67

Your Local Carols!

There are no carols quite like your local carols. Pop down your blanket and sing along with your neighbours. Check your local councils and community groups to find the carols happening closest to you.