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

Meanwhile, Avoca Beachside Markets are holding a special Christmas Twilight edition, with over 120 vendors selling seasonal produce and gifts, international foods, desserts, drinks and more. 

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

North Coast

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 21 December is a laid-back evening of family-friendly performance, with a visit from Santa 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 21 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 Christmas Twilight Market in Mildura on 5 December for a night of twilight market stalls, Christmas carols and kid-friendly activities. Meanwhile, on 14 December, Echuca Twilight Christmas Market 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, 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 Carols by Candlelight at the Wagga Wagga Music Bowl in the Botanic Gardens

Christmas with the Con, Wagga Wagga - Credit: Riverina Conservatorium of Music Ltd

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.