NSW Christmas holidays

Blue Mountains

Scenic World is open on Christmas Day, so you can enjoy the beauty of the Blue Mountains from its four star attractions – Scenic Skyway, Scenic Railway, Scenic Walkway and Scenic Cableway – all offering thrilling views of Jamison Valley.

The Scenic Skyway cabin passes over the Jamison Valley, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains

Indulge in a delicious Christmas Day luncheon in the Grand Ballroom at Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel. The sumptuous three-tier Christmas lunch or five-course degustation Christmas dinner in the Wintergarden at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel are also fantastic festive feasts. Diners tuck into seafood and traditional Christmas mains while overlooking the pretty Megalong Valley.

Hunter Valley & Central Coast

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 superslide, a Venetian carousel, a flying swing chair, food stalls and much more, the event runs from 4 November 2022 until 26 January 2023 (closed 25 December).

Image credit: Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular

Country NSW

Get into the festive spirit on 2 December 2022 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 2022 Christmas lights ON 4 December. Festivities kick off with a fair in Mountford Park with stalls and entertainment.

Light Up Leeton

Situated between Canberra and Yass, Murrumbateman puts on a fun Christmas Carols and Twilight Market on 3 December at its recreation grounds. Come for carols, Christmas shopping, and delicious food and drink.

Murray River Council's Christmas Trail. Image Credit: Visit River Country, Murray River Council

If you find yourself in the Mighty Murray region, spend a night following the Murray River Council’s pop-up Christmas Trail. From 12 November to 7 January, lighting features will be temporarily installed in a number of local parks to brighten up the towns of Moama, Barham, Wakool and more.

Sydney

Santa by the Surf organises snaps with the man in red and white in iconic coastal locations in New South Wales. From Watsons Bay overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour to a backdrop of spectacular Bondi Beach—these memorable Santa photos are pet friendly and shopping mall free!

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, locally designed fashion. 

The Rocks Christmas Markets. Image Credit: Place Management NSW

Running from 14 November until 26 December, Deck the Harbour at Darling Harbour features back-to-back Christmas events and family attractions. Some highlights include the Darling Harbour Christmas Festival, the iconic GIANT Bauble installation, Christmas pedal boats and much more.

Spread over three jam-packed weekends in December, the Sydney Christmas Fair takes over the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park with carnival entertainment, games, Santa photos, elf workshops and a gingerbread house party – just to name a few fun activities.