The days are feeling merry and bright, and with a little under a week left until Christmas, we’ve all mentally clocked off and are slinking away from the office before 5 pm for catch-ups and cocktails. It’s officially the holidays, and whether you’re looking for a lunch deal or a festive event, Sydney’s social calendar is full, and we’ve handpicked a few of the best things to do, eat, and see over the holidays.
Play Croquet and Sip Rosè
Gather your friends and family and bask in the sun with AIX Rosé while enjoying a complimentary croquet at Centennial Homestead every Wednesday through Sunday until December 31. Pull up a picnic blanket, order a grazing box and enjoy a Hamptons-style summer activity. Book here.
Spot the Wings of Joy at Quay Quarter Sydney
The giant wings spanning 2.5m x 1.5m are made up of 4500 LED lights, all individually programmed to produce a scintillating effect against the metallic gold frame to create one of the most attractive free Instagrammable moments in the city this year. Quay Quarter Sydney is using the wings as a fun and inspiring way to spread joy this festive season by asking Sydneysiders to pause, take a picture with the Wings of Joy, and share their infectious message by tagging someone who has bought them joy this year for the chance to win one of two free dinners at Quay Quarter Lanes popular dining destinations, Deux Freresand Londres 126, valued at $250 each.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry at Sydney Place
Circular Quay’s newest dining precinct, Sydney Place, is running an incredible lineup of special menus and free bites, live music and activations throughout the precinct until the end of Jan, inviting Sydneysiders to enjoy ‘Sunshine & Good Times at Sydney Place’. Special deals are on offer from a selection of Sydney Place’s standout restaurants and bars (including Bar Besuto, Dopa by Devon, Sushi Yuzen, Burger Point, Open Sesame and C9 Gelato, with a pop-up bar on Thursdays from beloved Italian restaurant Bourke & Ward); alongside happy hour deals, live music and giant board games dotted throughout the precinct.
Catch an Outdoor Summer Flick
Sunset Cinema in Bondi Pavilion will showcase fresh releases, on-them underwater classics and festive favourites against one of Sydney’s most iconic backdrops. Guests can BYO picnic to enjoy in one of the many bean bags on offer, with hot food and drinks available to purchase on site too.
Get into the Festive Spirit at Harbour Village
Experience the enchantment of the festive season at Darling Harbour, where Christmas magic unfolds. Delight in four weekends of family festivities at The Harbour Village, featuring Christmas sing-alongs with The Beanies and Jayden Rodriguez, laughter-filled story time sessions, and lively DJ performances. Dive into creativity at Santa’s workshop, write letters to Santa, and anticipate a special visit from the man in red.
Catch a Fireworks Display at Darling Harbour
From 9 pm, Fridays and Saturdays until December 23, you can catch a spectacular Fireworks show, lighting up Cockle Bay. There will be a DJ kombi van to pump up the energy, Santa’s dance crew, and the chance to win prizes.
Play Putt Putt Golf in the Harbour
The beloved open-air Pixar Putt Putt is back for family fun these school holidays. Choose from nine or 18 interactive holes inspired by Pixar films like Toy Story, Cars, and The Incredibles. From Saturday, December 16, 2023, to Sunday, February 4, 2024, enjoy this limited-time enchanting experience at Pier Street Underpass.
Spend a Night Listening to DJs in a Japanese Vinyl Bar
Turn up the volume at Rekōdo, a Japanese restaurant and vinyl bar in Barangaroo. Taking over the decks every Wednesday throughout August are some of the best names in the music space, including Planet Trip, Elefant Traks, Utopian State, Future Classic, and I OH YOU. As part of a new DJ series, each performer will have their turn to showcase some of the best homegrown vinyl DJs in the game.
Try a Bottomless Pottery Workshop
Have you always wanted to try pottery? Well, now you can with bottomless G&Ts. Located in Angel Place, INDU takes you off the busy streets of Sydney to an underground restaurant. On October 14, INDU is teaming up with Crock’d to launch a bottomless pottery workshop. Guests can enjoy a unique clay workshop crafting incense holders with the team at Crock’d whilst enjoying two hours of bottomless G&Ts and a grazing table. Tickets cost $150 per person and here’s where to book.
Get a $5 Taco From El Primo Sanchez
Forget Taco Tuesday; it’s Taco Wednesdays you want to make a beeline for at El Primo Sanchez. Every Wednesday, tacos are $5 (that’s half price). There are five tacos to choose from, including the Al Pastor, made with 12-hour achiote marinated pork belly cooked over coals and served with sweet pineapple, salsa verde, and onion and coriander jardin, a vegan version of the traditional Mexican cheese, plus kangaroo milanesa with salsa guacamole and chiles toreados. $5 tacos are available from 5 – 11 pm every Wednesday.
Indulge in a Fine French Feast
Fine dining in Sydney is so often synonymous with a big spend, especially when it comes to a set menu. Although if you’re still looking to spoil your tastebuds without the high price tag, consider Bouillon l’Entrecôte’s Saturday Lunch Fixe Menu. The two-course menu will set you back $59, while the three-course is available for an affordable $69 per person. You will still have change leftover from $100, which is basically a rarity these days.
Take a Hike
Sydney’s spring offers an abundance of sunny days, allowing you to enjoy the city’s usual attractions and activities without the extreme heat of summer. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk showcases breathtaking coastal scenery. Nothing beats a plunge at Bondi Icebergs.
Related: The Best Set Menus In Sydney You Can Get For Under $100
Related: 10 of the Best Greater Sydney Walks You Can Do in a Day
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