Your holiday season resource for Ryde is here! Explore our comprehensive guide for all the best events and activities. From those who know Ryde's secrets to those eager to uncover them, our guide reveals festive treasures.
Popular events this season include the stunning Lights of Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral, where vibrant displays illuminate the iconic architecture. Unique market stalls showcasing local crafts and delicious treats can be found at The Rocks Christmas Market, immersing visitors in a bustling festive atmosphere. And the Martin Place Christmas Tree brings a touch of magic with its impressive height and festive lights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Ryde
- Lights of Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral (Sydney)
- The Rocks Christmas Market (Sydney)
- Martin Place Christmas Tree (Sydney)
- Sydney Opera House Christmas Concert (Sydney)
- Woolworths Carols in the Domain (Sydney)
- Carols by the Sea at Bondi Beach (Bondi Beach)
- The Australian Ballet's The Nutcracker (Sydney)
- The Christmas Portal (Alexandria)
- Sydney Santa Spectacular (Blacktown)
- Paddington Christmas Night Markets (Paddington)
See these and even more events listed below!
Ryde Holiday Light Displays
Lights of Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral
What to Expect:
Spectacular light display on a historic cathedral.
Description:
St Mary's Cathedral presents an extraordinary display of over 30 million Christmas pixels, transforming the iconic building into a dazzling spectacle of light and color.
Where: Sydney | More Info: Lights of Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral
Martin Place Christmas Tree
What to Expect:
Tallest Christmas tree in NSW with 15,000 flower decorations.
Description:
The Martin Place Christmas tree is the tallest in NSW, adorned with over 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4-metre colour-changing star, and 330 glossy baubles. Its 800 branches are dressed with 15,000 flowers representing nine different Australian flowers. A different choir sings carols by the tree every night, creating a kaleidoscope of colours and decorative lights every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight.
Where: Sydney | More Info: Martin Place Christmas Tree
Ryde Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Rocks Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local art, music, and gourmet food.
Description:
The Rocks Christmas Market transforms George and Playfair Streets into a vibrant holiday destination, featuring a diverse array of local artisans showcasing unique art, handcrafted jewelry, and gourmet street food. The market offers a colorful mix of art, music, culture, and food, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking memorable gifts and cultural experiences.
Where: Sydney | More Info: The Rocks Christmas Market
Paddington Christmas Night Markets
What to Expect:
Twilight shopping with local designers and artists in historic Paddington.
Description:
Paddington Christmas Night Markets feature twilight stalls with hand-picked pieces by local designers and artists, offering a unique shopping experience amidst historic surroundings.
Where: Paddington | More Info: Paddington Christmas Night Markets
Eat Drink nights Meadowbank
What to Expect:
Global food and drink offerings in a vibrant evening setting.
Description:
Eat Drink nights Meadowbank is a twilight gourmet market featuring great global food and brilliant drinks, offering a variety of culinary delights and entertainment.
Where: Meadowbank | More Info: Eat Drink nights Meadowbank
Eat Drink Nights at the Cannery
What to Expect:
Twilight gourmet market with diverse global food and drinks.
Description:
Eat Drink Nights at the Cannery is a twilight gourmet market featuring a diverse array of global food and brilliant drinks, offering a delightful evening of culinary exploration and entertainment.
Where: Rosebery | More Info: Eat Drink Nights at the Cannery
Ryde Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Sydney Opera House Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Large-scale choir and symphony orchestra performance.
Description:
The Sydney Opera House Christmas Concert features a 600-strong choir and full symphony orchestra performing John Rutter’s Gloria, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet music, and other Christmas favorites. Actor John Bell and soprano Julie Lea Goodwin add to the festive program with moving spoken interludes and audience participation.
Where: Sydney | More Info: Sydney Opera House Christmas Concert
Carols by the Sea at Bondi Beach
What to Expect:
Community celebration with local performances and festive activities.
Description:
Carols by the Sea at Bondi Beach is a community event featuring local young performers, Christmas songs with special guests, and activities like free face painting. The event includes performances by the Rosebay Secondary School Jazz Band, Bondi Public School Choir, and the School of Arts Academy of Dance. It is an alcohol and glass-free event with photographers recording the event for Council promotional purposes.
Where: Bondi Beach | More Info: Carols by the Sea at Bondi Beach
Woolworths Carols in the Domain
What to Expect:
Annual Christmas concert with fireworks and snow in Sydney's Domain.
Description:
Woolworths Carols in the Domain is a joyous Christmas event held annually in Sydney's historic Domain. It features a lineup of Australia's most loved stars, festive pre-show entertainment, and activities. The event includes fireworks, snow, and a variety of musical performances.
Where: Sydney | More Info: Woolworths Carols in the Domain
The Australian Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Australian Ballet's The Nutcracker is a classic ballet production that tells the story of Clara, a young ballet student, as she navigates a dream world filled with snowflakes, fires, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Choreographed by Peter Wright and Lev Ivanov, with music by Tchaikovsky, this production features elaborate sets and costumes designed by John F. Macfarlane.
Where: Sydney | More Info: The Australian Ballet's The Nutcracker
The Christmas Portal
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling adventure with Santa and his elves.
Description:
Step into a Christmas story where elves and fairies guide your family through a theatrical journey in a white Christmas setting. Interact with unique characters, enjoy cinematic scenes, and engage in indoor snow play and festive activities over 2-3 hours.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: The Christmas Portal
CZARINA CHRISTMAS FASHION LUNCHEON
What to Expect:
High-end fashion event for women.
Description:
Join CZARINA for a luxurious Christmas fashion luncheon, designed for queens, at Doltone House Hyde Park. Embrace your inner royalty and indulge in a day of high-end fashion and festive elegance.
Where: Sydney | More Info: CZARINA CHRISTMAS FASHION LUNCHEON
A VERY POTTER XMAS Trivia
What to Expect:
Themed trivia with 40 questions and new activities.
Description:
Join Grape Vine Events for A VERY POTTER XMAS Trivia at The Sporting Globe in Sydney. This massive trivia event features 40 questions over 5 rounds, new activities, and themed cocktails. Enjoy amazing food and great drinks while competing with your squad for killer prizes.
Where: Sydney | More Info: A VERY POTTER XMAS Trivia
Ryde Other Holiday Activities
Sydney Santa Spectacular
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with unlimited rides and activities.
Description:
Sydney Santa Spectacular is a family-friendly Christmas event featuring amusement rides, an Enchanted Christmas walk-through with falling snow, live stage shows, and meet-and-greet characters. Enjoy unlimited rides and activities for three hours with one ticket price.
Where: Blacktown | More Info: Sydney Santa Spectacular
Christmas Day Seafood Buffet Lunch & Dinner
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas buffet with bottomless seafood and desserts.
Description:
Join Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park for a traditional Christmas dinner featuring a grand buffet with all festive favorites, including seafood on ice, a carvery with roasted turkey and smoked ham, and decadent desserts. The event includes a 3-hour beer and wine package.
Where: Sydney | More Info: Christmas Day Seafood Buffet Lunch & Dinner
Christmas Day Lunch in Cellos 2024
What to Expect:
Decadent 3-course meal with sparkling wine and a Christmas gift.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas Day in Sydney with a 3-course lunch at Cellos Grand Dining Room, featuring sparkling wine, art deco ambiance, and a Christmas gift.
Where: Sydney | More Info: Christmas Day Lunch in Cellos 2024
Christmas Day Lunch at Sailmaker
What to Expect:
Sustainably sourced seafood buffet with festive favourites.
Description:
Join Sailmaker Restaurant for a sumptuous Christmas Day lunch featuring a seafood table with local, sustainably sourced prawns and chilled seafood. Enjoy all your favourite Christmas classics, including turkey, traditional sides, glazed ham, and 24-hour slow-cooked beef, alongside the chef's infamous seafood paella.
Where: Sydney | More Info: Christmas Day Lunch at Sailmaker
Eat Drink Nights Wentworth Point
What to Expect:
Twilight gourmet market with global food and drinks.
Description:
Eat Drink Nights at Wentworth Point is a twilight gourmet market featuring great global food, brilliant drinks, and entertainment. It offers a diverse selection of cuisine and beverages, making it a vibrant night out for locals and visitors alike.
Where: Wentworth Point | More Info: Eat Drink Nights Wentworth Point
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Epping (3 miles)
- Carlingford (4 miles)
- Strathfield (5 miles)
- Chatswood (5 miles)
- Auburn (5 miles)
- Ashfield (5 miles)
- Parramatta (6 miles)
- Greenacre (6 miles)
- Campsie (6 miles)
- Sydney Central Business District (7 miles)
- Sydney (7 miles)
- Marrickville (7 miles)
- Merrylands (7 miles)
- Baulkham Hills (8 miles)
- Mosman (8 miles)
- Bankstown (8 miles)
- Hornsby (8 miles)
- Punchbowl (8 miles)
- Castle Hill (8 miles)
- Greystanes (9 miles)
- Hurstville (10 miles)
- Randwick (11 miles)
- Cabramatta (11 miles)
- Blacktown (11 miles)
- Dee Why (11 miles)
- Maroubra (12 miles)
- Kellyville (12 miles)
- Liverpool (12 miles)
- Quakers Hill (14 miles)
- Glenmore Park (25 miles)
- Wollongong (44 miles)