5 Things to Do in Sydney Over Christmas, New Year’s Eve & December
Spending December in Sydney? You’ve picked one of the most exciting times of the year to visit.
December means the start of summer in Australia, Christmas in the sunshine and Sydney’s world-famous New Year’s Eve celebrations. From beach days to fireworks over the Harbour Bridge, there’s plenty happening throughout the month.
Whether you’re backpacking Australia, on a Working Holiday or spending your gap year Down Under, here are 5 of the best things to do in Sydney over Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
1. Spend Christmas Day at Coogee or Bondi Beach
Forget Christmas jumpers and freezing weather — how about spending Christmas Day on the beach?
Grab your new travel mates, pack your swimmers, bring some food and head to Coogee or Bondi Beach for a Christmas Day you’ll definitely remember.
Both beaches are perfect for soaking up Sydney’s famous beach lifestyle, and Coogee also has grassy areas nearby that are ideal for a picnic.
If you’re travelling Australia from the UK or Europe, celebrating Christmas with sunshine, sand and your new mates might feel very different from home — but that’s exactly what makes it so good.
Just remember your sunscreen!
2. Watch the Sydney New Year’s Eve Fireworks
There aren’t many better places in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve than Sydney.
Every year, Sydney Harbour becomes the centre of the celebrations, with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House providing one of the world’s most recognisable NYE backdrops.
If you’re planning on watching the fireworks, organise your viewing location well in advance. Popular spots can fill up quickly and access arrangements vary between locations.
Then grab your mates and get ready to start the new year in Sydney!
• Mrs Macquaries Point — one of the iconic options, with views towards both the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Great if you want that classic Sydney NYE view.
• Circular Quay East — right in the middle of the action with commanding views of the Harbour Bridge. It was free and non-ticketed for the last published event, but it gets extremely busy; it reached capacity at 3:30pm in 2025.
• The Rocks / Hickson Road Reserve — another brilliant central option. Hickson Road Reserve sits at the foot of the Harbour Bridge with the Opera House and harbour in front of you.
• Barangaroo Reserve — fantastic panoramic views of the western side of the Harbour Bridge and a good choice if you want to be close to the city atmosphere.
3. Walk the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
If you’re already heading to Bondi or Coogee, why not walk between the two?
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk stretches for around 6km and passes beaches including Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly, with incredible ocean views along the way.
December can get hot, so we’d recommend starting earlier in the day, bringing plenty of water and stopping for a swim along the way.
It’s also completely free — ideal when you’re travelling Australia on a backpacker budget.
4. Experience Christmas in Sydney
Sydney might not have snow, but the city still goes all out for Christmas!
Head to Martin Place Christmas Markets for festive stalls, food and the huge Christmas tree, or explore The Rocks Markets for local gifts, food and live entertainment.
Throughout December, you’ll also find Christmas carols, live music and festive performances across the city, including events around Martin Place, the Sydney Opera House and the famous Carols in the Domain.
Grab your travel mates and experience Christmas Sydney-style — sunshine, summer nights and plenty of festive atmosphere.
5. Explore Sydney Harbour in the Summer
You can’t spend December in Sydney without making the most of Sydney Harbour.
Grab your mates and spend a summer day cruising around Sydney Harbour with Rockfish Catamaran Charters. Hire your own private catamaran, bring your food and drinks, play your own music and take in some of Sydney’s most iconic views from the water. Rockfish charters can also anchor at harbour beaches and coves for a swim, making it a pretty unbeatable way to spend a sunny December day in Sydney.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Sydney?
Absolutely!
December is one of the most exciting times to experience Sydney, especially if you’re looking for beaches, summer weather, Christmas celebrations and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.
Just remember that Christmas and New Year are extremely popular times to visit, so organise your accommodation and major activities early.
And if you’re spending your gap year or Working Holiday in Australia, Sydney is a pretty incredible place to finish one year and start the next.
Ready to Spend Summer in Australia?
Sydney doesn’t have to be the end of the adventure.
Start in Sydney before travelling Australia’s East Coast to Byron Bay, K’gari, the Whitsundays, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
Whether you’re planning an Australia gap year, Working Holiday or East Coast group tour, Ultimate Travel can help you experience the best of Australia with a group of new travel mates.
Christmas Day on Coogee Beach, anyone?
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