Sydney with kids is a kind of magic during the festive season. This past weekend we ventured back to Novotel Sydney City Centre, aka our home away from home, to dive into everything Christmas and we were not disappointed. Here’s my guide for what to do in Sydney with kids this December.
#1 Gingerbread House Workshop at Novotel Sydney City Centre
One of our favourite corners of the city is Wynyard. It’s close to Circular Quay, Martin Place, QVB and a walk or tram ride to Darling Harbour. This December Novotel Sydney City Centre is offering a Gingerbread House Building Workshop in-house at their restaurant Birdie Bar & Brasserie, and it is not to be missed. The workshop includes Chef’s instruction, a kids meal, and complimentary drink for up to 2 adults per child. This was seriously so fun and engaging for the kids, and taking their decorated masterpiece with them was so special. Spots are limited, don’t miss out!
#2 Martin Place Christmas Tree
You can’t miss NSW’s tallest Christmas Tree, in Martin Place. Its star alone is 3.4m tall and the Kids were in awe. If you haven’t got your Christmas photos yet, you can pre-book a visit at Santa’s Hut which is located right by the giant Tree. While you’re there, wander the Christmas markets, and grab an ice cream from Messina (next to the Dolce & Gabbana Tree!).
#3 Darling Square Playgrounds & Darling Harbour (+ Fireworks)
This is a no-brainer and hours-long entertainment. As seasoned visitors to this spot, it truly is a happy place for the kids. Don’t forget a swimming bag and change of clothes as the water play is irresistible. You’ll also find Darling Harbour’s floating Christmas Tree, and throughout December there is also weekly fireworks at 9pm on Saturdays. The Darling Harbour Carousel is also a historic part of the landscape and an absolute winner with the kids!
#4 Concerts & Carols
We were a bit early for Christmas Carols and Concerts this year but there’s some absolute crackers coming up:
Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular (free) – Saturday 6th December 2025
Homegrown Concerts @ The Rocks (free) – Sat 6th & Sun 7th December 2025
Christmas Markets @ The Rocks – (free) 11th – 21st December
Darling Harbour’s Christmas Festival – (free) Saturday 13th December 2025
Carols in the Domain – Saturday 20th December 2025
#5 Tree Spotting Everywhere
Just wander. Honestly there is just so much beauty in the city at this time of year. We found Christmas trees in almost every window of every building. But don’t miss the giant tree spanning multiple levels inside QVB, and for something a little bit different don’t miss the Lego tree…
#6 Sydney’s Lego Store
Sydney’s Lego store is the biggest Lego store in the world, and is located in Pitt Street Mall (which also happens to have a canopy of lights in the evenings throughout December). The store of course has a giant Lego Christmas tree, and some of the coolest Lego sculptures we’ve ever seen, including the Harbour Bridge!
#7 Make A Call To Santa
Do yourself a favour and find yourself a Telstra Pay Phone. This festive season you can call Santa! It’s a real conversation, and the look on my kids faces was pure joy. So simple, so free, and such a novelty for kids these days to pick up an “old” phone at all, let alone speaking to The Man himself.
There’s also plenty of other ticketed activities located within walking distance of Novotel Sydney City Centre, including Wundrful World of Christmas (located next to QVB), and events at the Sydney Opera House including Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker.
We are beyond grateful for this quality family time, making many core memories. Special thanks to the Novotel Sydney City Centre for hosting us, and always being so wonderful and accomodating with kids. For more from the Novotel Sydney City Centre and navigating Sydney with kids, check out this previous post!
Wishing everyone a wonderful and joy-filled Christmas!
With Love,
N x
