As one of the top places to visit in Australia, Sydney attracts visitors not only with the best sights, friendly locals, and warm nights. There is also a year-long series of events that are as exciting as its beaches! Check out the current events and don’t forget to choose minibus hire in Sydney to take you to events that are happening in December.
Plants with Bite!
Adults and children alike will have fun in discovering the bizarre but undoubtedly captivating world of carnivorous plants. Presented daily by the Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Plants with Bite is a free exhibition of fascinating plants that are tough enough to survive even in hostile environments armed with their ferocious nature. The unique floral display is the largest vertical floral wall in all of southern hemisphere and showcases the iconic Venus flytrap. Aside from learning botany, the curators also prepare hands-on activities daily.
Matsuri Festival Sydney
Matsuri Festival is a yearly event to celebrate the Japanese culture and friendship between the locals and the Japanese community. Happening on December 8, it will be hosted at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbor. With great attendance in the previous years, this year’s Matsuri Festival is eyeing to outnumber 2017’s record of 55,000 people who joined the event. Highlights of the festival include the Japanese food stalls, traditional arts exhibits, Cosplay show, and the traditional Wadaiko drum demonstration.
Carols by the Sea
Another free event that takes place on December 8 is the Carols by the Sea at Lady Robinsons Beach. This family event will be graced with performances from the beloved Rockdale Opera and Regals Musical Society among other music personalities. Experience an authentic Australian Christmas experience and sing out loud while having a picnic at the beach with your family and friends. Bring rugs or cushions to sit on to comfortably enjoy a night of carol singing. Bring the kids along for Santa’s appearance during the event.
Primavera
The Museum of Contemporary Art presents the annual Primavera. It is an exhibition featuring artists under 35. The exhibition of artworks will feature an eclectic mix of creative projects including composite photographs of Australia’s colonial past by Melbourne artist Hayley Millar-Baker, a large diorama of the country’s only Chinese bushranger by Jason Phu, and steel sculptures with a theme about transgender experiences by Sydney artist Spence Missih. MCA allows flexibility in terms of what goes on display every year so there is always something fresh to look forward to. The museum is open daily and the show runs for free until February 3, 2019.
The Big Design Market
Touted as the ultimate festive shopping destination in Australia, the Big Design Market has over 200 stalls with an exceptional line-up of designer goods. Along with home wares, jewelleries, arts, toys, ceramics, books, etc., there are also food and drink stalls, inspiring art installations, and free activities for the kids. The event starts on December 7 until December 9 and adults have to pay for entrance for $2 while kids 12 and under can go in for free.
Floating Film Festival
Cool off in Wylie’s Baths while enjoying a few flicks on December 13. Instead of heading to the cinemas, the tidal pool film fest is a fun experience where marine-themed films, from documentaries to short films, are shown. If you don’t want to spend time in the water, you may lie on the rocks or watch from the deck where you can also order summery snacks and drinks. Proceeds from the event will be utilized to maintain the facility for it to be available for future community events.
Christmas Fare
If you are looking forward to some last minute Christmas shopping, head on to Hyde Park Barracks on December 13 for its popular Christmas Fare. Find delectable foods and drinks with 40 artisan retailers and food producers at the evening market. There are seasonal gourmet food as well as artisan teas and smoked meats from the pop-up food stalls and bars. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site will also feature live performances as you wander around to fill your belly.
Giant Gingerbread Train
Executive pastry chef Anna Polyviou will excite both your eyes and taste buds as she presents her whimsical sweet art, festive high tea, and the 4 metre gingerbread train and carriage at the lobby lounge of Shangri-la Hotel. Available until December 31, the luscious train with more than a thousand kilos of gingerbread bricks is covered with 500 kilos of lollies and 100 kilos of giant lollipops, fondant, and candy canes. There are also oodles of cherry icing top it all off.
Giant Christmas Bauble at World Square
The World Square at George Street should never be missed during the festive season. Complete your holiday photo snaps by taking an obligatory selfie inside the massive and lighted Christmas bauble. The installations will be available until December 24.
5K Foam Fest
Join North America’s biggest obstacle course and soapiest fun run that will take place at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre on December 15 and 16. Hurdle through giant inflatable water slides, mud pits, bouncy castles, and the endless sea foam. The event proceeds will be for Make-A-Wish-Australia and more than 6,000 runners are expected to join this year. Only kids over eight can race but a free fun zone will be set up for the younger children.
Stanley Street Gallery Christmas Exhibition
With the theme “A time of Gifts”, the Stanley Street Gallery Christmas Exhibition for this year will feature small works of art that will be perfect as Christmas gifts. You can shop for paintings, sculptures, contemporary jewelleries, glass, ceramics, and photographs. The art displays are unique gifts either for you or to others. Many known artists from all-over Australia will be exhibiting at the event that runs from December 5 through December 22. The artists will be present on December 12 so make sure to be there.