How to Have the Best Christmas Staycation in Sydney

The festive season can be a great time to get away, but overseas flights don’t come cheap. Embrace an Aussie staycation by surrounding yourself with all the greatest things to do in Sydney during the silly season.

Sydney hosts a month long celebration of all things festive, so if you’re having a staycay, check out our guide to what’s going down in the city!

MARTIN PLACE CHRISTMAS TREE

Lit from 26th November, wander down and get your fill of warm fuzzy feeling any evening until Christmas. Text “048 SYD XMAS” and see your message light up the tree. Martin Place, Sydney

SHOPPING AT THE STRAND

The Strand is a one-stop shop for Christmas shoppers. Packed with glittering Christmas décor, Aussie fashion designers, and heaps of great gifts, you’ll easily find a hot Christmas party look or find that perfect pressie for your bestie. 412-414 George St, Sydney

SANTA FUN RUN

Named the ‘jolliest fun run in the world’, we would have to agree. The event starts at Circular Quay on Dec 4th, and over 5000 Santas are expected to run the 5km route, raising money for Variety children’s charity. Your entry fee gets you the full Santa Suit, festive tracks played along the way and even access to the only snow that will be hitting Sydney this Christmas. Sounds like a jolly good time. 4th December 2016, First Fleet Park Circular Quay

ST MARY’S LIGHT PROJECTIONS

From the 8th – 25th December St Mary’s Cathedral will be the centre of Sydney’s Christmas bash, with the building facade getting a festive facelift. Projections are mapped into the building, creating a pretty impressive lightshow for tourists and locals alike. St Marys Rd, Sydney

MILK CRATE SANTA

At 7 metres tall, you can’t miss this Santa. Made of milk crates and just begging for a selfie, this sustainable Santa is a Sydney icon. Grab a snap and be sure to tag #TheRocks. 140B George St, The Rocks

STUDIO 20/17: JEWELLERY SHOWCASE

Every Christmas Studio 20/17 showcases a selection of their handcrafted jewellery. Treat yourself to an early Christmas present, or surprise your main squeeze by popping down Tuesday – Saturday, 11am- 6pm from the 8th December to Christmas Eve. 6b/2 Danks St, Waterloo

LITERARY MASH UP IN A BAR

Even if you aren’t a natural book lover, it’s worth heading down to Knox Street Bar for their Literary ‘Xmas Mash Up’. Bring some mates for an evening of performance, trivia with a twist, a cocktail wheel and a ton of other surprises. 21 Shepherd St, Chippendale: 13th Dec, 7 - 10pm

CHRISTMAS FARE

For one evening only head down to the Sydney Living Museum where over 40 local food artisans will serve up delicious eats. Stock your Christmas table or just browse the tasty treats on offer, sampling as you go! Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney: 15th Dec

A VERY CRANKY CHRISTMAS

Join these kooky siblings for an evening of musical comedy that’s not to be missed. Revealing what Christmas is like in Queensland, these three sisters take festivities to another level. Seymour centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale: 16th & 17th Dec, 8pm.

MIDNIGHT SEAFOOD SHOPPING

Looking for a night out with a difference? Why not skip your usual post-party kebab and try some late night seafood shopping. The 36 hour annual food frenzy at the Sydney Fish Market begins at 5am on the 23rd, and ends at 5pm on the 24th. Bank St & Pyrmont Bridge Road, Sydney: 5am 23rd – 5pm 24th Dec

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS CRUISE

The pinnacle of any Sydney Christmas staycation is the harbour cruise. Drink, eat and dance your way to merry. This sell-out event is legendary on the Sydney Festive Calendar, so we recommend booking early. King Street Wharf, Sydney: 7 – 10pm, 25th Dec

NEW YEAR

Yes it’s crowded but Sydney is easily the best city in the world to see in the New Year with an incredible and free firework display. Whether you hop aboard a mate’s boat, watch from a well-placed window, or get in the thick of it, you’re sure to have a seriously good time.

To really get in some quality chill time over the festive season, why not check into one of our ibis Sydney hotels and leave the life admin ‘til Jan!