Celebrate the start of summer with the best things to eat, drink, and do in December.
The silly season has arrived. With the Christmas break well-and-truly around the corner, there’s never been a better time to explore our beautiful city. From floating cinema experiences to wine tastings and festive photo opportunities, discover the best things to do in Sydney this December.
Christmas Feasting at Forrester’s, Surry Hills
Celebrate the festive season with a Christmas Feasting Menu at Forrester’s in Surry Hills. Available from December 1-24, this $79 per person banquet features crowd-pleasing dishes like crackling pork belly, buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, and Portuguese custard tarts for dessert. The menu includes shared entrees such as pea & feta fritters and roast pumpkin dip, followed by salsa verde pork belly and roasted potatoes with rosemary.
Perfect for groups (minimum 4 people), Forrester’s offers a warm, festive atmosphere ideal for family, friends, or work gatherings. Make your booking and enjoy a stress-free celebration! Find out more here.
Step Back in Time with Paddo Collective’s Paddington Walking Tour
Get ready to uncover Paddington’s hidden stories on a walking tour with a twist! Led by Sydney historian Max Burns-McRuvie, this two-hour adventure will take you through Paddington’s colorful past, revealing notorious crimes, quirky architecture, and unsolved mysteries. From Fred’s to Tequila Mockingbird, discover how the area’s vibrant present is built on its rich, eccentric history.
Join the tour on Sunday, 8th December for just $55 per person. Meet outside Wine Library -18 Oxford St, Woollahra at 11:00 AM to start your journey through time! Purchase tickets here.
Mov’in Boat (From December 3rd)
Meet Mov’in Boat, the latest outdoor cinema experience coming to Sydney in December 2020. Hosted by the crew behind the outdoor movies in bed (Mov’in Bed) and the drive-in cinema (Mov’in Car), this latest event is coming to the Darling Harbour this summer. Find out more here.
A Free Christmas Concert Series at Barangaroo Reserve
Get into the holiday spirit with Merry Uke-Mas, a free, fun-filled Christmas concert series at Barangaroo Reserve! From 8th to 22nd December, join in every Sunday from 4 – 7pm for live ukulele performances surrounded by stunning views. Bring your picnic, your friends, and if you’re a budding musician, download the songbook, grab your ukulele, and strum along! Or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the tropical Christmas vibes. Discover the Basque-inspired bar adding festive flair to Sydney’s food and drink scene this holiday season. Find out more here.
Try Sydney’s first sherried-whisky paired pintxos flight
Gildas has teamed up with The Glendronach Distillery to create a sherried-whisky-infused menu, featuring seasonal flavours of raisin, cinnamon, and hazelnut. Highlights include a gilda with morcilla, scallop, and whisky-poached apple, croquetas with whisky-glazed jamon, and a sherry-spiked Christmas dessert. Available until 14th December. Book here.
Jazz Wednesdays at Franca
Enjoy a mid-week escape with Franca’s Jazz Night, bringing the allure of the French Riviera to Potts Point. Every Wednesday from 6:30 PM, indulge in smooth jazz tunes and a menu that combines traditional french cooking with neighboring mediterenean flavours. All set against a sultry, sophisticated backdrop. Whether you’re in the mood for a memorable dinner or just want to enjoy the music, Franca’s Jazz Night is a must for anyone seeking an elevated midweek experience. Book here.
Gingerbread High Tea at QT
This festive season, QT Gold Coast transforms into a sugary wonderland with the return of QT Gingerland and the debut of Gingerland QTea High Tea. From November 22nd to the end of December, indulge in festive treats like bauble arancini and white chocolate snowmen, crafted by award-winning Pastry Chef Daniel King. With over 900 gingerbread bricks and 300kg of icing, this candy-covered emporium is the ultimate holiday escape. Find out more here.
Santa By The Surf, Watsons Bay
Looking for a perfect Christmas family photo? Santa by the Surf is back for another festive season, offering professional photos at the stunning Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel on December 19th and 20th. Bring your family, friends, or even your furry pals to pose with Santa against the breathtaking Sydney Harbour beach backdrop. Sessions run from 8am to 12pm, and each five-minute shoot ensures a memorable holiday keepsake. Packages start at $59 for a selection of high-res digital photos, with all proceeds supporting Surf Life Saving NSW. Find out more here.
SaladDays, Potts Point
A new addition to Potts Point’s dining scene, Salad Days reimagines healthy eating with a menu that celebrates bold flavors and vibrant, nourishing salads. Co-founded by brother-sister duo Louie and Prill Abdullah, the eatery blends their Lebanese heritage with a love for fresh, quality ingredients to create a salad experience that’s anything but ordinary. From the spiced lamb, quinoa, and sweet potato of The Monday Farmers to the grilled salmon, potatoes, and capers in The Friday Fish & Chips, Salad Days makes healthy eating an easy choice any day of the week. Whether you’re after a quick lunch, dinner, or a pick-me-up, these salads offer a fresh take on a classic meal. Find out more here.
Champagne Tasting at Bistro Moncur
Join Bistro Moncur and Moncur Cellars for their first-ever Champagne Fair on Monday, December 2nd. This one-night-only event offers an exclusive tasting of 50 prestigious Champagnes, from Bollinger to Louis Roederer, perfect for festive celebrations. For $50, enjoy unlimited tastings from 6–8 PM, with your ticket price fully redeemable on the purchase of a six-bottle case. Book tickets here.
Explore The Markets At The Rocks And Enjoy A Picnic Under The Bridge
Every Saturday and Sunday, The Rocks Markets brings Sydney’s creativity to life from 10 AM to 5 PM. Explore handmade treasures, gourmet bites, wellness products, and live music in the city’s historic heart.
Make a day of it with Picnic Under the Bridge at Dawes Point Park. Grab market snacks, settle onto free rugs and cushions, and enjoy views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Whether it’s brunch or a relaxed afternoon, it’s BYO and no bookings are needed—just turn up and let the summer vibes roll.
Stay updated on where to eat, drink and play in Sydney. Sign up for our free newsletter that brings the best of the city straight to your inbox.
Related news:
Looking For The Perfect Date Night Idea? Moonlight Cinema Returns To Sydney