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.
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.
SILY’s One Night In Dinner Series (December 2nd and 16th)
After selling out One Night In Italy, Mexico, and France, SILY is pleased to announce two more dates in December: One Night In Greece, and One Night Before Christmas. With overseas travel well and truly off the cards, for the time being, SILY will be hosting a special series of dinners to let patrons travel vicariously through your tastebuds. Find out more and secure your spot here.
Attend a FREE virtual masterclass about gluten-free festive dining (December 4th to 5th)
Celebrity cook and member of fitness royalty, Leah Itsines will be cooking her family favourite dish, gluten-free pork roll, and talk about how the Itsines family will be celebrating Christmas this year (and what’s on everyone’s plates!) Hosted by Australia’s first Free From + Allergy online community, this two-day event (December 4 and 5) is to empower Australians and parents of children who have diet intolerances and allergies. Sign up to the community here to take part in the free masterclass.
Aria x Ruinart Summer Wine Bar (every Thursday to Saturday from Dec – Jan)
Iconic harbourside dining destination Aria has teamed up with Ruinart (the world’s first champagne house) to create the Summer Wine Bar. Hosted in Aria’s luxurious Wharf Room and Terrace, this is the perfect spot for a drink this summer. Every Thursday to Saturday throughout December and January from 5.30 pm, Aria will provide a lavish array of Ruinart Champagne and oysters alongside Executive Chef Joel Bickford’s snack menu.
There will be a selection of staggered 1.5hr sessions available per evening, adhering to current restrictions with capacity capped at 30pax per sitting. Prices ranging $6 (per oyster) to $32 for a selection of snacks, with cocktails starting at $18 and Ruinart champagne from $34 per glass. Find out more and book your spot here.
Smirnoff Seltzer and Lime Cordiale present ‘Smirnoff Seltzer Party Yard’ (December 19th)
Dust off the fairy lights and crack out the esky! This summer’s must-have drink Smirnoff Seltzer and Australia’s hottest duo Lime Cordiale are joining forces to kick-start vacay season and bring the festival feeling to backyards across the country, with Smirnoff Seltzer Party Yard on Saturday 19 December (streamed from Smirnoff Australia Facebook Channel from 4 pm).
Sip your way through healthy, tasty boozy premixes from Staple Drinks
This summer, get your hands on Staple Drinks duo of delicious tasty beverages. Their all-natural Vodka Soda Lime and Gin Soda Cucumber are crafted using real fruit puree (with just 89 calories per can with 4.2% ABV and low in sugar too). Unlike most premixes on the market, they’re the only brand to ditch cordials and artificial flavours. Find out more here.
Motel Mexicola pops up at Bondi Beach Public Bar #2 (December 5th)
Back by popular demand, Motel Mexicola is returning to Bondi Beach Public Bar for an exclusive pop-up event this December. Get ready for a celebration of all the things that make Mexicola the most famous bar and restaurant in Bali. Expect the tastes, sights, and sounds of Mexicola to land in Bondi, including margaritas, tacos, tostadas, and even the bar’s famous soundtrack. Get in quick, final tickets are selling fast. Find out more here.
Rocker x Ricos Tacos Summer Pop-up in Bondi (until December 15th)
Taco King, Toby Wilson is teaming up with Rocker restaurant for a one-off month-long pop-up in Bondi. These Taco Tuesdays will see Toby Wilson starring as a guest chef from the 22nd November – 15th December only. Their bespoke collaborative menu includes tacos, tostadas, and churros such as kingfish ceviche, avocado, citrus, soy & sesame tostadas ($7), chicken tinga – chipotle and tomato braised chicken tacos ($6) finished off with churros with lemon zest, chamomile sugar and dulce de leche ($9). Find out more here.
Summer is Four Pillars at The Clock (until December 20th)
For one month only, Surry Hills neighbours Four Pillars and The Clock have teamed up to showcase the best of Australia’s homegrown gin. From now until 20 December, Four Pillars is making its way down Crown street for a month-long pop-up in The Clock’s courtyard with a special Four Pillars drinks menu, as well as transforming the Clock’s Whiskey Room into The Juniper Saloon.
Plus, there’s a series of epic events throughout December too, including a Christmas feast and ‘what to eat with gin’ dining experience. Find out more here.
Join a duo of tasting events at Moncur Cellars in Woollahra
Want to sharpen your vino knowledge? The team from Moncur Cellars Woollahra is hosting two must-see tasting events this December. On 3rd December, Moncur Cellars & Plumm Glassware invites you to the Plumm Wine Glass Experience (hosted by brand ambassador, Matt Dunne) and an Agave Spirits Masterclass hosted by Manu Bonjour on December 9th.
Each session will be 30 minutes long and tickets are $30 per person. Each ticket is refundable on the night with the purchase of Plumm Glassware or Tequila / Mezcal.
Santa Paws at The Tudor, Redfern (December 13th)
On Sunday 13 December, The Tudor in Redfern hosts Santa Paws. Get your hands (and your puppy’s paws) on some Santa pics as you pose for photos in Santa’s wonderland. The perfect gift for your fur-kids. Hoo-mans can enjoy $6 Moon Dog schooners for ‘puppy hour’ from 3-6pm and there will be treats available for the dogs too. Find out more here.
Endeavour Tap Rooms returns from December 2nd
The teams from Applejack Hospitality and award-winning Australian brewer Endeavour Brewing Co are swinging open their doors once again to Endeavour Tap Rooms. Get ready for a brand new alfresco dining area, premium brews, and smoked meats this month. Score $20 burgers and beer Wednesday, $15 smoked chicken on Thursday, and $5 Tappy Hour from Wed to Fri (4.30 pm to 6.30 pm). Find out more here.