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The Best of the Winter Holidays in Sydney & Melbourne

The Best of the Winter Holidays in Sydney & Melbourne

by on 23-12-2014 in Entertainment

The Best of the Winter Holidays in Sydney & Melbourne

December is perhaps the best time for getting out and exploring your local city. With holiday festivities occurring all across the country, there's plenty to do and see.

In this guide, we've highlighted the top holiday events occurring in Sydney and Melbourne. Celebrate the holidays by enjoying these awesome events occurring in your area!

IN SYDNEY

As the most populous city in our nation, Sydney hosts some of the biggest and most exciting holiday festivities in all of Australia. Celebrate the season with your entire family by enjoying these great holiday events!

Darling Harbour Christmas: Now - Dec 24, 9 am-6 pm

If you're looking for some holiday entertainment in Sydney, look no further than Darling Harbour! Special activities are taking place in the Harbour each day as a part of Sydney's "Santa Fest." Enjoy a firework show over Cockle Bay on Saturday nights, colouring activities for children, and more. Enjoy a paddleboat ride around the bay and allow your child to mail his or her letter to Santa Claus via the Christmas mailboxes located around Cockle Bay. If you're looking for a fun and family-friendly way to celebrate the season, be sure to stop by Darling Harbour to partake in the festive fun!

Sydney's Christmas Walk: Now - Dec 25

For a free, family-friendly way to enjoy the best of Sydney this holiday season, consider walking about the city's business district to see the best of its displays. View the stunning Christmas Light Forest at the Pitt Street Mall. Stroll past Westfield Sydney to get a great view of the giant LEGO Christmas Tree, constructed with thousands of LEGO bricks! View the jaw-dropping color projections that transform the buildings of King Street, too!

Don't forget to send a text message up the branches of the interactive Christmas tree at Martin Place. The courtyard will be glimmering like a disco due to reflective banners placed all around the plaza.

All of these great local sights can be viewed for free throughout the city. If you can only do one thing in town this holiday season, let it be the Christmas Walk around Sydney.

Christmas at the House
Jingle Bell Rock - Dec 19 - 21
Christmas Carol Singalong Feat. Rachael Beck - Dec 22 - 23

Celebrate this Christmas at the Sydney Opera House! Between December 19th and December 23rd Sydney residents will have the opportunity to hear two great musical performances of all of their favourite Christmas classics.

During Jingle Bell Rock, audience members will have the chance to enjoy a number of holiday favourites including "Santa Baby" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." This awesome show, hosted by Eddie Perfect and Emma Pask, will also be accompanied by the world-famous Sydney International Orchestra.

At the Christmas Carol Singalong, you and your family will have the chance to fill the Opera House with your own joyous song. Enjoy singing your favourite classic holiday tunes including "White Christmas" and "Silent Night" while accompanied by a 48-piece orchestra.

Additional benefits of attendance include the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus before the show and a 10% discount for individuals who book tickets for both performances. Underprivileged families may attend for $5 by booking their tickets through the Balnaves Open House Program as well. These holiday performances are sure to make your Christmas season all the merrier!

Chanukah at the Bay: Dec 23, 4-9 pm

For Sydney residents celebrating Chanukah, there's no better event to attend than Chanukah at the Bay! Enjoy musical performances, an incredible fireworks display, and a mini soccer tournament at Steyne Park William Street Double Bay. The evening's events also include a menorah lighting, animal rides, over 30 carnival rides, and a barbecue! This event is the largest Chanukah celebration in all of Sydney, so don't miss out! Be sure to take your family to Chanukah at the Bay.

IN MELBOURNE

Melbourne is full of bustling energy all throughout the year. The city is even busier, however, during the summer months. Use a day or two of your holiday vacation time to enjoy the holiday activities occurring all around Melbourne's metropolitan wonderland.

Australian Nativity Scene, Dandenong: Now - Jan 11

If you're a fan of viewing holiday nativity scenes, this work created by artist Wilson Fernandez is something you won't want to miss! For over a decade, Wilson has been creating elaborate holiday nativity scenes that have drown crowds from all across the country. Constructed from organic materials such as clay, straw, and soils, this display is one of the most realistic representations of Christ-era Bethlehem ever assembled. Each week the display changes, allowing for the complete story of Christ's birth to be told.

Visitors can view this stunning display on Saturdays at 6:30 pm, Sundays at 8:30 am, 10.30 am or 5:30 or during weekdays at 9:00 am at St. Elizabeth's Parish, 107 Bakers Road Dandenong North.

Christmas Day Lunch at Melbourne Zoo: Dec 25, 11 am-3 pm

Are you looking for a unique and family-friendly way to celebrate Christmas Day? If so, consider having your holiday luncheon at the Melbourne Zoo! The event includes a three-course meal, beverages, and snacks at the zoo. Tickets also allow attendees to explore the zoo and visit with Santa, too. Children's meals and special dietary restrictions can be catered to upon request.

If you're looking for an unforgettable way to celebrate the 25th, be sure to attend this fun event at the Melbourne Zoo!

Santa's Christmas Spectacular at Wonderland Fun Park: Now - Dec 24, 11 am-5 pm

If you're looking to enjoy the beautiful Australian summer while embracing the spirit of the holiday season, look no further than the Christmas Spectacular at Wonderland Fun Park! Deliver a letter to Santa's mailbox, enjoy a snowfall at the North Pole, and visit a magical talking Christmas tree! Enjoy the performances of the Snow Fairy and acrobatic elves in the Wonderland Spiegeltent Theater and take a turn on the beautiful Grand Carousel. All of your favorite carnival activities will be available to enjoy as well, including roller coasters and bungee trampolines.

For an exciting new way to enjoy the holiday season, attend the Christmas Spectacular at Wonderland Fun Park.

Enjoy these great holiday events in the city nearest you. No matter where you live, remember to have a safe and happy holiday season full of joy and laughter!