Christmas Wonderlanes
The historic streets of The Rocks are transforming into Christmas Wonderlanes this holiday season! Enjoy a feast for the senses as you stroll through our historic precinct as it comes to life just in time for Christmas.
The embodiment of an Australian Christmas is light-hearted, neighbourly, and summery, just like The Rocks. It's all about coming together and celebrating the smaller details and personalised touches. Explore thoughtful moments and heartfelt connections around every golden sandstone corner, with twinkling Christmas lights and trees, special feasts, plus loads of fun activities.
Reconnect with the magical heritage of The Rocks during this special time of year. Allow yourself to slow down and rediscover the place and people you love.
So what are you waiting for? Let's get merry!
Want to know what's on this Christmas at The Rocks? Check out our highlights below, to get you into the festive spirit in no time!
Explore festive photo opportunities under The Rocks' seven-metre-high Christmas tree adorned with Australian and First Nations-inspired decorations by artist Shelby Rae Kschenka . Wander through The Rocks to find the Christmas Village, featuring miniature replicas of classic architecture and mural artwork by Sydney-based artist Nico Nicoson, capturing the essence of a summer Christmas.
We've got an entire schedule full of unique Christmas flicks this summer. Arrive early to secure your spot under the starry night sky.
Discover festive eats, unique gifts and crafty creations at The Rocks Markets - Christmas Edition.
Homegrown Christmas Concert
The Rocks Homegrown Christmas Concert is more than a concert—it’s a gathering of souls, a communal singalong featuring the crème de la crème of Aussie artists
Why cook when you can eat? For Christmas feasting in style, look no further than our top recommendations right here in The Rocks.
Does the thought of high-grade, melt in your mouth wagyu make you giddy with festive cheer? Head to 6HEAD where you can enjoy some of the finest steaks by the waterfront in style.
There's nothing more Australian than a fresh seafood feast for Christmas. Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant can deliver the goods this festive season with their extensive seafood menu, served alongside a stunning harbour view.
Sydney's hottest new restaurant has opened its doors just in time for the festive season. Enjoy delicacies cooked over charcoal inspired by French and Mediterranean gastronomy, in a heritage building promising boutique and intimate charm.
For us the best way to celebrate is to share a meal with loved ones and Luna Lu’s menu is perfect for sharing. They serve contemporary Asian Fusion food, prepared with modern, gastronomic techniques, from cured scallops in ponzu, to fresh lobster noodles and wagyu steak.
Mode Kitchen & Bar strikes the perfect balance between casual bistro and fine dining. Revel in the Christmas spirit and take in the luxirious vibes in this utterly delicious dining haven.
Pony is an iconic restaurant in the heart of The Rocks where almost everything on the menu is cooked on a wood-fired grill. Get yourself into the festive mood with their delicious dishes and contemporary cocktails.
For a unique and memorable dining experience, head to one of Sydney's favourite restaurants, Saké. Japanese fine dining at its finest is sure to delight, to give this silly season a touch of sophistication.
Experience Christmas with a Middle Eastern flavour. Savour delicious street food full of bold and fresh flavours amongst iconic sandstone walls. We should also mention, they have a killer wine list to boot.
Tis the season to be jolly, with drinks in hand! Check out our top bars to get merry this festive season.
While she may have one of the newest bars in The Rocks, Alice knows how to throw a good party. Christmas this year will be no exception. Sip on luxurious signature and classic cocktails in an underground world of underground chic.
Tis the season to be jolly, at one of Sydney's most beloved pubs. Chow down on pub classics while taking in their extensive range of beers on tap, and impressive wine list (if we do say so ourselves)!
These guys stock Sydney’s best gin selection, with over 80 botanicals from Australia and all over the world. The bartenders know their stuff too, mixing a selection of cocktails that are guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.
For an extra touch of luxury this Christmas, you can't go past Grain Bar, located at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Enjoy their expertly crafted unique cocktails served in a warm and friendly ambience.
Join the Christmas Merriment at Hickson House, a distillery and bar in a restored industrial brick building, with a gigantic selection of hard-to-find spirits, including their very own Hickson House Gin, distilled right in the bar.
Perched above one of Sydney's oldest pubs, take in all the action of the Christmas spirit at Mrs Jones. Toast to the season with a delicious jug of rosé sangria for a truly memorable gathering with friends.
For end of year catchups with an added touch of fun, come along to the Argyle for tasty bevvies and boogie all night long.
Settle in on The Glenmore’s famous rooftop and soak up the incredible harbour views with a refreshing cocktail in hand. There’s Pimms cocktails and espresso martinis on tap, and a kitchen serving up classic pub grub with a modern twist.
Christmas is all about community and generosity, both of which The Keel has in spades. This intimate rum bar doesn’t just pour drinks - they support four charities per year and operate with sustainability in mind.
If music and Christmas is a match made in heaven in your cards, you'll want to hit up this charming bar. Friday and Saturday evenings come alive with a singalong at The Push, so head on down and sing the season away!
When "the more the merrier" is taken literally, we've got you covered. These are our favourite places to celebrate the silly season with big groups.
Celebrate the end of the year with a pizza party at local favourite, Caminetto. They're serving up piping hot pizzas, pastas and more. Drop on by with a group of friends and take advantage of their gorgeous alfresco dining. Bonus, they've got great kids options for the little ones.
In Mexico, they celebrate Christmas for an entire month. El Camino are keeping the fiesta going all summer, with their famous Tex Mex food, signature margaritas, cold Mexican cervezas and huge selection of mezcals and tequilas.
A brewery, bar and restaurant with seating out on the cobblestones. You'll love their extensive range of beers and tasty food menu, perfect for large groups to finish off the year with a bang.
Get a taste of a European Christmas with your mates at Munich Brauhaus. Theres an extended bar area, plenty of lounge seating, numerous TVs and tables out on the cobblestones. Serving imported beer and hearty German dishes like pork schnitzel, this is an end of year haus party to remember.
If your party is into craft beer, pizza and charming old pubs - we’ve got a treat for you. The Australian Heritage Hotel, one of Sydney’s most historic pubs, famous for their 130-strong beer list and pizzas crafted using unique Australian ingredients. For the ultimate experience book their rooftop - it’s available fully catered for up to 30 guests and has stunning views over The Rocks and the city.
There are few places in the world that inspire good cheer and a little jollyness than a good, local Irish bar. And that’s exactly what the Mercantile Hotel is - Sydney’s oldest Irish bar in fact. Our advice? Invite your funnest friends, pull up a pew, order some hearty Irish bar snacks and a round of Guinness and see where the night takes you.
Want to celebrate your Christmas Eve or Day with something special? We have you covered!
Gather your nearest and dearest for a traditional Christmas lunch buffet in the spectacular Grand Ballroom, complete with your favourite festive treats.
Channel your Christmas spirit with a delicious festive celebration overlooking Sydney’s most spectacular view at Altitude.
Experience unforgettable service and a signature five-course menu by Executive Chef Peter Gilmore this Christmas Day with a long lunch at Quay.
Celebrate Christmas floating 36 levels above the twinkling lights of Sydney Harbour, whilst delighting in the laughter of those you love.
Celebrate Christmas with your Merc family, at their annual Christmas Eve Party! There will be Christmas sing alongs and plenty of Christmas cheer!
Celebrate the Festive Season at MODE Kitchen & Bar for a three-course festive feast on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
On the hunt for Christmas gift ideas? Choosing the perfect gift can be tricky! To get inspired, see our top picks this Christmas.
WIN the ultimate Christmas feast!
Unwrap the joy of Christmas and enter for your chance to win an extraordinary $400 drink and dine gift card. Share the magic of Christmas with a loved one and picture the delight of savouring dishes and creating cherished memories in the heart of The Rocks.
For more festive fun, check out the Christmas at Baragaroo and Darling Harbour.