December gig guide: the best live music events on the North Shore this month

Looking to see some live music this month? Here are all the best shows north of the bridge.

Did we miss something? Let us know: email [email protected].

Handel's Messiah

Kicking off the festive season is Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Ecumenical Choir’s annual performance of the British-German composer Handel’s Messiah. 

As in previous years, all proceeds go to Beecroft House, an Upper North Shore women’s community shelter helping women facing homelessness. Tickets $30, children under 10  free.

When: December 11, 8–10pm

Where: Holy Name Catholic Church, Wahroonga

Christmas Concert at Taronga Zoo Sydney

Word of warning - the live music at this concert seems to be largely geared towards kids. Tickets $43 for adults, $36 for kids aged 4 to 15, and free for those aged 3 years and under.

When: December 13, 7pm–8:30pm

Where: Taronga Zoo Concert Lawns

The Nutcracker at Chatswood Concourse 

Tchaikovsky’s beloved Christmas ballet The Nutcracker will be performed at the Concourse Theatre. All ages welcome. Tickets $75, $65 for concession.

When: December 20–21, 2pm and 6pm

Where: 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood

Tedeschi, Jodrell and Undy: The Great American Songbook

As part of Chatswood Concourse’s Jazz at the Lounge series, this Australian jazz trio — Simon Tedeschi on piano, Cameron Undy on double bass, Mat Jodrell on trumpet — will be bringing soulful blues and swinging jazz to Chatswood. 

When: December 4, 7:30pm

Where: 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood

Kevin Bennett and The Flood

The Flood are a Sydney based roots band who have been performing since the late 90s. This month they’ll be playing a show at the Bayview Hotel in Gladesville. Check them out below.

When: December 14, 5pm

Where: 166 Victoria Road, Gladesville

Jesse Redwing at the Inn 

Redwing is a Sydney-based blues artist. If you’re looking for some live music after the Christmas break, he’ll be playing at the Hornsby Inn on December 27. Check out some of his past performances below.

When: December 27, 7:30pm

Where: 37 Hunter Street, Hornsby

Convict at Hornsby Railway Hotel

Convict are a hard rock band playing at the Hornsby Railway Hotel this month. Check out their latest demo Without Trucks Australia Stops, on their YouTube page here.

When: December 13, 8pm

Where: 31 Station Street, Hornsby

Deep North Festival

If you’re willing to brave a short drive up to the Northern Beaches (the really Northern Beaches) the first weekend of December will be hosting the Deep North Festival across Avalon, Whale and Palm beaches. 

Live music at the three-day festival includes William Barton, The Stomp’n Ramblers and Meg Washington.

Tickets available via festival website.

When: December 5–7

Where: Avalon, Palm and Whale beaches.

Christmas Carols 

Mosman Christmas Lights Party

When: December 14, 7pm

Where: Prince Albert Street, Mosman

Carols in Willoughby Park

When: December 6, 4pm

Where: Willoughby Park

Barney’s Carols in the Courtyard, Roseville

When: December 6, 5pm

Where: 81-83 Macquarie Street, Roseville

Balmoral Carols

When: December 13, 5pm

Where: 63 The Esplanade, Mosman