The best festive events on the North Shore
With the end of year break inbound, here is a list of all the holiday action in December.
Huw Bradshaw
December 01, 2025
A Christmas Musical: The Story of Santa Claus
Set in the fictional land of Boralia, this musical theatre production follows the origin story for Father Christmas. Tickets: Adults $72; 17 and under $56.
When: December 18–23, 12pm, 5pm
Where: The Lounge, Chatswood Concourse
Santa Photos at Macquarie
Looking to grab a snap of the little ones with Santa Claus? Head down to Macquarie Centre, which will have a full-time Santa until Christmas Eve. Bookings available via website; single photo $27.
When: December 1–24
Where: Macquarie Centre Level 1
Native wreath making workshop
This workshop hosted by Ku-ring-gai council will teach participants how to craft Christmas decorations out of local native flora. Ages 12 and up, tickets $85.
When: December 14, 2pm
Where: 420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives
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 ages 16 and up, $36 for kids aged four to 15, and free for those aged 3 years and under.
When: December 13, 7–8:30pm
Where: Taronga Zoo Concert Lawns
Christmas in Nature
A full day of outdoor activities hosted at the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden in St Ives. For children aged 6–12. Tickets $80.
When: December 22, 9am–4pm
Where: 420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives
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
Image: Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Ecumenical Choir
The Nutcracker at Chatswood Concourse
Tchaikovsky’s beloved Christmas ballet The Nutcracker will be performed at the Concourse Theatre. All ages welcome. Tickets $75; concession $65.
When: December 20–21, 2pm and 6pm
Where: 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood
Christmas markets
Special Christmas markets will be running across the North Shore this month, for those looking to join in on festivities or get their gifts from local small businesses. Here are some of the best:
Turramurra Twilight Christmas Market
When: December 4, 5:30–8:30pm
Where: 104 Maxwell Street, South Turramurra
Mosman Christmas Night Market
When: December 11, 4:30–9pm
Where: Mosman Village Green
Hornsby Christmas Twilight Market
When: December 13, 4–9pm
Where: Intersection of Florence Street and Hunter Street, Hornsby
Ryde Christmas Market
When: December 14, 9am–3pm
Where: Anderson Park, Meadowbank
Preloved Christmas Pop-up Markets Chatswood
When: December 3, 11am–5pm
Where: Chatswood Mall, Victoria Avenue
Wahroonga Village Fair
When: December 7, 9am–4pm
Where: Railway Avenue, Wahroonga
Christmas Twilight Food Fair
When: December 12, 4:30–8:30pm
Where: Ted Mack Civic Park, North Sydney
Christmas in Hughes Park
When: December 7, 6–9pm
Where: Hughes Park, Lane Cove
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