WHAT'S ON

Everything you need to know about what’s going down in December

Ahhh, December. The time for 30+ degree days, Christmas hams and spending more money on ‘treats for yourself’ than gifts for your entire extended family combined. How I do love this season!

This month, Sydneysiders, I can tell you that you’re in for an absolute treat. It’s the first month of summer, and it appears that everyone has collectively decided to become social beings for the first time since, well, last December.

As far as highlights go, there really are too many to choose from. Our top picks go to Cirque du Soleil’s new production Luzia, the Newtown Street Party and of course, the Sydney Fish Market 36HR Seafood Marathon. After all, if you’re not fighting over a bag of prawns come December 24, are you really celebrating Christmas?

Alright, enough from me. Scroll down to check out the best events happening in Sydney this December.

Cirque du Soleil Luzia

Dinner and a show just got a whole lot more exciting thanks to Cirque du Soleil’s all-new performance, Luzia. After getting a little BTS sneak peak into the production last week, we can definitively say that as far as circus acts go, this is the one to beat. Inspired by an imaginary and surreal vision of Mexico, expect to be transported to a world of vibrant butterflies, dreamlike colour, and of course, one where being able to do a triple backflip is entirely normal. It’s also Cirque du Soleil’s 25th anniversary, so are we surprised that they’re going all out? Not really.

• WHEN: Until Sunday 9 February
• WHERE: Big Top, Entertainment Quarter
• HOW MUCH: Tickets from $90
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Carriageworks Summer Pres ft. Jamie xx

None other than the king of disco house, Jamie xx, is making his way over to Sydney shores this month for two exclusive shows that really, you shouldn’t miss. The internationally acclaimed DJ and producer is known for tracks including Loud Places, Baddy On The Floor and All You Children. In other words, some serious fucking dance music. Tickets to Sunday have already sold out, but the added Monday show has some straggling ones remaining that you can expect to be gone asap. Do yourself the favour.

• WHEN: Sunday 8 and Monday 9 December, from 6pm
• WHERE: Carriageworks
• HOW MUCH: Tickets $109
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

South Eveleigh Summer Club

If you’re looking to park up in the sun this summer, skip the beach one day and head over to Eveleigh for the precinct’s very own Summer Club series. The entire area will be transforming into a two-week long beachy oasis featuring many the freebie and free activity. Think kiosks slinging mini pavlovas, mechanical wave riders and beach volleyball. What’s more? It’s open during the week, meaning you may have just found your a lunch break hideout.

• WHEN: Monday 2 to Sunday 15 December
• WHERE: Redfern
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

BeerFest Sydney

Hey, while beer might not be exactly my forte, I’ll still come onto this website and tell you that you should probably try this one out. Chances are, it’s going to be pretty decent. The first weekend of December will also be playing host to BeerFest Sydney. Held in Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, all you punters can acceptably day drink and lap up your love for a good brew. There’s also only a few tickets remaining, and with Sneaky Sound System as guest performers on Saturday night, we can’t say we’re entirely surprised. In fact, I think I’ve just sold myself on it.

• WHEN: Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December,
• WHERE: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
• HOW MUCH: Adult tickets from $38
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Mov’In Bed Beach Cinema

Just because we’re no longer in oodie season doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be able to snuggle up for a good movie. Sure, I’ll take a rooftop aperol any sunny day of the week, but sometimes a good chick flick is exactly what’s needed. If you’re in agreement, then it’s probably worth heading down to Barangaroo to check out the Mov’In Bed Beach Cinema that’s come back to town. Wondering what it is? Exactly what you think, really. Hundreds of queen size beds parked up on the sand right next to the harbour. Honestly, this one’s putting any other standard outdoor movie cinema to shame in Sydney, 10/10 recommend.

• WHEN: Until Saturday 22 December
• WHERE: Sydney Harbour Park, Barangaroo
• HOW MUCH: Sand tickets $12, bed tickets $89
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Newtown Street Party

It’s no secret that summer is the time for street parties. And after the Sydney Streets series that went down across spring, I think we can all agree that we’re wanting more when it comes to outdoor alfresco drinking and dining. Introducing this month’s Newtown Street Party, the slightly more fun and less kid friendly version. Young Henry’s and The Courty are taking over the street for an afternoon of live music, cold tinnies and lots of sun. You’ll also be able to catch the music royalty likes of Caitlin Hartnett, The Pony Boys, Velvet Trip and even the OG Red Wiggle.

• WHEN: Saturday 8 December, 1pm to 8pm
• WHERE: Eliza Street, Newtown
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Le Jolly Christmas Market

If you’re looking to go all out on festive spirit, Le Jolly Market is 100% worth the check out. The markets, which are located next to Central Station in Haymarket, will have you second guessing whether you’ve landed in some European winter wonderland. Seriously, these guys are going all out on the decor, and we don’t even want to guess the meterage of fairy light usage going down. There’ll be over 35 stores showcasing anything from artisanal gifts to gourmet goods, as well as live music and food stalls all night. Because I can’t think of anything better than indulging on a lobster roll as I tick off my Christmas shopping.

• WHEN: Friday 13 to Saturday 22 December, 5pm to 10.30pm
• WHERE: Belmore Park, Haymarket
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Titanique: The Musical

We love Celine Dion. We love the movie Titanic. But honestly, never in a million years did we think we’d be combining the two icons in the one sentence, let alone the same show. If you’re confused, let me explain. Titanique: The Musical is the weird, wild and wonderful musical, where the story of Jack and Rose is told from Celine Dion’s perspective. Originally a one-night-only production in Los Angeles back in 2017 quickly took off, with the off-Broadway parody having won three awards at the Lucille Lortel Awards in 2023. Now, the show’s hit Sydney and the shores of The Grand Electric in Surry Hills. We reckon it’s worth giving a shot.

• WHEN: Until Sunday 19 January
• WHERE: The Grand Electric, Surry Hills
• HOW MUCH: From $75
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Sydney Fish Market 36HR Seafood Marathon

Of course, we can’t leave without also shouting out the iconic Sydney Fish Market 36HR Marathon. While it might be a little different to some of our other recommendations, we think that’s what makes it just perfect. After all, I’d rather spend my money on a dozen oysters and kilo of prawns over some handcrafted jewellery any day of the week. Buyer beware though, nabbing some fresh seafood here just before Chrissy makes Black Friday sales shopping look like a walk in the park. Enclosed footwear highly recommended. Perhaps some steel capped ones, too.

• WHEN: From 5am Monday 23 December to 5pm Christmas Eve
• WHERE: Sydney Fish Markets, Pyrmont
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.