Beat the boredom between 2025 and 2026
The five days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve are a strange, awkward, in-between time for everyone. Most places have closed shop for the summer, while others have new holiday hours that are tricky to wrap your head around. No one knows what day it is.
At this time of year, Sydney tends to feel more empty than usual, as most locals make a mass exodus to elsewhere, but if you plan on sticking around and having a lovely summer holiday at home, we've put together a list of all the coolest things for you to do in town between Christmas Day 2025 and NYE, 2026. Now, it's time for a swim. You're welcome.
Dates open: December 25-31
Price: From $29.70
Tired of relatives? Why not head to Mosman for a day amongst the animals? Whether you’re a lover of mammals, reptiles or birds, there’s plenty to see, do and learn. Hang out with lion cubs at the African Safari, or spend your time in a dark cave with snakes and crocodiles at Reptile World. Head to the free flight bird show or the seals for the wild show, and visit the dingo pups at their fresh Australian native exhibit.
Dates open: Year-round
Price: Free
Even if you can't travel out of Sydneytown during this timeof year, you can pretend that you have. Head to one of these eight places that will make you feel like you're living in a European summery dream, all without the hefty international price tag.
Dates open: Summer time
Price: Free
In excellent news for CBD-dwellers, the list of free things to do this summer just got a boost – with The Rocks precinct announcing a packed program featuring free yoga classes, market, and community picnics. If you’re up for an active morning, join The Rocks’ free run club. If you’re in the mood for an open-air movie, The Rocks’ free Laneway Cinema is back this summer every Wednesday evening. Tickets are free, and are available to book on the Monday before the screening.
Dates: Year round
Price: Free
In the national parks that sit on the city’s fringes, you'll find several wonderful hikes that are perfect for those who prefer a relaxed amble to a major expedition. Lace-up those boots, grab a fistful of trail mix, top up your water bottle and head out on one of these easy day hikes near Sydney.
Dates open: Year-round
Price: Various
Burwood, in Sydney’s Inner West, was voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world in Time Out’s global annual list. Some may raise their eyebrows, but there’s a lot going on in the 2134 postcode. My favourite thing? The pumping night markets and all the delicious eateries. Xi'an Eatery and Cheng’s Xi’an Traditional Foods are my picks.
Dates open: December 26-30
Price: from $44 (includes unlimited rides)
Luna Park is still open for its regular ride passes, bringing a dash of adrenaline to the post-Christmas haze. There’s plenty of time for repeat rides on the Wild Mouse, soaking up history in Coney Island or spinning on the Rotor until you vomit (although we don’t recommend ending your night that way).
Dates open: Year-round, pending availability
Price: From $159
It’s nice to live like the rich and famous – even if it’s just for a couple of hours. Celebrate the summer break in style with your mates onboard the incredible superyacht The Jackson Sydney. Think stunning harbour views, tasty snacks, cold Champagne and one hell of a time.
Dates open: Year round (except for Dec 25)
Price: Free
Want something to do that will most definitely blow your mind? We recommend heading to the Sydney Modern extension of the Art Gallery of NSW. With its towering floor to ceiling glass windows, this light-filled gallery is a perfect pit-stop on a sunny day. Expect to explore a massive underground WW2 fuel bunker, a whole host of wildly colourful multisensory exhibitions (don't miss Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat) and an all-round art experience that rivals MoMa in New York. You heard it here first folks.
Dates open: Year-round
Price: Kids from $36.60, adults from $61
Keen to get out Sydney? Head to the eucalyptus-cloaked Blue Mountains – and be sure to visit Scenic World at the Three Sisters in Katoomba. It’s home to fun mountain adventures ranging from an exhilarating railway ride to a butterfly-inducing aerial cable car that lets you appreciate the beauty – and scale! – of the heritage-listed national park.
Dates open: Year round
Price: Free
All other kinds of activities aside, it's no secret that Sydney's real power lies in its astoundingly beautiful beaches. We have put together a list of the best beaches in town. Spend the middle days hopping between them all, with each of these beachy selections chosen for their accessibility, safety and all-round beachy beauty that has to be seen to be believed. Start packing that picnic now. And pack 50+ and a hat!
Dates open: December 25-30
Price: From $298
If you’re a Sydneysider and you’re yet to climb the Harbour Bridge, now is as good a time as ever. They are open on Christmas Day for a festive time with a twist, and are hinting that Santa may make an appearance at the summit. Take in the iconic white sails of the Opera House, the silhouette of the Blue Mountains and the endless ocean that flows beyond the east.
Dates open: Year round (except for Dec 25)
Price: $24-$32
For a city whose history has always been entwined with its harbour, the sea and water travel, it shouldn't really come as no surprise that this museum is one of the finest when it comes to maritime treasures. The museum’s collection captures such themes as defence, exploration, trade, adventure sport and play.
Dates open: Dec 26-28
Price: $27.50 for GA
These in-between times are perfect for catching a flick – and why not do it outdoors? Pack your picnic baskets and bring a blanket, because Sydney's famous Moonlight Cinema is back for another run at Centennial Park.
Dates open: Year round
Price: Free
When you can’t choose between the beach and a swimming pool, these salty swimming spots have the best of both worlds. Dive in as the sun rises and you’ll have the baths to yourself, or wade in at high tide for a thrilling swell as waves crash against the walls. It's safe, delightful and perfect for a post-Christmas hangover.
Dates: Dec 26-31
Price: $20
While the rest of Sydney sleeps, the MCA will continue pumping out the goods. Head down to Circular Quay for a sunny day of contemporary art pondering. Time Out tip: Afterwards, head upstairs for a delicious multi-course meal at Canvas, the MCA's stunning rooftop restaurant.
Dates open: Year-round (except for Dec 25)
Price: Free
Need a break from the sun? We feel ya. Explore an expansive collection at Sydney's museum of natural history. It’s where science, culture and nature come together under one air-conditioned roof.
Dates open: December 25-31
Price: From $42 (if you book online)
Head underwater with the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, the world's largest indoor system of Australian marine life, with 60 tanks and three oceanaria filled with more than 12,000 animals from 650 different species. Highlights include Shark Valley, the Great Barrier Reef exhibit, Japanese Spider crabs and the Bay of Rays.
Dates open: December 26-31
Price: From $55, but varies.
Exhausted after Christmas? What's better than a really big movie. IMAX Sydney’s new movie screen is the third largest in the world, spanning a staggering 693 square metres. While most cinemas rely on digital projectors, IMAX Sydney goes all out with a state-of-the-art 4K laser projection system. This means that the screen practically pops with brighter images, more vivid colours and crystal-clear resolution. Plus, it boasts an impressive 12-channel sound system, meaning you will be able to feel the action run through your bones.
Dates open: Year-round
Price: Free
Whether you're looking to go for a run, walk your dog, have a sedate picnic or just take a break from your four walls, these are the parks to visit. They have sprawling open spaces, free barbecues and shaded spots to while away an afternoon or simply catch a break at lunchtime. Some of these parks also welcome horse riding, if you fancy a bit of equestrian exercise.
Dates open: December 26-30
Price: from $60 (for a two person pass)
Game on, Sydney. Immersive Gamebox, an interactive gaming space in Darling Harbour, offers full-scale, immersive versions of Batman, Squid Game and Ghostbusters, plus lots more. You and your crew will have more than 13 exhilarating games to pick from, which range from 30-minute speed sessions to epic 120-minute extravaganzas.
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