Sydney’s favourite Christmas night market will transform Circular Quay and The Rocks for 11 nights.
It’s official: the Christmas season is upon us. Sure, it’s only November. But in Sydney, the shops have transformed, the trees have gone up and Mariah Carey is defrosting for her annual appearance. So it’s only right that the Jolly Christmas night markets have been announced to be returning to Circular Quay this year – bigger and better than ever (and still free to attend). And all with a uniquely Australian flair.
From 11 to 21 December, what began three years ago as a small Christmas activation will now open with over 120 festive stalls stretching from Customs House to The Rocks. They’ll be selling everything from Christmas decorations to the flavours of local producers to creations of local artisans. Think handmade gifts, gourmet street food, boutique wineries and craft distilleries, all under a canopy of fairy lights. Oh, and let’s not forget a shower of fake snow every night. Delightful.
“Sydney deserves a Christmas celebration that feels as grand and joyful as the city itself," said Vincent Hernandez, Founder and Managing Director of BBR Group, the creative team behind Jolly. “Jolly is our way of giving the city back a little magic, something that brings people together at night, supports local makers and celebrates Christmas’ balmy summer nights in true Sydney style".
Dining at Jolly Christmas night markets
Eat your way around the markets.
This year, the markets will feature a Wine & Dine Village with NSW’s best wineries and distilleries, masterclasses and tastings. Here, Christmas enthusiasts can find names like Petersons Family Wines, Savannah Estate, Cooks Lot Wines, Tractorless Vineyard and Ester Spirits alongside Ambrosia Distillery, Hold Fast Distillery, Burly Gin and Aihiki. Get amongst complimentary tastings and free daily masterclasses hosted by the winemakers themselves.
Not to mention gourmet street food sold around the entire market, with local and international flavours.
Live music at Jolly Christmas night markets
Let live music set the scene.
Live music will also be a staple feature of this year’s Jolly Christmas night markets (and not just Christmas carols either, although naturally, they feature heavily. From smooth jazz to acoustic soul to reimagined Christmas classics, there will be plenty of tunes to accompany visitors while they shop or eat.
The details
Get ready for 11 nights of Christmas joy.
Dates: Thursday, 11 December to Sunday, 21 December 2025
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.
The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.
If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.
Savour the summer dining scene
Pop into Fred’s After Hours.
The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.
Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.
Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.
Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.
And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.
Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.
Dive into ocean pools
The ocean pools beckon.
Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.
Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.
Experience local arts and culture
See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.
Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.
Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.
Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.
Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere
Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.
The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).
If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.
Get into nature
Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.
Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.
If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.
The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.
If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.
