Location Map:
Location: Santa’s ride starts at Circular Quay, via Pitt Street, Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Dates: Thursday 27 November from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Cost: Free
Follow Santa Claus as he makes his way through the city to switch on the Martin Place Christmas tree.
If you wander down to Circular Quay on the evening of Thursday 27 November you better watch out. There will be a very special visitor from the North Pole.
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling.
Santa will ride along Pitt Street on his sleigh accompanied by a 90-piece marching band and elves on reindeer tricycles. Unfortunately no one gets to ride with Santa on the sleigh but you’re all welcome to walk along and enjoy the show.
When Santa gets to Martin Place, with the help of Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO, he will marvel at the unique decorations inspired by Australian flowers and light the 24m tree at around 8:30pm. Then there’ll be fireworks.
Fun at Martin Place will continue with a kaleidoscope of colours and decorative lights every 15 minutes to midnight.
2025 Santa’s Sleigh Ride and Tree Lighting Program
Customs House Square
6:30pm – 8pm: DJ Mimi Velevska spinning upbeat pop and Christmas favourites
6:30pm – 8pm: Roving entertainment throughout the forecourt
7.25pm: Santa and Elves arrive
8pm: Trumpet Fanfare by the NSW Public Schools Millennium Marching Band
8:05pm: Santa’s sleigh departs Customs House Forecourt making its way to Martin Place
Martin Place
6:30pm – 8:15pm: DJ Peter Baker spinning retro and Christmas favourites
6:30pm – 8:30pm: Roving entertainment throughout Martin Place
8:15pm: Performance by the Christmas Pom Pom Dance Troupe
8:20pm: Performance by NSW Public Schools Millennium Marching Band
8:25pm: Santa’s sleigh arrives at Martin Place
8:30pm: The lighting of the Martin Place Christmas Tree and fireworks
Be sure to also check out the beautiful Canopy of Lights at Pitt Street Mall. Follow the Christmas stars at the top each smart pole along George Street. The Woolworths building, opposite Sydney Town Hall, will be draped in a curtain of light.
Travel by public transport is recommended.
Related posts:
Surry Hills Christmas Fair – Christmas celebration on Crown Street – Surry Hills, Sydney | 13 December, 2025 
Rushcutters Bay Christmas Concert – Reg Bartley Oval, Double Bay, Sydney | 7 December, 2025 
Sydney Christmas opening weekend – Pitt Street Mall & Martin Place, Sydney | 28 – 30 November, 2025 
Rosebery Christmas Concert – Turruwul Park – Alexandria & Rosebery, Sydney | 30 November, 2025 
Glebe Christmas Concert – Bicentennial Park, Glebe, Sydney | 6 December, 2025 
Alexandria Christmas Concert – Alexandria Park, Alexandria & Rosebery, Sydney | 14 December, 2025 
Christmas in Pyrmont Community Centre – Pyrmont, Sydney | 23 November, 2025 
Santa in the City – Santa Photos – Sydney | 23 November – 24 December, 2025
