The Best Christmas Lights in Sydney & Where to Find Them

Picture this: It’s a warm December evening, you hit pause on your Christmas movie marathon, look up at your real Christmas tree and decide it’s time to embrace the holly, jolly spirit of the season. What’s next on the agenda? A full-blown fairy light-hunting expedition! 

From The Hills District to the Shire to the Northern Beaches and the Inner West, we’ve found you a street nearby that’s filled with Christmas lights. If you’re down for an epic night of light-prowling, don’t forget to pack your snacks (chocolate-covered peanuts and fruit mince pies) and prepare your route in advance. We recommend a comprehensive North-to-South approach, making sure to catch each one of these worthy displays on your pilgrimage to discover the best Christmas lights in Sydney. 'Tis the season!

Martin Place 

In the heart of Sydney, the Martin Place Christmas tree steals the spotlight, standing tall and proud. With over 110,000 LED lights, this towering masterpiece outshines even the most polished corporate backdrop. Its 800 branches, adorned with 15,000 flowers representing iconic Australian blooms, create a breathtaking sight. Every night, a choir serenades beneath its radiant glow, adding a harmonious touch to the festive atmosphere. For a dose of enchantment, stroll through Martin Place, where every 15 minutes from 8 pm to midnight, the city transforms into a kaleidoscope of colours and stars.

St. Mary's Cathedral

For a dose of festive vibes that's more local secret than grand spectacle, Christmas at the Cathedral is Sydney's understated winner for the best Christmas lights in town. This annual gathering at St. Mary's Cathedral has quietly become a city tradition, drawing families, kids, and wanderers into its mellow glow. It's not your typical over-the-top affair; instead, it offers a laid-back celebration that welcomes everyone, no matter their background. The Cathedral Square transforms into a canvas for creative projections, subtly spreading the joy of Christmas throughout the community.

St Marys Road, Sydney

Barangaroo 

If you're looking for a swish Christmas photo op, head to Barangaroo to catch a glimpse of the Barangaroo bells. The three huge interactive Christmas bells each have a swing inside with lights and music playing each time someone reaches the top. Make a night of it and enjoy one of the many restaurants' festive menus. 

Darling Harbour

Sydneysiders, if you're after a splash of festive charm without the fuss, head down to Darling Harbour. Picture this: a whopping 6-metre-tall Christmas Bauble stealing the show on Cockle Bay. It's not your average bauble; it's a colossal display of festive cheer, lighting up each night with a dazzling array of colours. It's practically begging for your best Christmas selfie. So, skip the crowded extravaganzas and opt for the giant bauble at Darling Harbour for a low-key, yet brilliantly lit, dose of holiday spirit.

ICC Sydney Forecourt, Darling Harbour

Queen Victoria Building

Sydney locals in the know are pointing fellow city dwellers to the QVB for the best Christmas lights in town. The QVB's take on the festive season is uniquely Aussie, featuring an Aboriginal-inspired Wollemi Pine Christmas tree that's more than just decorations—it's a living piece of art. Dr Bronwyn Bancroft's ground-floor installation immerses visitors in the richness of Indigenous culture, blending traditional art with ingenious innovations. On Levels 1 and 2, artists Jude Jarrett and Jeffrey Samuels showcase their vibrant Flannel Flowers, celebrating the beauty of native flora. It's a subtle yet powerful illumination of Christmas with an Australian heart.

455 George Street, Sydney

Elizabeth Street, Paddington 

These Christmas lights have become an unofficial tourist attraction. More and more extravagant every year, just down from Oxford Street, it's impossible to miss 47 Elizabeth Street. Since 2001, Gary Swales has been decorating his Paddington terrace for the Christmas season. Several years ago the house was gift-wrapped with a 25-metre red satin bow, which should give you a rough idea of just how extra we're willing to go at Christmastime. 

Avoca Street, Bondi 

Lighting up the Eastern Subs like it’s no one’s business are the enterprising residents of Avoca Street. With full participation up and down the street, you won’t be disappointed with this dazzling display. 5 Waratah Street in North Bondi also delivers quite the show – with six white boomers pulling a ute.

Frederick Street, Randwick

A family-friendly haven, expect this quiet street to pull out all the stops this Christmas. From automated lighting displays to festive decorations and metres of tinsel, you can drive through for a quick squiz or take the time to inspect every intricate detail.

Elaine Avenue, Avalon

This Northern Beaches avenue takes Christmas seriously. Historically, there hasn't been a single house on the street that doesn’t get in on the action. There was one holdout who’s been known to use twinkly lights to spell out Bah Humbug which we guess makes them a Rebel without a Claus (get it? - honestly, we're pretty proud of that pun!). There’s also been an animatronic Santa, trains, forests of fairy lights, glowing snowmen - just about every joyful Chrissy decoration you could think of. 

Borgnis Street, Davidson

While the title for the city’s best street for their light display is a battle we fear entering, we know for certain that Borgnis Street sits among the top three. With ice-cream vans, sausage sizzles and music playing for hours on end throughout December, this street poses tough competition for those wanting to enter the fray. 10 Cambage Court (also in Davidson) is another serious display, with the owners using their spectacle for good by collecting for a range of charities each year. 

Prince Albert Avenue, Mosman

The Lower North Shore’s favourite strip of Christmas lights is Prince Albert Avenue. From the beginning of December, the traffic along the street slows to a crawl as drivers try to get a good look at every brightly lit home. If you’re coming from the city, take a ferry to Mosman Wharf and stop for a bite at the Mosman Rowers Club before ambling up to check out the lights.

Lane Cove

With their local initiative Light Up Lane Cove a favourite with the locals, you can expect a lot of light activity right across the suburb. For some of the best displays, be sure to visit Sutherland Street and Barina Street or Yallambe Road!

The Avenues, Willoughby

First, Second, Third and Fourth Avenues in Willoughby consistently deliver a neighbourhood show of glimmering lights and festive music. Willoughby Council also puts on plenty of Christmas-themed events including Carols, markets, street parties and symphonies so you can make a night of your North Shore light hunt.

Sydney Road, Hornsby Heights 

With an impressive 50 homes decking out their facades each year, Sydney Road provides an exceptional display for visitors to come and ogle. Running from 8pm each night during December, this one is great for both a slow walk along the footpath or a drive-by, depending entirely on how much time you have to spread across Christmas light destinations. 

Burwood Road, Concord

Displaying their lights for the past two decades, the family at number 191 have one of Sydney's best displays. Not only do they boast a whopping 100,000 lights but a display that is completely synced with a soundtrack. We’re impressed #christmasinconcord.

Second Street, Ashbury 

With almost every home along Second Street getting involved in the decorating spree, this Ashbury street is a must when scouring the Inner West for lights. One of the homes on Second Street in Ashbury collects donations for the charity called HOPE, trying to make the most of the generous crowds who visit each year.  

30 Alfred Street, Ramsgate 

Heads up Harry Potter buffs! 30 Alfred Street in Ramsgate has taken the cake for themed lights this year. Swing by any night between now and Boxing Day to catch sight of illuminated displays depicting icons from the film series. You'll be able to spot the floating candles from the great hall, patronus animals, golden snitches, thestrals, five Dobby statues, a huge whomping willow and heaps more. 

30 Alfred Street, Ramsgate Beach in Sydney, from 7:30 daily 

Madrers Avenue, Kogarah

Number 36 on Madrers Avenue is always a highlight, with 50,000 lights and a Nativity Scene, a reindeer, a ferris wheel and a singing bear, there is plenty to see. Nearby, 101 Jubilee Avenue in Beverley Park has demonstrated that they aren’t afraid of a little friendly competition. The Sutherland Shire also puts on the ‘Light Up the Shire’ competition which offers generous prizes encouraging locals to get involved. 

Holt Road, Taren Point  

This family-friendly street turns into a Christmas spectacular come December. There are lights, full-blown displays, bubbles, music and even a life-size Santa. If you’re in the area, it’s worth stopping by. 

Orana Avenue, Kirrawee 

This sweet street is full of cottages and bungalows that look even cuter when decked out in lights. There are a fair few streets around Kirrawee that get into the spirit so be sure to take a drive around the area to see what other gems you can discover. 

Tea Tree Place, Kirrawee

We recommend parking the car around the corner and taking this festival of lights in by foot. You'll see plenty of families standing proudly out the front of their homes enjoying the festive cheer. 

Allambie Avenue, Caringbah

Otherwise known as Candy Cane Lane, this whole street goes all out with their lights. You'll find a wishing well about halfway down where you can donate to the Make A Wish foundation, too. 

Oakleigh Avenue, Thornleigh

The residents of Thornleigh’s Oakleigh Avenue make a serious effort each November to put on a show for visitors desperate to get some glow into their Yuletide celebrations. Three houses in particular (they’re impossible to miss) make a serious effort to one-up each other - much to the delight of spectators who flock from afar.

Kellyville

A veritable smorgasbord of light offerings, Kellyville is a destination in itself for Christmas light spotting. Head from Mawarra Crescent and Arnold Avenue to Marella Avenue for a full evening of glimmering light shows.

Chauvel Street, North Ryde

The City of Ryde gets involved in the ‘Lights for Kids’ campaign to raise money for kids at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and The Children's Hospital at Westmead each year. Lights cover the windy, tree-lined streets making the area look utterly magical. 

Mallee Street, Quakers Hill 

With an interactive Nativity Scene and beautifully finished figurines, number 7 is a major attraction in the area, while the nearby Noble Way in Rouse Hill is worthy of a visit. 

The Cascades, Mount Annan 

While a little bit further than the rest, the folks of Mount Annan put on a sterling display year on year drawing huge crowds to see how they’ve managed to improve their display each Christmas. 

For any holiday enthusiast (consider us guilty as charged) Christmas lights in Sydney are just the start of the fun. For more Christmas cheer, make sure you scope out these Christmas tree farms in the Sydney area and check out our guide to hosting friendmas.