Sleighbells ring in our Aussie Christmas

Sydney is set to celebrate Christmas like no other city, with a program of uniquely Aussie festivities and tradition with a twist.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore today launched the 2017 Sydney Christmas program at Martin Place, which features 30 days of events, light projections, concerts and choir performances across the city and its villages.

Artists including Kate Miller-Heidke, Justice Crew, Christine Anu, All Our Exes Live in Texas, the Australian Girls’ Choir and Jimmy Giggle will perform at two city concerts that kick off Sydney’s festive season this weekend.

“With a fantastic program of celebrations for all ages, this is a great time for people to bring their families to the city and celebrate the festive season,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“From live concerts and colourful projections, to great shopping and the opportunity for the kids to meet Santa, there’s plenty for visitors, shoppers and locals to enjoy.

“It will be a wonderful Sydney Christmas,with sunshine, lively streets and long evenings, it’s the perfect time for exploring our city with family and friends.”

Sydney Christmas 2017 program highlights:

Martin Place Christmas Concert and Tree Lighting ”“ Saturday 25 November, 6.30pm”“8.30pm

Hosted by Channel 7’s Mark Ferguson and Angie Asimus, the free Martin Place Christmas Concert and tree lighting is packed with entertainment the whole family will love.

The concert features live performances by Kate Miller-Heidke, Justice Crew, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Christine Anu, Australian Girls’ Choir and children’s entertainer Jay Laga’aia.
The Lord Mayor and Santa will arrive by cycle-drawn sleigh to light the Christmas tree and start the fireworks finale.
There will be pre”“show entertainment from 5.45pm and Santa stockings packed with goodies on sale for $5, with all proceeds going to the City’s Christmas charity partner, Variety ”“ The Children’s Charity.
The MLC Centre and GPO restaurants, bars and a pop-up dessert bar with festive gelato, sweets and cakes, will open during the concert.

Christmas on the Green at Hyde Park ”“ Saturday 25 November, 6.30pm”“8.30pm
Jimmy Giggle, Bananas in Pyjamas, The Listies, The Fairies and children’s entertainment legend, Peter Combe, will perform at the free concert in Palm Grove in Hyde Park north.
Christmas on the Green will be a lively, festive night, perfect for families with entertainment suitable for all ages.
Concert goers can enjoy kids’ activities, food trucks, a gelato bar and $5 Santa stockings. Santa will stop by for a visit and a fireworks finale will light up the sky.

Martin Place Christmas Tree
The interactive Christmas tree in Martin Place provides a visual spectacle that invites visitors to share in the spirit of Christmas. Visitors can send a Christmas message to the 20m high tree via  sydxmastree.com.au  and watch the words light up the interactive ribbon.
The city’s most-loved Christmas tree is decorated with 60,000 lights, 300 baubles and a 1.5 metre treetop star, and will be lit every day from 25 November to 26 December.

Lights and projections
The Boulevard of Light ”“ an overhead canopy of 80,000 lights in Pitt Street Mall ”“ will make late-night shopping trips sparkle.
From 25 November to 25 December, family-friendly projections at Customs House Square and Martin Place will transform the ground into a summer Christmas wonderland.
The Lights of Christmas at St Mary’s Cathedral will capture the imagination of audiences with a spectacular light and sound show. Performances run each evening from 6”“25 December, starting at 7.30pm with a choir performance.

Village Christmas concerts
Free, family-friendly concerts at Alexandria (2 December), Surry Hills (3 December), Rushcutters Bay (9 December) and Rosebery (10 December) are always a big hit with the kids, and packed with children’s entertainment, live music, fireworks and a visit from Santa.
There will be performances from children’s favourites including Jimmy Giggle, Justine Clarke, The Listies, Bananas in Pyjamas and Splashdance.

Carollers and choirs

Carollers in Pitt Street Mall will entertain shoppers with festive favourites while they do their Christmas shopping. Different groups will perform every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 25 November to 21 December including Variety ”“ The Children’s Charity Choir, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir, Australian Girls’ Choir and The Cleftomaniacs.
Choirs will perform under the branches of the Martin Place Christmas Tree every night from 25 November until Christmas Eve. Groups include Jingle Belles Singers, Circular Keys, Sydney Philharmonia Choir and The Salvation Army Band and Choir.

A Very Surry Hills Christmas
Sydneysiders and locals are invited to A Very Surry Hills Christmas on Saturday 16 December.
Visitors can make their own personalised Christmas decorations at Santa’s workshop and take advantage of the complimentary gift wrapping service for purchases from local retailers.
A live DJ will entertain crowds throughout the day and there will be face painting, free entertainment and photos with Santa for the kids.
The event will run from 9am to 5pm at Shannon Reserve, Surry Hills.

Rediscover George Street walks
Free seasonal walking tours will encourage Sydneysiders to explore their city on foot and rediscover George Street. The foodie walk will explore hidden laneway cafes and chocolate shops while a family-friendly Christmas lights walk will tour Sydney’s most Instagram-able window displays and illuminations. An evening architecture walk will reveal the city in a new light, highlighting the best buildings on George Street and their surprising history.

KIIS under the mistletoe
KIIS 106.5 is inviting visitors to Chrismas on the Green in Hyde Park to ”˜KIIS under the mistletoe’ for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. Visitors snapped ”˜KIISing their Christmas favourite’ under the giant mistletoe can use the #SYDXMAS hashtag to enter the draw.   Little ones can also post their letters to Santa at the North Pole at the special Christmas post box.

Variety ”“ The Children’s Charity
The City of Sydney’s charity partner for Christmas 2017, Variety ”“ The Children’s Charity, will sell merchandise and Santa showbags at the city and village concerts. The national charity provides funding and support to individuals, organisations and hospitals, to improve the lives of children with disabilities and special needs.
Variety will also host a  Xmas Walk  at Pyrmont Bay Park on Sunday 3 December.
For all dates and details,  visit  sydneychristmas.com.au

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