One thing we know for certain, is that going to a family Christmas musical or theatre show in Sydney is a surefire way to get you into the festive spirit fast. If you're lucky enough to live in the Harbour City, you'll be spoilt for choice in 2026; from re-imaginings of classics, to new and original productions, there's something to cater to everyone's taste.

So without further ado, here's the official rundown of the best family Christmas shows in Sydney 2026. 

Christmas Musicals and Theatre Shows in Sydney

Believe: A Christmas Musical

Believe: A Christmas Musical is a new and original Australian production, featuring the story of Santa and his mischevious Northern Elves who find themselves in a spot of bother after accidentally spilling some Super Duper Gluper Glue. 

Developed for young children and families, Believe: A Christmas Musical continues to support young artists and new theatrical works, helping to introduce young people to Austalian theatre. 

Where: Pioneer Theatre, Level 1/14 Pennant St, Castle Hill
When:  Friday 11 - Monday 21 December 2026
Cost:    Adults $85; Child Ticket (under 12 years) $55; 2 years and under FREE; Concession $70; Family Bundles $255
Age guide: 6+
Run time: 120 minutes including a 20 minute interval

Get your tickets now at Believe: A Christmas Musical.  

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

Don't expect a classic re-telling of Ebenezer Scrooge in Christmas Carol Goes Wrong. This version by the Cornley Amateur Drama Society is a laugh-out-loud disaster of a show that'll have you wiping away tears of joy as you sit through a rollercoaster of near-misses and slapstick wit. This hysterical anti-Christmas play is showing at the Sydney Opera House no less, following a successful stint in the West End, London. 

Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House 
When:  Thursday 17 - Tuesday 29 December 2026 
Cost:    17 - 24 December: prices start at $79.90, 26 - 29 December: prices start at $69.90
Age guide: 10+
Run time: 120 minutes including a 20 minute interval 

Book online now at Christmas Carol Goes Wrong. 

Christmas Stories With R.A Spratt

The best-selling author Nanny Piggins and Friday Barnes will be performing her favourite Christmas tales (and sharing a few original carols) in Christmas Stories with R.A Spratt. A 60 minute whirlwind journey in storytelling, this show will get you in the mood for the festive season with lots of laughs and plenty of puns!

R. A Spratt is also available after the show to sign books so a good chance to get one of your Christmas presents sorted! 

Where:  Glen Street Theatre, Main Auditorium 
When:   Monday 21 December 2026, 2 pm  
Cost:     All tickets: $29, Family pass: $105
Age guide: Suitable for all ages
Run time: 60 minutes, no interval 

To book, visit Christmas Stories with R.A Spratt.

Christmas Ballet and Ice Skating Shows in Sydney

The Nutcracker - Australian Ballet

An absolute Christmas family favourite, The Nutcracker - Australian Ballet epitomises that magical period just before Christmas when the world gets a little bit quieter and a lot more still. Showing at the Sydney Opera House until mid-December, this version of The Nutcracker is presented by The Australian Ballet and remains faithful to the original 19th-century story. Trust us, introducing your kids to The Nutcracker in Sydney at Christmas is a guaranteed shortcut to making memories for years to come. 

Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House 
When:  Saturday 28 November - Wednesday 16 December 2026 
Cost:    Child: from $78; Adult under 30: from $97; Adult over 30: from $111
Age guide: Suitable for all ages but children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Show contains strobes and flash lighting. 
Run time:   2 hours 5 minutes 

For more information and to book tickets, visit The Nutcracker - Australian Ballet. 

The Nutcracker

Another option if you're looking for a Christmas ballet in Sydney is BIG Live's production of The Nutcracker at Capitol Theatre in the CBD. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this immersive family ballet show features the usual incredible choreography supported by spell-binding visuals, backdrops and costumes.

Kids will be in awe as they journey to the Land of Sweets where nothing is as it seems. The perfect festive family day out!   

Where: Capitol Theatre, Campbell Street, Haymarket 
When:  Friday 4 - Wednesday 23 December 2026 
Cost:    Tickets atart at $79.95
Age guide: Suitable for all but parental discretion is advised. Show contains strobes and haze. 
Run time:   2 hours and 25 minutes, including a 25 minute interval

To get your tickets, visit The Nutcracker online. 

The Nutcracker On Ice

A fresh spin on a classic, The Nutcracker On Ice is gliding into the Coliseum Theatre in Rooty Hill in December 2026, featuring The Imperial Ice Stars who are known for their impressive technical ability on ice. Auciences will get to experience Olympic-level ice-skating, breathtaking choreography, high-speed acrobatics and of course, a magical Christmas story. 

Children's tickets are available for ages 2 to 17. Babies under 24 months may attend free of charge when seated on a parent or carer's lap.

Where: Coliseum Theatre, 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill
When: Thursday 10 - Sunday 20 December 2026 
Cost:   TBA
Age guide:  Suitable for all. 
Run time:   2 hours and 20 minutes, including a 20 minute interval

Visit Coliseum Theatre for more details and to book tickets.

Santa Shows and Christmas Spectaculars in Sydney

Santa’s Christmas Bubble Spectacular

Western Sydney's The Coliseum sure is putting on a show this Christmas! Santa's Christmas Bubble Spectacular welcomes renowned bubble artists Dr Bubbles and Milkshake and their friends - one million bubbles - on stage in a show that combines bubble artistry, comedy, theatrics and festive cheer! Watch giant bubble illusions take over the stage in a celebration of the wonder of Christmas. Santa and Mrs Claus might even make an appearance if you're lucky....  

Where:        Coliseum Theatre, 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill
When:         Friday 4 - Saturday 5 December 2026 
Cost:           TBA
Age guide: Suitable for all. Babes in arms are free to sit on adult's lap. 
Run time:   60 minutes with no interval. 

Visit Coliseum Theatre for more details and to book tickets.

The Greatest Christmas Show

Don't sleep on this one! Touring all over the country, The Greatest Christmas Show descends on Sydney on Sunday 13 December 2026 for one show only at the ICC in Darling Harbour. With world-class aerialists, dancers, acrobats and performers, the whole family will lose themselves in a world of festive wonderment in what has been referred to as Australia's number one family Christmas event. 

Where:        Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney 
When:         Sunday 13 December 2026, 3.30 pm and 7. 30 pm 
Cost:           From $49.90
Age guide:  Suitable for all.  
Run time:    None listed but doors open for both shows one hour before the show starts. 

Get your tickets for The Greatest Christmas Show now. 

The Christmas Spectacular - A Magical Wonderland

Sydney's State Theatre comes alive for four shows across two days when The Christmas Spectacular - A Magical Wonderland arrives in town. Expect a full ensemble as Santa is joined by The Voice star Prinnie Stevens covering Mariah Carey classics, illusionist and Australia's Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd defying logic, and breathtaking circus acts performing a dazzling display of their incredible skill.

This show truly has something for all ages - making it your new family Christmas tradition is a no-brainer! 

Where:        Sydney's State Theatre
When:         Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December 2026, 2 pm and 6 pm  
Cost:           Adults from $79; Child/Concession from $69; Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) from $249
Age guide:  Suitable for all
Run time:    1 hour 50 minutes with an interval of 20 minutes 

Book tickets to The Christmas Spectacular - A Magical Wonderland online now. 

Christmas Live at Taronga

If you prefer to celebrate Santa's big day outdoors under the stars, Christmas Live at Taronga could be the ticket.

Set against the inimitable backdrop of Sydney Harbour, Christmas Live at Taronga will be hosted by Matty J and features live performances from The Mik Maks and the Australian Girls Choir, plus a special visit from Santa himself. Guests are encouraged to take in the view and enjoy a Christmas picnic on the lawn whether that be their own food or a delicious pre-purchased hamper. Best of all, ticket holders also gain access to the Zoo from 2-5pm before the evening's event. 

Where:       Concert Lawns, Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
When:        Saturday 5 December 2026, 6 pm - 8.30 pm 
Cost:          Adult $45 | Child $36 4-15 years Children aged 3 years and under are free. (Zoo Friends get a 20% discount on tickets.)
Age guide: Suitable for all
Run time:   2 and a half hours

Reserve your spot online at Christmas Live at Taronga. 

Free Christmas Concerts and Carols in Sydney

The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain

A true milestone in the Sydney Christmas calendar, The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain is back to celebrate its 44th year in 2026!

Start warming up those vocal chords now as Sydney's biggest sing-a-long happens but once a year. And whilst this year's full line-up is yet to be announced, we can expect show-stopping stars, dazzling fireworks and plenty of good-time giggles in store. Rumbling tummies will be sated by the Festival of Food so gather friends and family, pack a picnic rug, and head down to Carols in the Domain. 

Where:       The Domain, Sydney
When:        Saturday 19 December 2026, 1 pm - 11 pm  
Cost:          FREE general admission, with reserved seating and premium experiences also available. Ticket prices TBA.
Age guide: Suitable for all
Run time:   10 hours  

Visit The Salvation Army's Carols in the Domain to book tickets.  

Pyrmont Christmas Concert

Get into the Christmas spirit at Pyrmont with a free Christmas party - the Pyrmont Christmas Concert. Hosted by Sheba Williams, the party will see a diverse range of musical acts including The Quokkas, The Vegetable Plot, The Pretty Amazing Jono, Mitchell Dormer, Les Femmes all perform Christmas favourites, plus a visit from the main man himself, Santa!

Kids will be entertained by the free crafting station, giant Jenga, table tennis, face painting and of course, the Circus Drop Zone where families will put their circus skills to the test. 

Where:       Pirrama Park, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
When:        Sunday 6 December 2026, 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm  
Cost:          Free
Age guide: Suitable for all
Run time:   3 hours 

For further details, visit the Pyrmont Christmas Concert. 

Alexandria Christmas Concert

Another City of Sydney event, the Alexandria Christmas Concert is again hosted by Sheba Williams but this time includes performances from Monski Mouse, Lucas Proudfoot, The Mik Maks, Sharnee Fenwick and Brown Sugar. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic rug and settle in for an evening of music, games and festive cheer. $5 from Santa photos will be donated to the event's charity partner Variety - the Children's Charity NSW/ACT.

Where:        Alexandria Park, Buckland Street, Alexandria 
When:         Sunday 6 December 2026, 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm 
Cost:           Free
Age guide: Suitable for all 
Run time:   3 hours 

For further details, visit the Alexandria Christmas Concert.

Carols on the Common

Sydney's second largest Christmas carols take place in Ryde at Carols on the Common 2026. Guests will be treated to live performances from rising stars at local choirs and dance studios, and a cheeky Santa appearance at 6.05pm. Carols will then ring out from the North Ryde Common from 8.05pm before concluding the night's festivities with a spectacular fireworks display at 9.05pm! 

Where:         North Ryde Commons, Cnr Wicks & Twin Road, North Ryde 
When:          13 December 2026, 5 pm - 9.30 pm 
Cost:            Free but donations to the Rotary Club are welcomed. 
Age guide:   Suitable for all 
Run time:     4 and a half hours  

For further information, visit Carols on the Common 2026. 

*Hero image of Sydney's Christmas Spectacular 2026. 

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About ellaslist

ellaslist is a trusted local guide for families across Sydney and NSW, written by parents and family lifestyle editors who understand what makes an outing with kids genuinely work. Our team researches and curates the best family-friendly events, attractions, playgrounds, restaurants and school holiday activities, with practical details on age suitability, accessibility, parking, public transport, facilities and family-friendly tips.

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