Santa’s Sydney sleigh ride and tree lighting

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: Elves arrive

• 8pm: Trumpet Fanfare by the NSW Public Schools Millennium Marching Band 

• 8:05pm: Santa’s sleigh departs from Customs House Forecourt with Santa and the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO and makes its way to Martin Place

Martin Place

• 6:30pm – 8:15pm: DJ Peter Baecker spinning retro and Christmas favourites

• 6:30pm – 8:30pm: Roving entertainment throughout Martin Place

• 8:15pm: Christmas performance by Ettingshausens Dance Studio

• 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. Visit Transport NSW or call 131 500 to plan your trip.