Things to do in Sydney today

Summer is here, and to celebrate the first Saturday of the silly season, the City of Sydney is throwing a pool-centric extravaganza that's almost too good to be true. For the entire day of Saturday, December 6, you can enter all of the City of Sydney's amazing pools for free. That's right. $0. Also, they're slinging free gelato too. This is not a drill.  The Summer Open Day will pop off at six pools and world-class aquatic centres across the City of Sydney, from 6am to 8pm. With free gelato scoops getting slung at select pools from 11am to 2pm, and free icy poles at others all day (while stocks last), you can bet your bottom dollar that this is one Saturday where you're in for a treat.  Plus, to add to the fun, all the pools on the roster have some kind of fun activation, activities, games and special deals that will be running all day. From lawn games and a hammer challenge, to an ultimate Zumba party, there's no end to the summery surprises and all-round good times to be had on December 6, 2025.  The Summer Open Day is also an exciting opportunity for Sydneysiders to have a peek into the newly renovated Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, which is finally ready for swimming business. A gelato cart, games and one-day only specials on memberships and swim lessons will all be available at what is arguably Sydney's snazziest swimming pool.  Participating pools are: Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, The Domain Prince Alfred Park Pool, Surry Hills Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Ultimo Victoria...

For generations, the dynamics between women have been sidelined in theatre. Few classic plays explore the complexities of womanhood, the fraught relationships between mother and daughter, or, more specifically, the intricate bonds between Asian grandmothers, their daughters and their granddaughters. In cultures shaped by large joint families, where matriarchal relationships (often behind closed doors) deeply influence a woman’s identity, these stories are particularly rich – and yet rarely represented on stage. As a South Asian Australian woman who coincidentally named her daughter after her grandmother, I feel a connection to Merlynn Tong’s experimental exploration of her matriarchal ancestors in her new play, Congratulations, Get Rich!, an international collaboration between La Boite Theatre, Singapore Repertory Theatre and Sydney Theatre Company. What's the premise of Congratulations, Get Rich! Congratulations, Get Rich! kicks off inside Mandy’s (Merlynn Tong) ailing karaoke joint, Money Money Karaoke, where she and her relentlessly upbeat, pun-loving boyfriend Xavier (Zac Boulton) are staring down a make-or-break night. It also happens to be the seventh day of Chinese New Year – Human Day – and Mandy’s 38th birthday. As an ominous storm rolls in and the pipes begin to groan, the couple is plunged into sudden darkness. Out of that blackout emerge two very unexpected visitors: Mandy’s long-dead mother (Seong Hui Xuan) and grandmother (Kimie Tsukakoshi), returning as...

It’s imperative that you do not eat before you visit the Carriageworks Farmers Markets. You’ll want to save maximum belly space for your personal version of The Bachelorette where you decide who gets your dollars and what delicious produce gets to come home with you. Maybe you like something soupy and savoury first thing? In that case head to Bar Pho for a traditional Vietnamese start to the day. On the veggie train? Hit up Keppos St Kitchen for a falafel breakfast, or head to Food Farm for a classic bacon and egg roll.Once the hounds of your hunger have been quieted it’s time to prepare for your next meal, or seven. Stock up on artisan cheese from Leaning Oak, smoked salmon from Brilliant Foods and Sydney’s favourite sourdough from AP Bakery and brunch is sorted. You can spend a whole lot of money if you want to here, but equally you could just grab a kombucha on tap from Herbs of Life and find a chair for some of the best dog-watching in the city.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel tips and city insights, straight to your inbox. Hungry for more? Look at our list of the best markets in Sydney – produce or otherwise. 

You know it's December when streets and suburbs across Sydney turn sparkly. But sometimes, it’s worth heading out of the city. For instance, just over two hours' north of Sydney you’ll find the Hunter Valley Gardens with its Christmas Lights Spectacular – the biggest Christmas lights display in the Southern hemisphere. Now in its 18th iteration, the Christmas Lights Spectacular is on from now to January 26, 2026 (note: it's closed on Christmas Day) – and is brighter than ever. It's got more than 4.5 million lights sparkling across eight acres, transforming the Gardens into a Christmas wonderland. There are illuminated pathways, immersive installations, festive food stalls and endless photo opportunities – including a towering 3-metre mistletoe (perfect for romantic moments, we say).  What's new in 2025? How about HO HO Harvest where you can wander through the Italian Grotto Garden for the first time; a playful Aussie Christmas cricket display with Santa and the elves playing a match; a Christmas tree farm with a new 6-metre Christmas tree centrepiece; and Santaville, where you can meet Santa and his helpers. Long-time favourites like Candyland, 12 Days of Christmas and family rides like the Spinning Teacups and Ferris Wheel are back. As for food, they'll have wood-fired pizza, tasty burgers and dumplings as well as sweet treats like donuts, churros and gelato on offer.  Christmas Lights Spectacular is on from 5.30pm till 10.30pm every day, except Christmas (with last...

Glebe may be famous for its weekly markets, but a few times a year something extra special pops up. Foley Park transforms into the Artisans Market Glebe on December 6 with a curated showcase of original, handmade Australian creations. It’s the perfect place to find Christmas gifts that are truly unique, sustainable and lovingly crafted by local makers. With more than 60 artisans offering homewares, jewellery, fashion, art and beauty products, you can have a chat with the creators and feel good knowing your purchase supports independent designers and local charities. Add in live music from 10am–3pm and you’ve got the loveliest way to shop local this festive season.