Christmas in Sydney is a summer celebration: long warm evenings, Christmas lights across the city, carols under the stars and a swim on Christmas Day. Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney in Summer Hill is a relaxed base for the whole season, with direct trains to the city, one free secured undercover parking spot with every booking and reception open 24 hours, from Christmas shopping trips through to the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Christmas lights in the city
The City of Sydney lights up the city from late November. The giant Martin Place Christmas tree is the centrepiece, with nightly light-and-music shows, and the Queen Victoria Building's famous indoor Christmas tree draws crowds every year. Choirs sing beside the Martin Place tree on December evenings in the lead-up to Christmas.
The full 2026 program is announced by the City of Sydney in November. From the hotel, take a direct train to Town Hall, steps from the QVB and a short walk to Martin Place.
Christmas markets and late-night shopping
Martin Place hosts Christmas markets through December, with festive lights, gifts and food stalls in recent years running from Thursday to Saturday evenings. Pitt Street Mall and the QVB keep late shopping hours through the season.
Back at the hotel, there is free parking for your shopping haul and a fridge in every room for festive treats.
Carols in the Domain, Saturday 19 December 2026
Carols in the Domain is Sydney's biggest Christmas concert, held in The Domain on Saturday 19 December 2026 and broadcast live across the country. Bring a picnic rug, arrive early for a good spot and sing along under the stars.
Trains from Summer Hill run around the City Circle to St James, the closest station to The Domain, so getting there and back is easy.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Christmas Day in Sydney means the beach for many locals and visitors, with Bondi Beach the most famous spot of all. Boxing Day is one of the biggest sporting days of the year.
- Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start, 1 pm Saturday 26 December 2026, Sydney Harbour
- Boxing Day BBL: Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat at the SCG
- Boxing Day Raceday at Royal Randwick
- Boxing Day sales across the city
New Year's Eve on the harbour
The season ends with the New Year's Eve fireworks over Sydney Harbour: the family fireworks at 9 pm and the main display at midnight. Trains from Summer Hill reach the city directly, and reception is staffed 24 hours for your return.
Staying for the festive season
Rooms sleep from one to five guests, which suits families visiting for the holidays, and every room has a fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster for easy festive breakfasts. There is no restaurant on site, and Summer Hill village restaurants are a short walk away. Rooms are from $140 a night Monday to Thursday, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, plus public holidays and high seasons, are from $180.
December is a popular month in Sydney, so book early to lock in your dates.
Why guests choose us
Why Christmas visitors stay with us
- Direct trains to Town Hall, St James and Circular Quay
- Carols in the Domain on Saturday 19 December 2026
- Boxing Day cricket, racing and the Sydney to Hobart start
- Family rooms for up to five guests
- One free secured undercover parking spot with every booking
- 24-hour reception through the whole festive season
Gallery
A look around & nearby
Photos: Martin Place (2049726201) by Phil Whitehouse from London, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0; (1)Queen Victoria Building Christmas 2013 by Sardaka (talk) 06:43, 23 December 2013 (UTC), CC BY 3.0; Martin Place with Christmas tree - panoramio by Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 3.0; SydDomStage1 by Stuart midgley, CC BY-SA 4.0; Sydney-Hobart by Paul Balfe, CC BY 2.0; Sydney habour bridge & opera house fireworks new year eve 2008 by Linh_rOm, CC BY 2.0; (1)Queen Victoria Building-3a by Sardaka, CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently asked questions
When is Carols in the Domain 2026?
Saturday 19 December 2026, in The Domain, Sydney. Trains from Summer Hill run around the City Circle to St James, the closest station.
Where are the best Christmas lights in Sydney?
The Martin Place Christmas tree and its nightly light shows, and the Queen Victoria Building's indoor Christmas tree, are the city highlights. The City of Sydney announces its full program in November.
What time does the Sydney to Hobart start?
The 2026 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts at 1 pm on Saturday 26 December 2026 on Sydney Harbour.
What time are the New Year's Eve fireworks?
There are two displays over Sydney Harbour: the family fireworks at 9 pm and the main fireworks at midnight.
Is the hotel open over Christmas?
Yes. Reception is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through Christmas and New Year.
Book online here
Book your Christmas in Sydney
Rooms from $140 with free secure parking, 24-hour reception and direct trains to the city's Christmas lights.