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Loading the family into the car to go and see Christmas lights is a time-honoured tradition in Australia. The warm air, the night sky, and the sound of Christmas beaming through the car’s stereo are about as etched in Aussie folklore as festive crackers at the lunch table.
For the 2025 Christmas season, the choice of Christmas lights viewing in Sydney is huge. From exploring the inner west and lavish eastern suburb streets by foot, to taking a drive beyond the city skyline, there’s something for everyone. Here are our top picks by location.
If you’re curious about a suburb close by, be sure to check out independent site Christmas Light Search, a great tool for finding homes festooned in lights!
As a general rule, Christmas lights on residential houses become a ‘thing’ in Australia from December 1 to the end of the month. As for time, we’d suggest the window between 7.30pm and 11pm, depending on the display.
Here’s the best part: nothing! Anyone is free to attend, though be selective around timing as streets can get quite busy on peak evenings.
Another silver lining is that many displays support charities including children’s hospitals, so it may be worthwhile stowing a few coins in your pocket.
From the trendy streets of Newtown and Marrickville to the waterfront vantages of Balmain, the inner west and inner suburbs of Sydney are home to some incredible Christmas light displays.
Arguably the jewel in the crown for Christmas lights in Sydney, Second Street in Ashbury has been a go-to destination for more than 10 years.
Concord’s mix of leafy streets and stately home come to life at Christmas time. Check out Burwood Road and nearby decorated houses are classic highlights.
Beautiful Victorian terraces and a thriving pub and café scene might be Darlington’s usual selling point, but in December it takes on a different meaning.
There are some terrific Christmas light opportunities, in particular Boundary Street.
For 2025, Tempe is home to some epic displays. Be sure to check out South Street, where one particular house is supporting the Shine for Autism charity.
The family friendly suburb of Davidson, on the Northern Beaches, comes to life with Christmas lights in December.
Take a look at Borgnis Street and Kambora Avenue in particular. Both have followed the Christmas light tradition for years, and even take on involvement from the local fire station.
These streets offer excellent family friendly Christmas light opportunities as well as music displays and more.
These neighbouring suburbs in Sydney’s north offer awe-inspiring displays, with big trees, inflatables and charity collections.
Be sure to check out the Lockwood Street in Asquith and Childs Circuit in Belrose.
One of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs, Christmas lights are a great excuse to visit Mosman.
Displays on Prince Albert Street and Magic Grove are particularly special.
There are some spectacular displays on offer in St Ives.
Nicholson Avenue is a must-visit, while Bimburra Avenue is another worthwhile stop – with lots of lights and even giant inflatables on display.
Many will argue the west is best for Christmas light displays. There’s certainly no shortage of choice.
These neighbouring suburbs are home to multiple homes bearing light tunnels, as well as truly spectacular displays offering incredible detail.
For Kellyville, we’d recommend having Tuscan Avenue, Hector Court, Gormon Avenue and Mawarra Crescent on the radar. Murrumba Place and Pevensey Street are both magnificent stops in Castle Hill.
Arguably one of the most immersive displays in Sydney, Panaview Crescent offers music, a nativity scene, huge projections and familiar character-themed displays. It’s definitely worth a drive.
There’s neighbourhood participation and then there’s the rows of houses offering Christmas light decorations in St Clair.
The aforementioned streets offer excellent viewing efficiency, with dozens of houses decorated and plenty of diversity in what you’ll find.
Both these suburbs take their Christmas lighting seriously.
For Hassall Grove, be sure to look at Stockholm Avenue and Climus Street. Hull Place in Seven Hills is doing meaningful work in 2025, raising money for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
South West Sydney offers a great selection of lights in singular locations, making the drive down the M5 very worthwhile (if you’re coming from the city).
The Cascades in Mount Annan offers a dazzling selection of Christmas light displays. Within a few blocks you’ll find lots of variety, some great interactive displays and some really intricate pieces too.
You won’t have to go far to find lights in these neighbouring suburbs. Another huge arrangement of displays can be found a little further south, in the newly developed suburb of Bingara Gorge.
Check out the bright and extravagant displays on Hixson Street, with great community participation and lots of variety.
Creativity is the name of the game in Belmore.
Of particular note is the Hugh Street “Gingerbread House, which is the centrepiece of an incredible display.
Check out these locations for Long-running family displays, often supporting charity efforts.
The suburb of Mortdale offers a great collection of Christmas light displays close together. Kemp Street is a must-see if you’re in the area.
There’s something about lights dazzling steps away from the ocean, and that is Kurnell’s charm in December.
Prince Charles Parade is arguably the go-to spot for a group of houses in one location. Be sure to check it out.
