With exams done and dusted and classes not returning until February 2026, it’s the perfect time to explore and enjoy all that Sydney summer has to offer.
From festival experiences to vibrant art exhibitions and feel-good ways to give back to the community, here’s our list of free attractions, events and activities happening in Sydney over the break.
Featuring more than 100 stallholders, the Carriageworks Christmas Markets is the perfect place to be before Christmas.
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LinkCheck out the Carriageworks Summer Program
Carriageworks is bringing the heat this January with a packed Summer Program of free art, music and community events:
- Free dance classes with leading choreographers
- Roller disco sessions in the public space
- Vinyl listening parties curated by local DJs
- The Annual Christmas Markets with over 100 stalls
- Art installations and pop-up performances throughout the precinct
Get into the holiday spirit with a light show
Celebrate Christmas at St Mary’s Cathedral with its spectacular light and projection show from 17–25 December, 5:30–10:30 pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Embrace the art of summer at Sydney Festival
Sydney Festival returns 8–25 January 2026 with a city‑wide program and more than 50 free events, including outdoor installations, live music and interactive experiences. Explore the festival’s free (and affordable) highlights, ranging from a symphony under the stars at Darling Harbour to a Blacktown Block Party.
Read sustainably (and for free)
Swap or pick up books at community‑run book exchanges:
- Redfern Community Centre (29–53 Hugo St, Redfern) operates a free book exchange during centre hours (typically Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).
- Maybanke/Pyrmont Community Centre also runs a free book exchange with weekday hours in Pyrmont.
Infinite Scroll 荧屏沉溺 (installation view), Chau Chak Wing Museum, 2025. Photo by David James.
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LinkExplore Infinite Scroll at the Chau Chak Wing Museum
Dive into the world of digital culture at Infinite Scroll, a free exhibition running at the University's very own Chau Chak Wing Museum until 26 July 2026.
Presented in collaboration with 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, it features works by Xia Han, Gao Hang and Ye Funa that remix online aesthetics and question the politics of the endlessly refreshing scroll.
Strengthen communities by volunteering
Use the NSW Government’s volunteering portal to find free, flexible ways to give back across community, arts, environment, health and more over summer.
Celebrate Lunar New Year
Welcome the Year of the Horse at the Sydney Lunar Festival from 14 February to 1 March 2026. Expect dazzling lantern installations, cultural performances, dragon boat races and vibrant street parties, all free to enjoy!
With a load of free events throughout Lunar New Year, it's the perfect chance to get in the spirit.
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LinkKnow where to access health and wellbeing support over the break
- SafeZone: a free safety app that connects you with Protective Services and emergency teams, and sends important safety notifications
- Protective Services: (02) 9351 3333
- Mental wellbeing support line: 1300 474 065 or text 0488 884 429
- Sonder: safety and wellbeing support for international students
- TalkCampus: peer support for all students
All of the above supports are available 24/7.