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By Mich Caluza December 9, 2025 Share:

Forget stressing about plans! If you’re in Sydney, you’re already set up for the most epic Australian summer holiday. We’ve mapped out your must-do itinerary, taking you from the wildest beach party of the year straight through to the world-famous NYE fireworks display.

The Sydney Festive Week: Day by Day Guide

December 23rd: Beach Vibes & Chill

  • Daytime Must-Do: Get your dose of stunning coastal views by doing the iconic Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. It’s a free, non-stop photo opportunity along beautiful cliffs, ocean pools, and beaches.

If you’re staying at Mad Monkey Coogee Beach, settle in and recharge at the Holiday Movie Marathon! Kick back with classic flicks and snacks before the festive chaos hits.

Capture incredible views of the Pacific Ocean while walking the scenic Bondi to Coogee trail, photo courtesy of Paula-Jorunn Naes

December 24th: Christmas Eve Kick-Off

  • Daytime Must-Do: Head into the city! Soak up the festive atmosphere by visiting the huge Christmas tree and lights at Martin Place or checking out the stunning decorated interior of the Queen Victoria Building (QVB).

Staying at Mad Monkey Coogee Beach? It’s time to get loud at the Christmas Eve Karaoke! This is your ultimate holiday warm-up party—belt out those festive tunes with your new crew.

Don’t miss a thing—get the full Mad Monkey Coogee Beach events breakdown here.

December 25th: The Red Bather Beach Party

  • The BIG Event: Bronte Beach “Orphan’s Christmas”
  • The Plan: Throw on those red bikinis or swim shorts (it’s a MUST!) and head straight to Bronte Beach. This is where thousands of backpackers create the biggest, most spontaneous Christmas Day beach party in Sydney.
    • Quick Tip: Arrive EARLY (before 10 AM). Take the train to Bondi Junction and catch a bus (379/380) to Bronte. Remember: NO GLASS! And please, be a legend and clean up all your trash.

Start your Christmas Day right! If you’re staying at Mad Monkey, fuel up before the beach with the Christmas Breakfast BBQ!

Celebrate Christmas Day Aussie-style: sun, sand, and mandatory red bikinis at Bronte Beach, photo courtesy of Mad Monkey

December 26th: Boxing Day Races & Deals

  • Daytime Must-Do: Boxing Day is huge! You have two choices:
    1. Fashion & Fun: Head to the famous Boxing Day Races at Royal Randwick! Grab an inexpensive ticket, get dressed up, and enjoy a massive day of horse racing, music, and drinks. It’s a true Aussie summer tradition.
    2. Shopping: Brave the crowds for the legendary Boxing Day Sales in the city centre.

Before you head to the races, join the Mad Monkey crew for a quick recovery start at the Boxing Day Family Breakfast.

December 27th: Shake Off the Hangover

  • Daytime Must-Do: Time for a reset! Jump on a scenic ferry to Manly Beach. The ferry ride offers spectacular harbour views, and Manly is a great place to surf, swim, or just relax.

If the festive season has left you feeling rough, join the hostel crew for the group Christmas Recovery Swim at Coogee Beach. Nothing cures a hangover like a cold ocean dip!

Cure the festive hangover with a bracing post-party ocean swim at beautiful Coogee Beach, photo courtesy of Canva

December 28th – Tuesday, December 30th: Explore & Prep

  • The Plan: Use these days for essential Sydney sightseeing.
    • Adventure: Take a day trip to the epic Blue Mountains for hiking and viewpoints.
    • History: Explore The Rocks area—Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood with cool pubs and historical lanes.
    • Fireworks Prep: If you’re planning on snagging a free spot for NYE fireworks, use one of these days to scout out your vantage point near the Harbour.

December 31st: New Year’s Eve FIREWORKS!

  • The BIG Event: Sydney Harbour Fireworks
  • The Plan: This is it – the world’s most spectacular show!

Before you head out, join the Mad Monkey fam for the New Year’s Eve BBQ Bash to get fed and pumped up!

Check out this Sydney New Year’s guide for more details.

Secure your spot now to witness the magnificent, globally-famous Sydney Harbour fireworks display on NYE, photo courtesy of Rosie Steggles

January 1st: Recovery Day

  • Daytime Must-Do: The whole city is usually slow on New Year’s Day. Keep it simple and relaxed: find a coffee shop and enjoy the quiet streets, or chill out on Coogee Beach.

You earned this. Sleep in, then join your new hostel family for a warm, hearty recovery meal at the New Year’s Day Family Breakfast! Share all your crazy NYE stories.

Your Sydney Holiday Game Plan

Forget the freezing cold and snowy Christmas you know—Sydney flips the script, making it the ultimate destination for backpackers. From the Bronte Beach “Orphan’s Christmas,” where thousands of travellers in red swimwear create the biggest, sunniest party on the sand, to the world-famous, spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Harbour Bridge, this city guarantees you an unforgettable summer holiday. You’ll find unforgettable parties everywhere you look, but if you’re looking for an easy crew and an instant family for all the holidays, places like Mad Monkey Coogee Beach keep the good times rolling with their essential lineup of feasts, parties, and recovery swims.

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