Celebrating the Holidays in Sydney Waterfront District

Catch the holiday spirit in Sydney Waterfront District (SWD), where beautifully lit wreaths with festive red bows have been installed on Charlotte Street, just in time for the upcoming seasonal festivities.

To kick it all off, make your way downtown to Charlotte Street for the SWD’s inaugural Nutcracker Festival this weekend. The festivities get under way on Friday, December 1st at 6:30pm with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony–complete with hot chocolate, apple cider, sweet treats, food trucks, children’s choirs, and a visit from the jolly old gent himself–presented by Sydney Credit Union. And get in the giving spirit by bringing along a donation for the local Loaves and Fishes.

On Saturday, December 2nd, the Nutcracker Vendor Village will run from 10am-3pm and will include a children’s activity tent, another large tent featuring a variety of local vendors and a donation station for Christmas Daddies, live entertainment, and The Mermaid and Beavertails food trucks. The evening features the popular Sydney Santa Claus Parade starting at 4pm, following the same route as last year.

“We will also be installing Nutcrackers for everyone’s enjoyment,” says SWD Executive Director, Michelle Wilson. She notes that nutcrackers have been around since the 1800’s, and have become a holiday tradition throughout the world. “It is a universal symbol of family, celebration, and tradition. The nutcrackers are also a fun way to incorporate public art. They are captivating as each one seems to have a magical charm of their own. Come and see these 9 foot tall Christmas sentinels that will be standing guard in the District this year.”

The SWD nutcrackers were introduced last Christmas season, with the idea that they would inspire a more nostalgic atmosphere for Christmas shopping in the district. Located in front of Finishing Touch Centre, TD Band, and the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse, they proved to be a big hit, notes Wilson, and attracted a lot of attention on the streets and on social media.

Also making a return is the #ShopTheDistrict and win contest. To enter, simply, shop, post a picture of your purchase, use the hashtag in your description, and you’re automatically entered to win. For more details visit us on Facebook at Sydney Waterfront District. Each winner will receive gift certificates from Sydney Waterfront District that can be used at participating businesses in the amount of $50 each.

Love where you live. Shop and play local.