SYDNEYSIDERS: BYPASS THE CITY RUSH AND DISCOVER THE CHARM OF CHRISTMAS IN THE ROCKS

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This year, escape the frenetic pace of the city and enjoy a charm-filled Christmas in The Rocks while strolling through the cobbled laneways, admiring the festive decorations and browsing the boutique markets.

The Rocks is the perfect place to shop, catch up with friends over cocktails, soak in harbour views, and dine out in style this December.

To get you in the Christmas spirit, George Street in The Rocks will be home to a giant Santa towering over seven metres high and made from over 1,200 milk crates. So come along, snap a selfie and make a Christmas wish.

 

The Rocks offers an unhurried, fun environment in which to get your Christmas shopping done. Find unique, hand-crafted presents from a range of boutique retailers, including Deciem’s authentic beauty products, or a stylish hand-woven men’s shirt from Joe Bananas.

Visit the MCA Store for something artistic and crafty for kids or take a time out with a relaxing massage at Endota Spa, before browsing the unique range of gifts on offer at Sardis, Sorry Thanks I Love You or Uashmama.

For those wanting to grab a bite to eat on the go, the Very Merry Markets will be open as late as 8pm on Fridays in December. The Rocks Markets will be open on the weekends from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday, offering a bounty of hand-crafted treasures, stallholder-designed dresses and bags, one-off jewellery, and original artworks and prints.

If you’re after a festive dinner date spot, an end-of-year work lunch venue, or a gourmet Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve meal, there are a plethora of mouth-watering options in The Rocks. Try the award-winning Sushi at Saké Restaurant and Bar, treat your sweet tooth with something decadent at La Renaissance Café, or enjoy wood-fired grilled meats, seafood and small plates at the cosy laneway lounge, Pony.

Don’t feel like spending Christmas in the kitchen? Then join the team at Scarlett Restaurant for a three-course lunch or relax in the smart-casual dining room of Pei Modern at the Four Seasons, where celebrated chef Mark Best will be serving up a festive lunch and dinner menu.

The Rocks also has some of the city’s best bars. From the Fortune of War’s old world charm and extensive range of beers on tap, to the wharf-side oasis of Cruise Bar, with its Asian-inspired Junk Lounge and dazzling rooftop views. Or, party on at ultimate Sydney venue, The Argyle, where six distinct spaces can take you from casual drinks and dining to world-class DJs and dancing until the wee hours. Summer is also the perfect time to kick back and soak in the spectacular views from the famous Glenmore Hotel rooftop.

The Rocks is a unique heritage precinct with great food experiences, contemporary shopping and an atmosphere that attracts over 14 million visitors every year.  With recent investment by the NSW Government to renew and revitalise the visitor experience, now is a great time to come by and soak in the festival atmosphere.

 

WHAT: Christmas in the Rocks 

WHERE: The Rocks

WHEN: Throughout December

INFO: therocks.com/whats-on/very-merry/

 

Information & Image Courtesy of Matt Fraser/Cardinal Spin