Good morning, Inner Westies.

It's been a difficult week for Sydney, and we're thinking of everyone affected. While it feels a bit strange to send our usual weekend roundup, we also know that getting out, supporting local spots, and connecting with our community is more important than ever. This weekend brings school holiday activities, Christmas markets and carols, plus a packed calendar of family-friendly events to help you make the most of the break.

Grab your morning coffee and join us as we explore the Inner West together.

Have a great weekend,
Jess

Note: Please check to confirm details are accurate with venues, event providers, restaurants and pubs by clicking through to their site. Events are occasionally cancelled at the last minute.

School holidays are here, and we've got you sorted. We've curated a huge mix of activities for the break: outdoor adventures, creative workshops, last-minute bookings and drop-in events across the Inner West.

We're looking at high temps right through the weekend, and many of us will be seeking respite from the heat. Our swimming guide covers the best pools, splash pads and aquatic centres in the Inner West and nearby areas. Perfect timing to give it another look.

👉 Read the full Inner West swimming guide here

A brand new tri-level neoclassical home on a 696sqm block in Strathfield. The double-height entry features a marble staircase and statement chandeliers, the kitchen has a marble island with Miele appliances plus a full butler's pantry, and there's a covered alfresco terrace overlooking the pool. The basement has an eight-car garage, gym and entertainment room. Walking distance to St Patrick's College, Homebush Boys, Strathfield Girls, Strathfield station and Strathfield Plaza.

An eight-car garage sounds like a dream to someone who has to circle the block for 30 minutes trying to find a spot, then walk 500 metres from the car to home.

📍 4 bed / 5 bath / 8 car
👉 Listed with Strathfield Partners

🎄 Kid’s Garden Christmas Party @ The Henson
A Christmas party for the kids with painting, lemonade, lollies, music and a disco.
📆 Fri 19 Dec / 4pm – 7pm
📍 The Henson, Marrickville

🧝 Christmas Elf Academy (all ages)
A fun interactive elf training experience with games, challenges and festive activities, with bookings required to secure your spot.
📆 Every Fri, Sat & Sun til 21 Dec
📍 Marrickville Metro

🧸 The 13-storey Treehouse – Live on Stage (ages 6+)
Enjoy a fun, imaginative play featuring Andy and Terry’s first live show full of magical moments.
📅 Sat 20, Sun 21 & Mon 22 Dec
📍 Seymour Centre, Chippendale ♿️

🎅 Meet Santa and The Santa Fairy
Bring the kids along for festive fun as Santa and the Santa Fairy spread cheer, smiles and photo opportunities around Marrickville.
📆 Sat 20 Dec / 11am – 2pm
📍 Alex Trevallion Plaza, Marrickville

🎄 Tramsheds Christmas Craft Workshops
A holiday craft workshop where kids create Christmas-themed projects with hands-on guidance, including Elf House decorating. 💰 $5
📆 Sat 20 & Sun 21 Dec 2025 / 9am, 9:45am, 10:30am & 11:15am
📍 Tramsheds, Forest Lodge

🎄 Christmas Gingerbread Ornament Craft Workshop (ages 5–12)
A school holiday craft workshop where children design and create traditional Polish-inspired gingerbread Christmas ornaments to take home.
📆 Sat 20 Dec 2025 / 11:30am – 12:30pm
📍 Polish Club Ashfield

🛠️ Kids D.I.Y
A fun weekend kids workshop with creative and imaginative Christmas crafts designed to inspire and delight in store.
📆 Sat 20, Sun 21 & Sun 28 Dec 2025 / 11am & 12pm
📍 Bunnings, Rozelle

🎅 Meet Santa In-Store @ Bunnings Rozelle
Bring the family along for a magical moment with Santa, snap a festive photo and soak up the holiday cheer with bookings essential.
📆 Sun 21 Dec 2025 / 1pm, 1:15pm, 1:30pm, 1:45pm
📍 Bunnings, Rozelle

🚌 Sydney Bus Museum Open Day
Explore vintage buses and unlimited rides between the museum and Town Hall on these special open days.
📆 Sun 21 Dec & Sun 4 Jan / 10am – 4pm
📍 Sydney Bus Museum, Leichhardt

🎨 Kids Club – Weekend Wind‑Down (ages 4–10)
Relax with your child at a cosy indoor picnic featuring soft cushions and a screening of Elf, designed to help families wind down together.
📆 Sun 21 Dec / 3pm – 5pm
📍 Little BIG House, Summer Hill

🎅 Minis LEGO Workshop: Christmas Chimney Fun with Santa
Kids build a LEGO chimney scene featuring Santa and keep the set as a souvenir.
📆 Mon 22 Dec / 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am 12pm & 12.30pm
📍 Broadway Sydney

🧝 Minis Colour Your Own Elf Workshop
Children decorate a plush elf toy using fabric markers and take home their handcrafted friend.
📆 Tue 23 Dec / 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am 12pm & 12.30pm
📍 Broadway Sydney

🦍 Minis LEGO Workshop: Baby Gorilla Encounter
Kids create a baby gorilla with jungle elements and take their LEGO build home.
📆 Wed 24 Dec / 10am, 10.30am, 11am & 11.30am
📍 Broadway Sydney

🎮 Minis LEGO Workshop: Minecraft The Lush Cave Fight (ages 6+)
Children build a Minecraft‑themed “Lush Cave” scene using LEGO bricks.
📆 Wed 24 Dec / 12pm & 12:30 pm
📍 Level 3 Minis Hub, Broadway Sydney

🐨 Creature 2025 (ages Kids)
Explore an interactive Australian bush play space with native animals for the whole family.
📅 Sat 13 Dec to Sat 10 Jan
📍 Carriageworks, Eveleigh

🎅 Santa Meet and Greet
Meet Santa as he roams the centre and snap a festive photo during his visit.
📆 Sun 21 Dec 9am – 12pm
📍 Tramsheds, Forest Lodge

🧒 Southern Cross Hotel, St Peters | Sunday | All day | Kids eat free with the purchase of any adult main meal, with one free kids meal from the children’s menu – see venue for terms & conditions.

🧘 Sit for a Bit: A Meditation Club at Frontyard
A welcoming meditation evening with gentle movement, guided meditation, shared reflection and optional dinner afterwards, open to all experience levels.
📆 Fri 19 Dec 2025 / 6pm – 7:30pm
📍 Frontyard Projects, Marrickville

💃 Club De Tango: La Milonga
Experience Sydney’s original tango social dance with golden age music, expert DJs, an elegant atmosphere and inclusive classes from beginner to advanced levels.
📆 Fri 19 Dec / 7:30pm – 11:45pm
📍 Glebe Town Hall

💃 La Bambosa Christmas Party
A festive salsa and bachata social featuring party games and non-stop dancing. A great way to celebrate the Christmas season.
📆 Fri 19 Dec / from 8:30pm
📍 Tropical Soul Dance Studio, Annandale

🎄 Ashfield Bowlo Christmas Party
Celebrate with a community Christmas party featuring carols, a ham and meat raffle, a Santa visit, karaoke and festive fun for all ages.
📆 Fri 19 Dec / 5:30pm – 7:30pm
📍 Ashfield Bowling Club

🍵 Tea Ceremony Experience
A calming guided tea ceremony featuring mindful rituals, rare high altitude teas, tea education and a sound bath meditation led by an expert tea guide.
📆 Sun 21 Dec / 11am – 12pm
📍 Altitude Tea Room, Alexandria

🚌 Sydney Bus Museum Open Day
Explore vintage buses and unlimited rides between the museum and Town Hall on these special open days.
📆 Sun 21 Dec & Sun 4 Jan / 10am – 4pm
📍 Sydney Bus Museum, Leichhardt

🎄 Gladdy’s Locals’ Christmas Party
Raise a glass at a locals Christmas celebration with a Santa visit, complimentary snacks, merch and giveaways.
📆 Sun 21 Dec / from 3pm
📍 Gladstone Hotel, Dulwich Hill

Our deadline is the close of business on Wednesday for each Friday edition.