A free, family-friendly evening of festive lights, live entertainment and food stalls at Auburn Botanic Gardens. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a magical community night under the stars.
Ongoing activity
Chisholm Rd &, Chiswick Rd, Auburn NSW 2144, Australia
Free
Experience the magic of Christmas in the Gardens at Auburn Botanic Gardens, a warm and family-friendly celebration designed for parents and school-aged children. This free community event combines twinkling lights, live entertainment, and a festive market that creates a joyful atmosphere for the whole family.
Wander through illuminated garden paths and soak up the festive atmosphere as live music and community performances fill the air. The event is perfect for parents looking for a relaxed evening out while their children enjoy family-friendly entertainment and activities.
- Live entertainment and community performances
- Festive market stalls and food vendors with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options
- Free shuttle between Auburn Train Station and the gardens (continuous loop)
You’ll notice a strong family focus with picnic areas and lawn space ideal for kids to run around safely. Expect an emphasis on community spirit, holiday lights, local food and a relaxed, accessible setting at Auburn Botanic Gardens.
The event runs as an evening celebration, with shuttle services operating from 16:45 to 21:15 to make arrival and departure easier for families. Live performances and music create a cosy seasonal soundtrack while market stalls offer affordable food and festive treats.
Accessibility is prioritised with wheelchair access, accessible bathrooms and designated accessible parking. If you have specific accessibility needs, the event provides contact support to help plan your visit and ensure a comfortable experience for your family.
This is a free event and no tickets or registration are required; just bring your festive spirit, a picnic blanket and comfortable shoes for exploring the garden paths. There will be no fireworks and the event encourages low-impact, family-friendly activities throughout the evening.
The event is held at Auburn Botanic Gardens, 99 Chiswick Road, Auburn, providing a scenic garden setting for festive lights and family fun. Street parking is available on surrounding roads (Chiswick and Chisholm Roads) and attendees should follow parking signs to avoid infringements.
Auburn Train Station is the nearest public transport link and a free, accessibility-friendly shuttle runs from South Parade to the Auburn Botanic Gardens approximately every 15 minutes between 16:45 and 21:15. Travelling by public transport is encouraged to reduce congestion and make the evening easier for families.
There is accessible parking and facilities for patrons with mobility needs; for specific access requests contact the events team by email prior to the event. The gardens are an alcohol-free and smoke-free zone, helping maintain a safe environment for children and local wildlife.
This is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event held within Auburn Botanic Gardens so attendees should not bring alcohol, pets (except accredited assistance animals) or items that could endanger others. Prohibited items include airhorns, silly string, glass, fireworks, flags with poles, and weapons.
In the event of adverse weather Council may cancel or postpone the event; status updates will be posted on Council social channels and you can contact the Events Team on 02 8757 9020 for confirmation. Lost property will be held at the Event Site Office and later at Council’s Administration Building if unclaimed.
Vendors accept cashless payments and there are no ATMs on site, so bring a card or sufficient funds. Security and event staff will be on site to assist families and ensure a safe, welcoming experience for everyone.
Christmas in the Gardens is free to attend and does not require booking or registration, making it an easy, cost-effective outing for parents and children. Bring a picnic blanket, snacks or buy affordable food from the vendors on the night.
Stallholder applications for this edition have closed; if you’re interested in future events, contact Council’s events team via the provided email. The event is designed to be low-cost and accessible, with food options catering to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
There are no ticketed activities or paid attractions at this event, just community spirit, festive lights and entertainment for all ages. For further details about accessibility or event status, email the events team or call the Events Team number listed below.
