Christmas Concert

Christmas Concert

A joyous celebration of Christmas for the whole family!

Christmas is coming to Taronga on Saturday 16 December.

About

With festive season just around the corner, it’s time to get together with family, friends and loved ones and experience the holiday magic at Taronga’s annual Christmas Concert!  

Set in the idyllic grounds of Taronga Zoo with magical views across Sydney Harbour, this family friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas and enjoy a spectacular summer night of entertainment featuring a special guest all the way from the North Pole! 

Bring along your own picnic or choose from a variety of food and drink available on-site. 

Tickets are just $29 for adults and $24 for children aged 4-15, with children under four FREE! Gates will open at 6pm with the concert running from 7pm-8.30pm. 

Calling all Zoo Friends? We’ve got you covered! As a valued Zoo Friend you’ll receive 10% off each ticket, PLUS included in your ticket is a free ‘Chillazy Chair Hire’ for each guest listed on your membership* 

Join us for an evening of Christmas celebrations that helps save wildlife! 

Zoo Friends Pre Sale: Thursday 5th October  

General Public On Sale: Friday 6th October 

 

Ticket inclusions & add ons

General Admission

  • Adult: $29.00 
  • Children (4-5): $24 
  • Concession: $26.10 
  • Children under 4 are Free 

Zoo Friends take 10% off ticket price 

Tickets include entry into Taronga’s Christmas Concert only. 

In our General Admission section, there is no allocated seating. 

Add Ons

Same Day Zoo Admission: Adult: 34.40 | Child: $20.30 | Concession: $27.30. 
If you have already purchased your Christmas Concert tickets and would like to add on a Same Day Zoo Entry, please head here.

Chillazy Chair: $35. If you have already purchased your Christmas Concert ticket and would like to add on a Chillazy Chair, please head here.

Chillazy Chair Hire: $20 Please note a $15 refundable deposit is required upon collection of your chair. Taronga is a cashless venue. 

Picnic Rug: $25 
If you have already purchased your Christmas Concert tickets and would like to add on a Picnic Rug, please head here.

Food & Beverage Offerings

A range of delicious hot food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available to purchase on the night. You are welcome to BYO food.

Family Hamper for 4 
If you have already purchased your Christmas Concert tickets and would like to add on a Family Hamper for 4, please head here.

Plant Based Hamper for 2
If you have already purchased your Christmas Concert tickets and would like to add on a Plant Based Hamper for 2, please head here.

Please note Taronga Zoo is cashless.

Christmas Concert at Taronga Zoo Sydney - performers on stage.
Christmas Concert at Taronga Zoo Sydney - performers on stage.
Concert stage and lawns with Sydney Harbour view in the background.
Concert stage and lawns with Sydney Harbour view in the background.
Christmas Concert at Taronga Zoo Sydney - performers on stage.
Christmas Concert at Taronga Zoo Sydney - performers on stage.
Christmas Concert at Taronga Zoo Sydney - performers on stage.
Christmas Concert at Taronga Zoo Sydney - performers on stage.

Zoo Friends Member Benefits

Calling all Zoo Friends? We’ve got you covered! As a valued Zoo Friend you’ll receive 10% off each ticket, PLUS included in your ticket is a free ‘Chillazy Chair Hire’ for each guest listed on your membership, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the concert! 

*Please note you must hold a valid current Zoo Friends membership and be named on the membership card to claim this offer, this offer is not transferable. Upon collection of your Chillazy Chair Hire, your membership will be checked and a $15 refundable deposit per chair will be required. Once you have purchased tickets, you will receive a pop up from Ticketek which will direct you to a survey with details on how to claim your free Chillazy Chair Hire! 

*Please note this Zoo Friends offer is subject to availability.

Stay Overnight

For the ultimate Taronga Christmas experience, stay overnight at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, an elegant eco-retreat overlooking Sydney Harbour. Where else in the world can say good morning to a Koala outside your window, explore a private wildlife sanctuary and enjoy this stunning view.

For availability and bookings, please visit the Wildlife Retreat Site

FAQS

General

What time does the Christmas Concert event start? 

Gates will open at 6pm with the concert running from 7pm-8.30pm. 

I’m running late, can I enter later? 

Yes. You are welcome to enter the event any time after gates open, please follow staff and make your way directly to the Taronga Concert Lawns. 

Ticketing

Where can I buy tickets? 

Tickets can be purchased online via Ticketek.  

Can I buy tickets at the Zoo on the night? 

We do not have an on-site box office and all tickets must be purchased online and before you arrive.  

I am a Zoo Friends Member, do I receive a Free Chillazy Hire? 

Yes! As a valued Zoo Friends Member, you are entitled to receive a Free Chillazy Chair Hire with your ticket. Please note you must hold a valid current Zoo Friends membership and be named on the membership card to claim this offer, this offer is not transferable. Upon collection of your Chillazy Chair Hire, your membership will be checked and a $15 refundable deposit per chair will be required. Once you have purchased tickets, you will receive a pop up from Ticketek which will direct you to a form with details on how to claim your free Chillazy Chair Hire.  

I am a Zoo Friends Member and purchased tickets, how do I claim my free Chillazy Chair hire? 

If you have already purchased tickets and would like to claim your free Chillazy Chair Hire, please complete the following form here when tickets are on sale.  

Does my ticket give me entry to the Zoo during the day? 

Tickets do not include same day zoo entry however you can purchase Zoo Admission as an add on to your ticket or purchase this separately online. Please note, all visitors must exit at 5pm when the Zoo closes and re-enter at 6pm.  

I purchased tickets but can no longer attend? 

Tickets to the event are non-refundable, unless the event is cancelled by the organiser, Taronga Zoo Sydney.  

Can I give my tickets to a friend or family member? 

Yes! Tickets are not tied to the purchasers name, so you are welcome to pass your tickets onto friends or family to use. Please note that if you are a Zoo Friends member, your free Chillazy Chair Hire is not transferable. 

Do you accept Companion Cards? 

Yes, holders of a government issued companion card can access a free ticket for their companion. Proof of eligibility will be required upon entry. Please book these tickets by calling Ticketek’s Accessible Line on 1300 665 915. 

Lost ticket, ticket issues or requests? 

For all ticket enquiries including purchasing over the phone / Tickets were not received / I can no longer attend and want a refund or exchange – please visit Ticketek Support

Venue

How do I get to Taronga Zoo? 

There are lots of transport options available for visitors to the Christmas Concert at Taronga Zoo. You can drive and park at the Zoo. Taronga Zoo has a multi-story car park with limited parking available. The Zoo car park fills up quickly, so we highly recommend public transport as a green option! 

The Zoo is located 12 minutes from Circular Quay by ferry or a short bus trip from the city or North Sydney. Please note return ferry services to Circular Quay will not be running after the movie, so please plan your trip accordingly.  

Visit www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500 for up-to-date information and timetables.  

How much does parking cost? 

The car park is $11.00 for Christmas Concert patrons. We encourage patrons to use public transport as the car park is limited. 

How do I get from the wharf to the Zoo’s top entrance? 

There are regular bus services to transport visitors from the wharf to the Zoo’s top entrance. Please note there will be no entry via the Zoo’s lower entrance from the wharf during the Harbour View Cinema event at Taronga Zoo. Please note return ferry services to Circular Quay will not be running after the event, so please plan your trip accordingly. 

Is the bus a free shuttle service? 

The buses are regular Sydney public bus services, so please ensure you have your ticket or Opal card ready. If you are traveling via ferry the bus is usually included in your single trip ticket. For more information on fares visit www.transportnsw.info

Is the Zoo an accessible site? 

Taronga Zoo is an accessible site, but it does contain some steep slopes. To get the most out of your experience, comfortable shoes and attire are highly recommended. For full information on accessibility at Taronga Zoo, please visit: https://taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo/plan-your-zoo-visit/facilities-accessibility

Please contact us on 9969 2777 if you may require assistance during your experience. 

Are strollers and prams allowed? 

Yes, strollers and prams are allowed. 

What aren’t I allowed to bring? 

The following items are prohibited and not allowed to be brought into the Zoo grounds; 
Weapons, sharps, glass, animals or animal costumes, balls, balloons, bicycle, scooter, skateboard or rollerblades, alcohol or illegal substances, non-alcoholic beverages in unsealed containers (including glass, cans or hard plastics), musical instruments, noisemaker, airhorn, laser pen, laser pointer or similar focused light devices, portable BBQs, candles, sparklers and/or any firework paraphernalia, poles, sticks, selfie or Go Pro sticks, professional photography, drones. 

No liquids (including non-alcoholic beverages, water or alcohol) are permitted on site for security reasons. Free water refill stations are available on site, so bring your empty reusable water bottles, no glass permitted! Please ensure your reusable water bottles are emptied before entering through the security checkpoint. 

All non-alcoholic beverages must be in sealed containers (such as hard plastic or cans), glass is not permitted

For more information, please view the prohibited items list here. 

How will the animals respond to the Christmas Concert event and extended opening hours during the event?

Rest assured that Taronga’s first priority and concern is always the welfare of the remarkable animals in our care. Taronga’s animals also have access to the comfort and shelter of their night dens and inside areas, but it’s not uncommon for certain animals to choose to remain outside during night events. 

Planning has included detailed assessments from keepers to ensure that the event will not be problematic for our animals. Fortunately, Taronga Zoo Sydney has more than 25 years’ experience in successfully hosting after-hours events, including the Twilight at Taronga concerts, Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo and New Year’s Eve. Keepers and behavioural scientists monitor the animals and the environment during these events to ensure animal wellbeing is assured, and we are pleased that there have been no reported issues since the Twilight concerts began in 1996. 

The Zoo measures noise levels periodically during the concerts and if the guidelines are accidentally exceeded, the volume is immediately reduced. Additionally, Taronga Zoo’s animals also have access to the comfort and shelter of their night quarters and inside areas, but it’s not uncommon for certain animals to choose to remain outside during night events. 

Taronga is a not for profit organisation and funds raised by the series directly benefit the Zoo’s wildlife programs. 

Will I get to see animals during the event? 

Once the Zoo has closed at 5pm, the animals have retired to their night quarters for the evening. If you would like to see our incredible animals, we suggest visiting Taronga Zoo during opening hours.  

Can I smoke or vape? 

Taronga Zoo is a smoke-free site. Smoking, vaping and the use of any electronic device that simulates tobacco smoking is prohibited in all zoo outdoor areas. Guests who do not comply will be denied entry or removed. 

Safety & Security: 

Christmas Concert is a family event. For the safety of other guests as well as our resident animals, any guest who is found acting in a socially disruptive manner may be removed from the Zoo grounds at the discretion of Taronga Zoo security and management. All guests are expected to keep alcohol consumption to a socially acceptable standard. Please note: Zoo Management reserve the right to remove from the Zoo premises anyone in a state of intoxication or who serves liquor to a minor. 

Seating

What are the seating arrangements? 

The concert lawns are suitable for picnic rugs, cushions and low level chairs. There is no allocated or reserved seating on the concert lawns.  

Can I bring my own seat? 

Yes, you can bring your own low level seats, cushions, blankets and rugs. Alternatively, a limited number of Chillazy Chairs will be available for purchase and or hire on the night, for any General Admissions patrons who are looking for a comfy place to settle on. 

Eat & Drink

Will there be places to eat? 

A range of hot food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available to purchase on the night. You are welcome to BYO food. Please note Taronga Zoo is cashless. 

Can I BYO Alcohol? 

Taronga Zoo is a fully licensed event and BYO alcohol and glass is not permitted. Random bag checks will be conducted on entry and all alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages in un-sealed containers (including glass, cans or hard plastics) will be confiscated. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available to purchase. 

Free water refill stations are also available on site, so bring your empty reusable water bottles, no glass permitted! Please ensure your reusable water bottles are emptied before entering through the security checkpoint. 

Weather

What happens if it rains? 

As an outdoor event, the Christmas Concert at Taronga is subject to weather. Please note the event will proceed rain or shine. The event will be cancelled only if the weather poses a safety threat to patrons, staff or performers at Taronga Zoo during show time. 

We strongly recommend you come prepared with wet weather gear, raincoats and ponchos and something waterproof to sit on in case of rain (umbrellas may be used at the rear of the lawn only. We endeavour to provide as much notice as possible regarding any changes to the event due to weather, however as weather conditions are unpredictable this status may change at any time. The decision to delay or cancel an event is made by the Event Manager on site and can be made at any time up to or during the event. Any changes to the event times due to weather will be communicated to ticket holders and via Taronga’s website. 

Patrons accept that in purchasing a ticket they are paying for an event that commences at approximately 7pm on the Concert Lawns at Taronga Zoo and that weather conditions prior to that time and in other parts of Sydney will not result in the performance being cancelled. Patrons accept the risk that weather they consider unsatisfactory may occur on a concert night and acknowledge that a performance may be cancelled by Taronga due to dangerous weather conditions at the time of or during the performance. 

Accommodation

Can I stay overnight at the Zoo as part of my experience? 

Yes! Make your Taronga Christmas experience the ultimate night out by staying at Taronga's elegant eco-retreat, the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. Nestled within the grounds of Taronga Zoo, the Wildlife Retreat offers designer rooms, intimate wildlife encounters, award-winning dining and stunning views over Sydney Harbour and the city. Visit https://taronga.org.au/retreat for more information and availability! 

Terms & Conditions

Read the full terms and conditions of entry to Taronga Zoo Sydney.

Taronga Zoo Sydney has some steep slopes and steps. To get the most out of your night, comfortable clothes and flat non-slip shoes are highly recommended. Some pathways may have low level lighting, we recommend caution in these areas. 

Come prepared for this outdoor event with appropriate weather protection gear as the event will still proceed if it is raining. No refunds are available. Ponchos, coats and hats are preferable to umbrellas. Patrons accept that in purchasing a ticket they are paying for an event that commences at approximately 7pm on the Concert Lawns at Taronga Zoo and that weather conditions prior to that time and in other parts of Sydney will not result in the performance being cancelled. Patrons accept the risk that weather they consider unsatisfactory may occur on a concert night and acknowledge that a performance may be cancelled by Taronga due to dangerous weather conditions at the time of or during the performance.

Don’t forget to bring your ticket and ID (use your smartphone, the greener option) 

For the safety and wellbeing of everyone, we ask that you do not come to our venue for this event if you have been asked to self-isolate, or if you feel unwell or if you are displaying any cold and flu symptoms as identified by NSW Health.

The health and safety of Zoo guests, staff, animals and of course the broader community remains our top priority and we have taken steps to ensure Taronga is a safe place to visit. For more information on the additional steps and precautions we are taking please visit https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/important-update