Responding Together

Hope Illuminated – Christmas Lights at Mary MacKillop Place

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24 November 2025

Mary MacKillop Place, located in North Sydney, is opening for its inaugural Christmas lights event, Hope Illuminated – Christmas Lights at Mary MacKillop Place in December.

This year marks a special moment in the life of Mary MacKillop Place, as the site celebrates 30 years of welcoming visitors and pilgrims, and 15 years since Mary MacKillop was proclaimed a canonised Saint – the first in Australia. To honour these historic milestones, Mary MacKillop Place is ending this milestone year by inviting the community to come together and celebrate Christmas.

Over two magical weekends, the site will be transformed into a radiant Christmas wonderland of light and community celebration.

This free, family-friendly event invites visitors to explore the grounds of Mary MacKillop Place in a whole new way. The installation will be open to the public from 5:00pm – 9:30pm on the following dates:

  • Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 December
  • Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 December

Highlights of the event include:

  • A Photo Moment: Eye-catching light installations across the site to immerse visitors in the Christmas spirit.
  • Giving Trees: Continuing our commitment to community, Mary MacKillop Place will once again support the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Sydney Food Pantry.

This initiative is about more than just lights, it’s about creating a space of hope, joy, and connection – especially in a time when our community is seeking meaningful, affordable ways to celebrate together.

Mary MacKillop Place Organising Team

The event aligns with the Jubilee Year of Hope and Mary MacKillop Place’s ongoing mission to be a place of welcome, oasis, and hospitality. With the support of the community, Hope Illuminated is set to grow into a beloved annual tradition.

Admission is free, with donations welcomed to support the ongoing mission of Mary MacKillop Place. The Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel will also be open each evening from 5:00 – 8:00pm for quiet reflection and prayer.

Mary MacKillop Place is seeking musicians and choir groups who may wish to contribute by offering carols during the event. If your parish choir or any musicians you know might be interested, they can register here: https://form.jotform.com/253158804772059

Additionally, if there are any small food vendors who may like to set up a stall on one or more of the evenings, register your interest with Mary MacKillop Place here: https://form.jotform.com/253207990407863

Lastly, Mary MacKillop Place is also about to start doing outreach for volunteer support too. If you would be interested in supporting with the event, email enquiries@mmp.org.au and they will send through the registration form. 

For more information, view details below: