01
Nov
25
Dec
Lets. Get. Festive.
Your guide to the best eating, drinking and celebrating in Darling Harbour this Christmas
It’s that time of year again! Get ready for the silly season, long days in the sun, Christmas holidays and of course - a visit from Santa.
When
Sunday,
01 Nov 2020
Friday,
25 Dec 2020
To make sure your Christmas holiday is as much fun as possible, we’ve compiled a list of all the best things to do in Darling Harbour leading up to the big day.
What’s on this summer in Darling Harbour
If you’re looking for fun things to do this Christmas in Sydney - you’ve just found them! Darling Harbour is home to our city’s most exciting events this summer season.
Mov’in Boat
This summer, Darling Harbour is getting a gigantic floating cinema, featuring two bars, 75 luxury day beds, 40 row boats for hire and a massive 15 metre 4K screen. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, you’ll be able to bring your own boat and get delicious pizza delivered via jetski.
Movin Boat is running from November 2020 to February 2021 with a movie lineup including Elf, Dirty Dancing, Free Willy and Tenant.
Find out more and book tickets here
The Giant Bauble ICC Forecourt
You’re gonna want to see this. The Giant Bauble in the ICC forecourt is a 6-metre high Christmas decoration, which lights up its surroundings in kaleidoscopic technicolour. Strike a pose, take a selfie and share your pics inside the bauble with hashtags #DarlingHarbour #Christmas #Bauble.
Interactive Swinging Bells at Darling Square
From Wednesday 25 November, Darling Square will be home to three humongous interactive Christmas bells with inbuilt swings for the kids (and big kids). Listen while you swing and you’ll notice the bells sound and light up every time you reach the top!
Visit Darling Square
12 Days of Christmas Yoga
Get your flex on for free with Darling Harbour’s 12 days of Christmas Yoga. From the 5th to the 16th of December our resident yoga instructor, DeeDee Connor will run 12 summer themed yoga sessions including $20 spot prizes at Gelatissimo and Darling Quarter.
Find out more on Christmas Yoga
Polymer Clay Christmas Decorations Workshop
This free workshop gives you the chance to get hands-on and craft your very own polymer clay Christmas decorations. With the help of the craft artists from Made by Me, you’ll learn different ways to work with polymer clay, including cookie cutting, holding and rolling.
Find out more
Festive theatre fun with Monkey Baa
Darling Quarter and Monkey Baa are hosting a series of FREE hands-on theatre sessions for young performers. One of Sydney’s leading child performers will lead action packed workshops and performances to help build theatre skills, with a special festive theme for Christmas!
Find out more
Darling Quarter’s Christmas story hour by Monkey Baa
Monkey Baa, Sydney’s leading child theatre, is hosting a FREE interactive Christmas themed story hour in Darling Quarter. One of their best performers brings a collection of festive stories to life, encouraging kids to act out parts and get involved in the performance.
Find out more
Messina Darling Square - SOLD OUT!
Last week we gave 400 ice creams away to celebrate the start of Christmas in Darling Harbour!
If you missed out, never fear! From Thursday 19 – Friday 20 November, we are giving away a further 200 FREE Christmas trifle gelato sandwiches in Darling Square to launch the festive season! You heard that right, FREE!!
Visit Gelato Messina
Casual eats
Eat good this summer with Darling Harbour’s casual eats, from Brazillian barbeque to authentic Vietnamese.
Hello Auntie
Pay your Auntie a visit this Christmas for delicious Vietnamese style cuisine with a contemporary Australian twist. If you’re keen to get started early, their Ballin (on a budget) bottomless brunch features bottomless spritz and multiple courses - perfect for the silly season.
Visit Hello Auntie
Fancy eats
Got a special occasion? Treat yourself to a little fine dining at these slightly fancy Darling Harbour restaurants.
The Garden by Lotus
You’ll find the Gardens by Lotus inside a heritage building in the Chinese Gardens of Friendship, with an outdoor dining terrace bordering a shimmering koi pond. The serene location makes this the perfect special occasion restaurant, especially if you’re romancing someone special (and the punchy modern Sichuan cuisine doesn’t hurt either).
Visit The Gardens by Lotus
XOPP
XOPP is named after Golden Century’s group most famous meal, a masterpiece that’s been called the best dish in the world - XO pippies. You’ll find those classics on the menu here but you should also expect modern, playful riffs on traditional Chinese Food, with a little luxury thrown in for good measure.
Visit XOPP
Nick's Seafood Restaurant
Sitting pretty on the Cockle Bay Promenade, Nicks Seafood is famous for its panoramic views and fresh Australian seafood. Set in a grand elegant dining room overlooking Darling Harbour and featuring a large alfresco deck, summer doesn’t get much better than this!
Visit Nick's Seafood Restaurant
Atelier by Sofitel
Inside the Sofitel Hotel you’ll find Atelier, a contemporary French Bistro with sweeping harbour views that’s inspired by the cuisine of Southern France. Experience a Joyeux Noël in the luxurious Sofitel setting and savour a delicious 4-course Christmas lunch and dinner.
Visit Atelier by Sofitel
Merry drinks
Bucket Boys
Bucket boys stock what may be Darling Harbour’s best range of locally made craft beers as well as their own brand of brew. Drop in and try their massive range from the tap or the bottle inhouse or fill your growler to take home for your own sudsy celebrations.
Visit Bucket Boys Beer and Bottle Shop
CHRISTMAS PARTIES
OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY
Unique Christmas gifting ideas
You can do better than socks and chocolates this Christmas! Get them something they’ll remember from Darling Harbour.
ANMM membership
Fuel your imagination and support the incredible work of the Australian National Maritime Museum by gifting an annual membership. Membership grants the holder a range of awesome benefits including unlimited entry to the museum, discounted entry for museum events, 2 free guest passes a year, special invites to exclusive events and so much more.
Visit the Australian National Maritime Museum
Fifteen Sheets
Forget fast fashion. Shop original pieces from local Sydney designers at Fifteen Sheets, a boutique on Little Hay Street selling both men and women’s clothing and accessories. That includes everything from barbeque shirts to cocktail dresses and everything in between.
Visit Fifteen Sheets
Holiday Staycations
You may not be able to travel but you can still get away! Escape without leaving Sydney with a luxury staycation at one of these Darling Harbour hotels.
Sofitel Darling Harbour
Sofitel in Darling Harbour was recently voted Australia’s best luxury hotel, and we’re not surprised. This waterfront landmark combines French Sophistication with laid back Aussie style to create the ultimate home away from home. Expect French bathroom amenities, near panoramic harbour views, an infinity pool and an award winning champagne bar.
Visit Sofitel Darling Harbour
Novotel Darling Square
If you want to be smack in the middle of all the best stuff Sydney has to offer, the Novotel in Darling Square is your best bet. This stunning luxury hotel overlooks the Chinese Gardens of Friendship and features an indoor heated pool and three acclaimed restaraunts.
Visit Novotel Sydney Darling Square
Vibe Hotel
You’ll find Vibe Hotel in Sydney’s newest and most exciting precinct Darling Square, home to some of the city’s best eating and drinking. The hotel features slick Manhattan-inspired design and a rooftop which features a heated infinity pool and cocktail bar.
Visit Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour