Christmas
17
Nov
25
Dec
ROCKIN' AROUND THE HARBOUR

Christmas

Rock around the harbour with free festive fun for everyone! From spectacular shows on the harbour to the much-loved Christmas Fest, fireworks and a floating Christmas tree!
When
Monday,
17 Nov 2025
Thursday,
25 Dec 2025

It's officially silly season in Darling Harbour – and it's time to celebrate!

Whether you're after a free Christmas festival bursting with Christmas cheer, a harbourside spectacular you'll never forget, food and drink that's made for special occasions, or dazzling decorations to get you in the mood – Darling Harbour is your ultimate destination this year.

Not to be missed events
   
Sat 6 Dec
Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular
From jet-ski Santas and marching bands to a spectacular fireworks show, don't miss this huge waterfront Christmas celebration in true Sydney-style!
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Sat 13 Dec
Christmas Festival
With performances from family favourite Lenny Pearce and Aussie icons Christine Anu and Zippora, plus Santa, food stalls, activities and more - this is one Christmas party you don't want to miss!
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6, 13 & 20 Dec
Christmas Fireworks
After a fun-filled day, witness the magic of Cockle Bay as a dazzling Christmas firework display lights up the night sky.
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Sat 20 & Sun 21 Dec
Santa's Christmas Picnic
Celebrate Christmas in style at Sydney’s most magical, free family event — Santa’s Christmas Picnic at beautiful Tumbalong Park.
Find out more
More to See and Do

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21 Nov - 27 Dec
Floating Christmas Tree

Discover Sydney's only floating Christmas tree. The enchanting 10m tall tree will light up the harbour and provide the perfect Christmas photo backdrop.

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Christmas at Darling Square
Immerse yourself in a dazzling illuminated light installation, as Darling Square transforms into a magical wonderland.
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11
Nov
28
Dec
Darling Quarter’s Living Christmas Presents
Wrapped in Christmas magic, Darling Quarter will become the home of Living Christmas Presents this festive season as large-scale vertical gardens boxes, dressed in red bows, make their way to the precinct.
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04
Dec
24
Dec
Deck the Halls with Disco Balls
There’s no better place to enjoy Christmas than by the water at Cockle Bay Wharf! With roving entertainers every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night leading up to Christmas, December at Cockle Bay Wharf will be one to remember!
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Sat 6 Dec
Love Actually in Concert
This heartwarming festive favourite comes to life with the Sydney Lyric Orchestra performing the unforgettable soundtrack of Love Actually live as the film plays on the big screen. 
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20
Dec
The Wiggles Tree of Wisdom Big Show
By
The Wiggles present their most magical live show experience to date with The Wiggles Tree of Wisdom Big Show Arena Spectacular!
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13
Dec
26
Jan
FlyMotion Bungy Trampolining
Imagine launching yourself 6 storeys high as super-powered cords transform a trampoline into a gravity-defying launchpad. Want to channel your inner acrobat? Do flips, spins, or just bounce like a maniac – it's up to you! Their comfy harnesses keep you secure so you can focus on the pure, exhilarating joy of flight.
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Festive Eats and Drinks

Eat, drink and be merry! Christmas is the perfect time to catch up with loved ones over a special meal and toast to the year ahead. From traditional buffet lunches to fresh Aussie seafood and authentic Italian eats, planning your Christmas feast is easy at Darling Harbour. 
Christmas eve buffet at The Ternary
A festive buffet dinner filled with all your favourite seasonal dishes.
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Christmas Eve and Day at Sailmaker

Carefully crafted breakfast, lunch and dinner menus featuring seasonal flavours and classic favourites.

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Festive lunch buffet at Atelier by Sofitel
Create memories over shared plates and festive flavours in a warm, welcoming setting.
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A very darling Christmas at Crowne Plaza Sydney
Indulge in a stunning festive buffet, thoughtfully prepared for you to enjoy the flavours of the season.
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4 course feast at Adria Bar Restaurant
Celebrate Christmas on the waterfront with a specially curated Christmas Day 4 course menu inspired by the flavours of the Adriatic Coast.
Find out more
Christmas the Italian way at Casa Ristorante Italiano
Casa Ristorante Italiano's exclusive Christmas set menu is designed to excite your palate and bring joy to your festive gathering.
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A journey around the BTWN Christmas table
Forget ordinary roasts, celebrate Christmas BTWN-style high above the buzz of Darling Harbour.
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4 course seafood feast at Nick's Seafood

Nick's specialty Christmas Day 4 Course Menu is meticulously crafted to showcase the freshest, finest Australian seafood.

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Christmas day Italian Feast at Fratelli Fresh
Gather your loved ones and celebrate the Italian way with great food, great company, and that unmistakable Fratelli festive spirit.
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Seafood feast at Jordan's Seafood
This one's for the seafood lovers - a delicious 4-course menu featuring the freshest Australian seafood.
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A festive waterfront celebration at I'm Angus Steakhouse
Christmas Day lunch set menu featuring the freshest Australian seafood, premium grill selections and sparkling water views.
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Festive dinner at Atelier by Sofitel
Treat yourself to an evening of elegant indulgence with Atleier's thoughtfully curated Christmas Day Dinner.
Find out more

Top 10 spots for festive drinks

Are you in charge of planning your office Christmas party, lining up end-of-year drinks and sorting out a spot for New Years? To help you get started we’ve rounded up our picks of the best places for festive bevvies in Darling Harbour.

Best Christmas venues for large groups

Large groups need to pick their venue carefully. Good thing Darling Harbour has so many restaurants and bars perfect for the whole crew this Christmas. To take some of the stress away we’ve rounded up the best spots in Darling Harbour for large groups.
Gift the Gift of Fun

Not sure what to get the family this Christmas? Give the gift of endless fun and unique experiences this Christmas with passes or tickets to our popular attractions.
ICC Concert Tickets

Give someone the gift of entertainment this Christmas with tickets to one of the huge events coming up at the ICC Sydney and Aware Super Theatre featuring world-class performers like The Script, Roxette, Human Nature, Leon Bridges, and plenty more!

Buy tickets
Friends of the Garden annual memberships

Know someone who loves spending time at the Chinese Garden of Friendship? Get them an annual membership this Christmas where they'll unlock unlimited visits for a year, complimentary parking passes and exclusive workshops events and tours.

Buy an annual pass
Multi-attractions annual passes

For those who love nature and unique experiences, a multi-attraction annual pass to visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Madame Tussauds would make the perfect Christmas gift.

Buy an annual pass
Holiday Staycations

Why go overseas when you can have the ultimate staycation right in your own backyard? All of these hotels are taking bookings now and have flexible cancellation policies so you can confidently book a well-deserved escape for the holidays at Sydney's favourite harbourside precinct.
Novotel Sydney Darling Square
Want to stay in luxury near all the action? Novotel Sydney Darling Square is the place for you.
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1 Offer
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
French sophistication meets Aussie culture in this luxury Sydney hotel by Sofitel.
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Hyatt Regency Sydney
The iconic brand’s Sydney hotel is the city’s largest with stunning harbour views.
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Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
Experience elevated comfort and city skyline views at Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
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Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour
Sydney's newest upscale hotel in the heart of the city and only a short walk to both the Darling Harbour precinct and CBD.
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Novotel Sydney Darling Square
Want to stay in luxury near all the action? Novotel Sydney Darling Square is the place for you.
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1 Offer
Ibis Darling Harbour
Stay at ibis Sydney Darling Harbour for a great location and comfortable rooms that make it easy to relax.
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The Darling
The Darling gets six stars out of five for opulent luxury and charming service.
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The Star Grand Hotel
Got high standards? Don’t settle for second best - stay at the Star Grand Hotel in Sydney.
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See staycations in Darling Harbour on any budget
Get involved
Perform at the Darling Harbour Christmas Festival
We're excited to invite your school choir to participate in the Darling Harbour Christmas Festival carols concert at Tumbalong Park this December!
 
Apply now
Spread festive cheer throughout the season
We're offering exclusive performance opportunities in two highly-visible, festive locations throughout the weekends leading up to Christmas: Palm Grove and the Pier Street Underpass.
Apply now

Win a luxurious Darling Harbour escape this Christmas


To celebrate a rockin' Christmas in Darling Harbour, we've teamed up with Sofitel Sydney to give away the most luxurious 2-night staycation.