Six places to party over the holidays

For front-row seats to our city’s most spectacular show, you can’t go past the open-air, waterfront Opera Bar. Their NYE celebration sells out each year and 2021 will be no different, with revellers snapping up tickets ($495) to an epic party under the stars that includes continuous food and live music from 6pm. You’ll be dancing and mingling to the sounds of Bermuda Social, Soulphonics, Dark Horse and Natural Selector before taking in prime views of Sydney Harbour’s dazzling fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight.

Surry Hills party bar Goros is supercharging the end of the year with the Festival of Goros. On December 29, 30 and 31, expect all the games, karaoke, sake bombs, and delicious Japanese food that you know and love, plus extra-big dance floors, a silent disco, Red Bull cocktails and free gyozas all night long. DJ Nino Brown will be manning the decks with a bunch of buddies including Barney Kato. And it’s free – but don’t forget to book.

Farewell the year in high style at Matt Moran’s flagship diner, where floor-to-ceiling windows grant uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour on its most magical night. The hatted restaurant is offering two packages, starting with an early evening seating from 5-7pm ($300) before graduating to the ritzy main event ($1,450) from 7.30pm. Guests will be greeted with Champagne on arrival and a take-home gift before sitting down for a six-course tasting menu created specifically for the event by executive chef Tom Gorringe. You’ll also be poured premium wines throughout the evening as you count down to the midnight fireworks.

Barangaroo House is throwing a multi-level party this NYE that’ll have you dancing well into the small hours. They’ve asked partymakers Picnic Stuff to curate an all-star line-up of electronic and disco DJs, with sets from Late Nite Tuff Guy, Lazywax, Ariane, Chux + Parihaka, Anno, Troy Beman and more. A ticket to Smoke’s standing rooftop party ($189) or Bea’s seated soirée ($159) includes canapés or a share feast alongside live entertainment, while at House Bar downstairs only a booking is required to enjoy seaside views and DJ beats all night.

If making it through 2021 isn’t reason enough to party, we don’t know what is. Celebrate new beginnings at Kings Cross Hotel’s epic NYD bash, which is taking over all six levels from midday until 3am. A $45 ticket will net you access to dozens of top DJs and live acts including Luka Sambe, Robbie Lowe, Mark Craven and Emily Harkness, while $9 Fireballs ensure the party really gets going. Whether it’s catchups on the rooftop or tearing it up on the dancefloor, there’ll be an area to match your mood throughout the day and night. Drop by early or late – this 15-hour extravaganza will be heaving no matter when you rock up. 

Start the year on a high with friends old and new at Public House Petersham’s New Years Day party. It’s a free event – with limited tables available to book – so simply swing in from noon (or whenever you’ve recovered from the previous night’s festivities). UNDR CTRL have stacked the bill some heaving acts, beaming lo-fi house, techno and indie dance tunes courtesy of YB, 1TBSP, Pat Carroll and Ebony. 4 Pines Brewing will be on the drinks, keeping guests hydrated with cocktails, jugs and tinnie buckets to share.