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[title]This silly season, Sydney’s most-loved harbourside hotspots will melt even the Grinchiest of hearts. Whether you’re a carol-enthusiast, foodie or just here for the party, there’s something for every kind of Christmas-lover this summer. Here are the events topping our hit list.
Kick back at the Homegrown Concert
Head to The Rocks on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, to tick off your Christmas shopping at the festive markets and grab a bite at one of more than 50 restaurants and bars. Then, reward yourself by kicking back while award-winning artist Gordi and the genre-defying Mo’Ju deliver beautiful renditions of Christmas classics at Tallawoladah Lawn from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. You can even bring your own boozy beverages. If that wasn’t the best bit – the Homegrown Concert is free.
Watch jaw-dropping stunts at the Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular
Darling Harbour is set to get hearts racing with its brand-new waterfront celebration. Brace yourself as jetpack elves battle the Grinch on a jet ski, followed by Santa’s grand entrance across the harbour. There’ll also be a roving Santa in Palm Grove so you can snap your annual Christmas card pics, live tunes, carols by the Golden Kangaroos Marching Band, and a Letters to Santa station for the kids. Our tip? Don’t miss the aerial water fight (it’s controlled chaos at its finest), or the firework finale at 9pm.
Sing along to your favourite carols at the Christmas Festival
Tumbalong Park is going all out this Christmas with roving performers, sing-alongs and a free interactive concert featuring Lenny Pearce (Toddler Techno), Sydney Harmony and Christina and Zipporah Anu. TikTok fans, rejoice: Jayden Rodrigues is MC-ing the night. And yes, Santa’s also making an appearance.
Snap a selfie with Sydney’s floating Christmas tree
We all know Darling Harbour’s decorations are next-level, but the real showstopper? Sydney’s only floating Christmas tree at Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour. Meanwhile, Darling Quarter hosts the Living Christmas Presents, which are lush vertical garden boxes wrapped in giant red bows. Plus, in the ICC forecourt, stumble across colossal metallic stars that shimmer and illuminate the space as you walk around them. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with the kids.
Eat your way through Darling Harbour
Have an Italian-style Christmas feast at Fratelli Fresh without breaking the bank, treat yourself to a four-course seafood spread at Nick’s Seafood, or keep things laid back at Café Del Mar and Vogue Café. Pair whatever you’re craving with a cocktail (or two) and toast to the year that was.
Unwind at The Pier Social
Barangaroo is where Christmas meets a boozy, summer party. Think waterfront views and laid-back vibes. And when it comes to relaxing with a cocktail in hand and the harbour as your backdrop, there’s no better spot than The Pier Social at the newly opened Pier Pavilion. Expect refreshing Spritzes, tasty bites from love.fish, interactive games and a line-up of local DJs to keep the vibes high. Because Christmas should feel like a holiday.
Celebrate Indigenous culture at the Native Living Christmas Trees
It’s about time we swapped out the traditional pine. At Barangaroo Reserve, towering native Christmas trees showcase vibrant local flora and feature stunning artwork by First Nations artist Rubyrose Bancroft. It’s a beautiful blend of culture, creativity and Christmas spirit.