Seven magical ways to celebrate Christmas in Darling Harbour

You can soak up all the warmth and joy of summer on and off the water at Darling Harbour. First, grab a mate or a date for a spin in a pedal boat and cruise around in style as you admire the sparkly harbour waters and picturesque surrounds. The ship can hold four people at a time and there’s a shade to protect you from the raging summer sun. Sessions will run from December 2 to January 28, 2024 and are $45 for 30 minutes, but we reckon that’ll be more than enough in terms of leg work. Post-pedal, head to Pumphouse Sydney for a bucket of prawns and a refreshing glass of prosecco. You can kick back on the shaded garden terrace with this prawn and prosecco combo for $45.

Putters, start practising your swing. Australia’s wildly popular Pixar-themed mini golf course is popping up at Pier Street Underpass from December 15 to February 4, 2024. You’ll face challenges featuring beloved film characters from Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Cars, The Incredibles and more, with adult tickets starting at $29.90 for the nine-hole course or $39.90 for the 18-hole level. Surprise your kids with tickets for Christmas or engage in some friendly competition while catching up with old mates.

Let your creativity bloom in this inspiring wreath making workshop at the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship. This one-off masterclass will be guided by expert floral teachers from Peony Story who will help you transform long-lasting peonies, which are Chinese symbols of love, prosperity and beauty, into a festive floral masterpiece. Tickets are $18 for Friends of the Garden members or $38 for the general public, and also include entry to the garden, so you can sit back and take in the tranquillity all day long. You can also gift loved ones a Friends of the Garden annual membership including unlimited admission and exclusive workshops and tours for just $58.

Send off the week with a bang by watching the spectacular fireworks display at Cockle Bay Wharf. The sky will light up in bright colours and lights every Friday and Saturday night from December 2-23 at 9pm, but you’ll want to arrive early to take in the festive cheer with DJ tunes from 6pm. Keep your eyes out for Santa’s dance crew who will be showing off their best moves every Saturday night. 

The flurry of gifts and non-stop shenanigans that accompany the holiday season can be brutal on the budget, which is why the Harbour Village is providing free entertainment and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Every weekend in December from 10am-2pm, Darling Harbour will come alive with holiday cheer, featuring headline shows and sing-a-longs from musical trio The Beanies, YouTube sensation and dancer Jayden Rodiguez and more. There will also be free DJ dance parties, hilarious Christmas storytime sessions, festive craft workshops, letter-writing to Santa, and an exciting appearance from the big man himself. 

Summer is the season of frosty beers alfresco, after-work cocktails and Champagne toasts long into the night. Luckily, Darling Harbour has more than 150 places to go for your annual holiday season catch-up, knock-off drinks or long weekend lunch with the family. Watch the sunset with a mid-week Margarita and two tacos for only $18 every Wednesday on Café del Mar’s rooftop terrace. Why not even start your weekend early with three oysters and a glass of wine or rosé for $15 every Thursday? If you’re hoping to impress the kids or holiday season visitors then take them to the incredibly adorable Breakfast with the Koalas, where they’ll get to meet iconic Aussie animals and enjoy a sizzling buffet breakfast atop the revamped rooftop. From authentic Asian eats in Darling Square to relaxed alfresco dining in Darling Quarter and fancy harbourside restaurants on Cockle Bay, there really is something for every Christmas celebration. 

It’s never too early (or late) to start ticking off your Christmas shopping list. Gift your friends and family an experience to remember at one of Darling Square’s beloved attractions. Film buffs will be thrilled to receive tickets to the newly reopened IMAX theatre, which boasts the third largest cinema screen in the world. If you’re hoping to impress that extra special someone, then book them for a luxurious spa day at the Sofitel, Crowne Plaza or sparkly new W Sydney. There’s endless (and easy) fun for the kids too with combo attraction passes to Sea Life aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo and Madame Tussauds from $57. And finally, for that person who’s impossible to shop for, simply gift them a voucher to dine at one of Darling Harbour’s top restaurants including a seafood feast at Nick’s or an elegant French dinner at Atelier by Sofitel.