The seven best ways to celebrate Christmas in Barangaroo

Make the most of those long summer nights with native-inspired cocktails, snacks and tunes on the water’s edge from 4-9.30pm every Wednesday to Saturday evening from November 29 until December 16. Get the best seat in the house to watch the sun sink below the horizon of Watermans Cove on the top level of the Sunset Sessions double-decker pop-up bar. You can also kick back in style with deck chairs on the terrace or make new friends at shared picnic tables, while enjoying native-infused cocktails, such as a Lemon Myrtle Gin Fizz or an Old Man Saltbush Margarita. Turn your tipple into a full-blown picnic with Louisiana-inspired snacks from Nola Smokehouse and Bar or a rich and creamy gelato from Rivareno Gelato. Every Saturday, they’re also scooping limited-release granitas in summery flavours like lemon, watermelon and coffee. Your night will be complete with a rotating line-up of Vintage Stylus DJs mixing your favourite Christmas tunes with their extensive collection of vinyl records.

Get in the holiday spirit with a relaxing First Nations art workshop in the stunning Barangaroo Reserve. All ages are invited to paint, laugh and learn about native animals, Dreamtime stories and some of the symbols and patterns applied in Aboriginal art. You can use these techniques as inspiration to make your own native animal decoration, which is bound to add festive cheer to your Christmas tree at home. This free, one-hour workshop will run on Thursday, December 7, 14 and 21 from 1.30-2.30pm. You can register here.

Marvel in the magic of Christmas under the big and beautiful Christmas tree in Barangaroo South, just past Watermans Cove. The tree is adorned with colourful decorations by renowned First Nations artist Joanne Cassady, a descendant of the Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta Nations, along with bespoke native flowers including gums and summer florals. Make sure to snap a picture under the tree from December 17-25.

Let your creativity flow in this special Christmas edition of Art in the Park with talented First Nations artist Joanne Cassady. She will share stories about what inspired her artwork that features on the giant Christmas tree in Barangaroo, and will also share knowledge about the different symbols and dot painting techniques used in First Nations art. To top it off, you’ll get to make a colourful bauble decoration to take home or gift to a loved one. This workshop is free to attend and will be hosted on Saturday, December 2, 9 and 16 from 1.30-2.30pm. You can register here.

Swing into the festive season on three massive Christmas Bells that will light up Barangaroo foreshore from November 16 to January 3, 2024. Keep your eyes and ears wide open, as these interactive bells will jingle and sparkle every time you swing to the top. Play and then stay for Christmas dinner and drinks at one of the many incredible restaurants and bars across the Streets of Barangaroo.

Whether it’s a quick drink after work, a long lunch or an end-of-year celebration, what better place to celebrate than by the harbour. Check out some great seasonal menus, bottomless lunch offers and festive dining deals at more than 100 bars and restaurants across the Streets of Barangaroo and Crown Sydney. 

The Streets of Barangaroo will be buzzing this summer with some of the hottest tunes in town. Groove on down to the waterfront every Wednesday to Saturday afternoon from December 1-23 to enjoy fresh beats from a rotating list of top DJs. You can even perch yourself at one of Barangaroo’s stunning waterfront bars to soak up the sunshine and all-round summer vibes, with your favourite cocktail in hand.