Darling Harbour is ringing in the festive season with Santa performing a festive jet ski show on the evening of Friday 6 December, as he zooms around Cockle Bay alongside the harbour’s first-ever floating Christmas tree. Santa’s arrival kicks off a magical line up of festive activities, from Christmas flicks in concert at the International Convention Centre Sydney (14 and 21 December), to Tumbalong Park’s free Christmas Festival (14 – 15 December), kids’ fun at The Harbour Village at Darling Quarter Village Green (21 – 22 December) and much more.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Back by popular demand, Darling Harbour fan favourite Christmas Festival (14 – 15 December), in Tumbalong Park, is returning, where live performances from Samantha Jade, Anthony Callea and even Santa himself will fill the air with holiday cheer. A huge Christmas choral singalong and kids performers The Beanies, The Quokkas and Jayden Rodrigues’ Dance Party will also bring the festive spirit.
If all the dancing and singing tires you out, there will be plenty of food trucks and stalls nearby for guests to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
CHRISTMAS MAGIC ON THE WATER
Discover the enchanting 10m tall floating Christmas tree at Cockle Bay this December, which will light up the waterfront and provide the perfect Christmas photo backdrop. As the sun sets, the tree transforms into a mesmerising display of lights, radiating holiday cheer across the harbour. On Friday 6 December, Santa himself will arrive via jet ski right next to the tree, marking the start of the season’s celebrations for visitors of all ages.
For a truly magical experience, stay to catch the spectacular Christmas firework displays lighting up the night sky over Cockle Bay on 7, 14 and 21 December at 9pm. And for those looking to make the most of the summer weather, hop on a pedal boat from 30 November – 28 January, and enjoy the harbour’s scenic views while paddling around with friends and family.
SEASONAL ENTERTAINMENT
For those seeking a festive date night or outing with friends and family, the International Convention Centre Sydney will see live orchestra performances bring beloved holiday films to life. On 14 December, audiences can enjoy the cozy romance of The Holiday in Concert and on 21 December, everyone’s festive favourite Love Actually in Concert returns to the big screen.
Bring your little elves to The Harbour Village (21 – 22 December) for festive fun at Darling Quarter Village Green. Kick off the festivities with Christmas Storytime featuring much-loved children’s entertainers Emily Who and Nyssa and the Outback Band. Sing along to cheerful Christmas tunes, enjoy lively storytime sessions about Christmas traditions from around the world and join in the fun with the talented young dancers from DanceKool as they showcase their best moves.
For budding artists, The Harbour Village also offers Santa’s Workshop, a free crafting station where kids can create their own paper wreaths with a unique native floral twist. Families can also enjoy a playful break with life-size lawn games like Connect Four and Wreath Ring Toss, adding a bit of friendly competition to the festivities.
SYDNEY SANTA FUN RUN
Santas: get ready to suit up! On Saturday 30 November, join hundreds of runners, walkers and joggers for the Santa Fun Run, a spirited event with Vision Australia. Kicking off at 8am the run commences at Metcalfe Park in Darling Harbour, where attendees will jog along the water and across Pirama and Waterfront Park. Kick off the Christmas season in a meaningful way by registering for the Santa Fun Run now on the Vision Australia website, and help raise funds for Carols by Candlelight and its Life Ready children’s fundraising program, empowering children who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose.
HARBOURSIDE FESTIVE FEASTING
Darling Harbour’s 150+ restaurants, cafes and bars provide the perfect setting for holiday gatherings, whether you’re craving Asian-inspired flavours at Darling Square, al fresco dining at Darling Quarter or harbourside views at Cockle Bay. Indulge with a Christmas Day feast at Fratelli Fresh and BTWN, or four-course menus at Nick’s Seafood and Adria Bar Restaurant.
For more details and further information, visit the Darling Harbour website.
