From now until 26 December, Christmas arrives in Darling Harbour with festive fun for all ages. Lights, sculptural displays and warm seasonal touches bring extra magic to the waterfront, making every daytime stroll or balmy evening walk feel like a celebration. Staying at Hotel Woolstore 1888 means you are just a short walk from sparkling waterfront celebrations, twinkling light displays and special moments made to share.
Sydney’s Floating Christmas Tree
Standing 10 metres tall in Cockle Bay, Sydney’s only floating Christmas tree returns from 21 November to 26 December, bringing shimmer, colour and festive cheer to the harbour. Each evening from 6pm, it comes to life with a twinkling light show that dances across the water. Positioned around 20 metres offshore on a secure pontoon, it’s perfectly placed for photos, evening walks and waterfront dinners.
Fallen Stars at ICC Forecourt
This year, the festivities expand with Fallen Stars — a pair of colossal sculptural stars set in the ICC Forecourt. Crafted from intricate metallic mesh, they glow and shift with the movement around them, casting soft, playful shadows and transforming the forecourt into an immersive light experience. A must-see stop as you wander through the precinct.
Christmas Fest in Tumbalong Park
On Saturday 13 December 2025 from 4pm to 9pm, Tumbalong Park becomes the joyful heart of Darling Harbour. The afternoon begins with sunshine, lawn games and live entertainers filling the grassy park with laughter. As the light softens, choirs rise in song and the evening transforms into a festive dance party the whole family can enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for a special guest in red who always knows when to make an entrance!
Food is part of the fun too. Think summer bright flavours with a hint of Christmas nostalgia. Easy picnic style bites that feel fresh and familiar, designed for sharing as you settle onto the lawn and let the atmosphere wrap around you.
A little sparkle. A little mischief. A whole lot of cheer. Christmas Fest is the kind of event that makes the season feel alive.
Festive weekends done right
All season long, the precinct feels alive with decorations and atmosphere. Look out for:
- Christmas pedal boats drifting across the harbour
- Saturday night fireworks lighting up the sky
- Free family activations and roving performers
- Festive treats and outdoor markets
- Waterfront restaurants perfect for gathering and celebrating
Whether you spend your visit exploring the lights, enjoying the firework show or soaking in the harbour breeze, nothing beats having your room close by when you are ready to unwind.
Stay near the sparkle
Step out the door and you are moments from every festive highlight. Wander along the foreshore, take in the twinkle of Darling Harbour, then return to cosy comfort and a slow morning start at Percy the next day.
Christmas in Pyrmont feels warm, joyful and wonderfully easy when home is this close to the celebration.
Image credit: Darling Harbour
