Sydney is renowned for being the home of exciting events and this summer is no exception. This December immerse yourself in the festive spirit throughout the city and then come December 31 get ready for one of the best New Year’s Eve experiences in the world. If you’re lucky enough to get one of our Harbour View rooms over this iconic evening, you will have a night to remember with front row seats to the fireworks over the harbour and off the bridge.
The start of 2018 will see a huge line up of summer sport and fun family events to celebrate Australia Day. To help you plan, here is our #summerbucketlist of Sydney events.
Summer of Sport & Australia Day

- The Ashes, Fifth Test, Australia V England, 4 Jan
- One Day International Series, Third ODI, Aus V Eng, 21 Jan
- T20 International Series, First T20, Aus V NZ, 3 Feb
- Sheffield Shield, round 7 on 16 Feb & round 8 on 24 Feb
- Big Bash League: 23 & 26 Dec and 13, 18 & 23 Jan
Celebrate Australia Day on January 26 in Circular Quay with a host of annual events from the Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony, the ferrython, Harbour Parade flotilla and Australia Day Concert.
‘Tis The Season – Christmas in Sydney

It’s not Christmas until the tree in Martin Place is all lit up, you can also see you own Christmas message in lights on tree. While you are visiting the 21m tree also make sure to try the pop-up GPO Dessert Bar for some festive indulgence. The next stop should be St Mary’s Cathedral so see The Lights Of Christmas which run nightly from 7.30pm kicking off with a choir performance. If you love live music and carols make sure to visit Martin Place any night of the week and Pitt Street Mall Thursday nights and weekends.
The jewel is Sydney’s Christmas crown is the iconic Carols in the Domain. This year will mark the 35th year and the spectacular show will take place on the 17th of December.
New Year’s Eve in Sydney – Welcome in 2018 Right

Our New Year’s Eve celebrations are known across the world. Preshow entertainment starts from 6pm with an air and water show, after 8.30pm there is a local ceremony by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and at 9pm the family fireworks light up the sky. At 9.15pm be dazzled by the Harbour of Light Parade as water craft dressed in lights dance across the harbour. Finally, the main event at midnight the 12-minute firework display with fireworks being launched from Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and 7 barges in the harbour.
Time to enjoy some Sydney events? Plan your summer getaway to Sydney and start ticking these events off your #summerbucketlist. View our summer accommodation deals here.
Image credit: All images courtesy of Destination New South Wales