What is Sydney New Year's Eve?
On 31 December people stake out their spot along the harbour hours ahead. Early in the evening, at 9 pm, there is a first fireworks show, early enough for young children. At midnight the main display is launched from the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and barges on the water.
Because Sydney is eleven hours ahead of Greenwich in its summer, its midnight comes before most of the world's, and its fireworks are among the first big displays of the New Year on television.
When is Sydney New Year's Eve? Dates for 2026 and 2027
2026
- Thursday 31 December 2026New Year's Eve: the 9 pm show and the midnight fireworks
2027
- Friday 31 December 2027New Year's Eve: the 9 pm show and the midnight fireworks
The date never changes. The City of Sydney publishes the evening's running order, and the exact times of everything but the midnight fireworks, in the weeks before.
How people celebrate
- Picnics on the foreshore and in the harbour parks from the morning.
- The Harbour of Light parade, when boats covered in lights sail across the harbour.
- Counting down the last seconds together before the midnight fireworks.
Good to know
- Many of the best free vantage points have limited space and close once full: arrive early, and bring water, sunscreen and a hat, because it is summer in Sydney.
- Many foreshore areas are alcohol-free on New Year's Eve: check the rules of the spot you choose.
- The 9 pm fireworks are a good choice for families who don't want to stay up until midnight.