Sydney Christmas Tours: Our 4 Picks for December

1.New Years Eve Sydney Harbour Cruise 2026-2027

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 45 reviews · from $1,219Our pick

Spend New Year’s Eve aboard the Sydney Sundancer, a small yacht limited to 50 people. Depart King Street Wharf at 5 pm for a long evening of seafood, Bollinger Champagne, wine, beer, Opera House views, the Harbour of Light parade, and Sydney’s midnight fireworks. John may position the boat for a front-row view.

“From the Sydney Sundancer yacht you have the best view of the fireworks at the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The fireworks were great.Auto-translated”

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2.Christmas Day Cruise on Sydney Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $121Top rated

Meet at Circular Quay for a three-hour Christmas lunch cruise aboard a festively decorated boat. Enjoy seafood, roasted meats, salads, Christmas pudding, beer, wine, sparkling wine, soft drinks, and juice while passing the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Point Piper, Rose Bay, and the Sydney skyline. Seating is shared, and outdoor decks offer better photo angles.

“There is no seat allocation. get there early to claim your seat. Buffet excellent and staff very efficient and helpful. Wonderful views of the harbour at a relaxed pace.”

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3.Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $105Best value

Spend Christmas Day aboard Vagabond Cruises’ MV Vagabond Spirit, a modern catamaran departing Walsh Bay at noon. Enjoy a seated seafood and carvery buffet, Christmas pudding, music, bon-bons, and a Santa visit while Sydney Harbour passes by. The licensed bar sells alcoholic drinks separately, and the cruise returns to Walsh Bay after about three hours.

“A wonderful way to spend Christmas lunch, very friendly service from the staff. Yummy food and the bar was well stocked for the trip.”

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4.Sydney Opera House New Year’s Eve Opera Gala

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $495

Spend New Year's Eve at the Sydney Opera House with a 2-hour-45-minute Opera Gala featuring Australian and international singers, the Opera Australia Orchestra, and works by Verdi, Bizet, and Puccini. Your ticket includes entry to the Opera House site and access to viewing areas during the fireworks, though clear Bridge and midnight views are not guaranteed.

“It was brilliant and a memory that we will cherish. The whole event was so well organised from beginning to end. The music and the singers were spectacular and could not believe how quickly the evening went. Then to finish off with the tremedous firework display which we enjoyed from the top terrace.”

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