The 8 best things to see and do at Vivid Sydney 2025, according to locals

Time Out

4 days ago

Vivid Sydney kicked off in spectacular style last Friday – turning the Harbour City technicolour for the 15th time. Every year, Vivid's light displays get a little more out-there: transforming famous landmarks and hidden corners of the city into luminous wonderlands and interactive light shows. And although it might seem like things have been toned down a little this year – with two huge, immersive installations Dark Spectrum and Lightscape removed from the program, along with the dazzling drone show – Vivid Sydney 2025 is even sparklier than ever. The trick? Knowing where to look.
Thankfully, we've got people on the ground doing the hard yards for you, so you can get out and explore the very best bits of Vivid Sydney 2025.
These are the best things to see and do at Vivid Sydney 2025
1. Neon Dreams, Darling Harbour
"What do you get when you combine plant-based queen Shannon Martinez, a rollerskating rink and a 1950's diner? You get Neon Dreams, a brand-new addition to this year's Vivid line-up. Found under the Pier Street underpass in Darling Harbour, Neon Dreams is a retro pop-up serving up (vegan) American diner favourites – think juicy burgers, creamy mac and cheese and jelly donuts. And we weren't kidding about rollerskating – you can lace up and skate around the roller rink (pros and newbies are welcome). The venue is fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids, too." Avril Treasure, Food and Drink Editor
2. Bloom, The Rocks
"I spent an evening exploring The Rocks – it's worth giving yourself a few hours to explore this corner of the city because there are so many cute bars and old pubs to stop at. My favourite installation was Bloom – it's at the Argyle Cut and it's a tunnel that gets lit up and displays visuals of nature blossoming. It's very vibrant and the sounds are so calming, it was by far my fave installation in The Rocks." Rebecca Hegedus, Video Editor
3. Night Picnic Under the Bridge
"One of the most contestable points each year Vivid rolls around is where the best perch is to watch Sydney light up. This year, my money's on Night Picnic Under the Bridge. Dawes Point Park in The Rocks has transformed into a gorgeous setup under the Sydney Harbour Bridge so you get epic vistas of Sydney Opera House while being right next to The Rocks Markets. Best part is the blankets and cushions are already there. Cosy on up." Caitlyn Todoroski, Branded Content Writer
4. Lighting of the Sails, Sydney Opera House
"It might be cliché, but I can't go past Lighting of the Sails at the Sydney Opera House. I've been to Vivid every year since it started back in 2009, and still couldn't help but squeal when the sails exploded into a riot of colour at 6pm. This year's animation, Kiss of Light, honours the late Australian visionary, David McDiarmid, and celebrates diversity and creativity in every shade of the rainbow. Standing under those glowing sails to take it all in – with the Harbour Bridge shining behind – has to be one of my favourite memories of the year so far."
5. Cygnus, Barangaroo
"There's a lot going on at Barangaroo for Vivid this this year. A multi-sensory display of light, sound, and fog has transformed Nawi Garden into a surreal, otherworldly realm. A gorgeous, glowing full moon sits in front of a swing. And a huge canopy of lights – formed by six kilometres of LED light rods – suspended above the Stargazer Lawn has become a mesmerising artwork that responds to your movements. But I'm a simple girl, and I don't think there's anything prettier than the way light dances on water. Cygnus is a simple light display formed by 12 life-like, luminous animatronic swans that glide in an enchanting dance across the mirrored water of Nawi Cove. I could watch them weave over the water for hours, and the soundtrack makes the whole experience even more mesmeric."
Winnie Stubbs, Lifestyle Writer
6. Vivid Sydney Skywalk, Sydney Tower
"I've done Vivid on foot more times than I can count, but seeing the lights from 268 metres above the city? That's a whole new kind of magic. I did the Vivid Sydney Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye just as the lights flicked on across the city. You're out on this open-air platform, harnessed in and looking out over the skyline, when everything below starts to glow. The Harbour, the Bridge, all the little pockets of installations – it's like the city's dressed up for the night. It's calm, a bit surreal, and just a really lovely way to take it all in."
Kate Breytenbach, Account Manager
7. House of Romance: Dream Collide, Customs House
"The façade of Customs House has been the canvas for some of Vivid's most spectacular projections over the years, including a heartfelt tribute to Ken Done (2022), a mesmerising dive beneath the Harbour (2019) and a love letter to Australia's flora and fauna (2015). The 2025 iteration, House of Romance: Dream Collide, is one of its best yet. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Sydney fashion label Romance Was Born, the installation is a kaleidoscope of colour, couture and creative joy, portraying their most iconic looks from the past two decades. One of my favourite parts was the high-energy soundtrack by Heckler Sound that made it all the more magical."
8. Fire Kitchen, The Goods Line
"I know Vivid is all about the lights – and I'm a fan of them too! – but for me, it's really about the delicious eats. You'll find plenty at the flame-fuelled Vivid Fire Kitchen, which is back again along The Goods Line in Ultimo (just a few minutes' walk from Central). My picks? The aromatic butter chicken jaffle with melted cheese, and the crème brûlée churro cone, which is as brilliant and as ridiculous as it sounds."
These are the best places to eat during Vivid.
Here's what's on for Vivid Music.
And here are all of your Vivid FAQs, answered.