Make Merry at The Star: The Ultimate Destination this Festive Season

This festive season, The Star Sydney is inviting guests to indulge in its most curated and atmospheric program yet – Make Merry at The Star – a precinct-wide celebration that positions The Star as the ultimate destination for elevated dining, festive cocktails, live entertainment and a headline New Year’s Eve experience, all within one architecturally striking harbourside precinct.

Across December and January, The Star’s award-winning restaurants and bars will offer a collection of seasonal experiences designed for long lunches, intimate catchups and effortless end-of-year gatherings. It’s a moment to slow down, settle in, and enjoy the warmth of festive hospitality, premium produce and thoughtfully crafted menus.

At Sokyo, diners can explore the newly launched Favourites Menu ($49) – a refined selection of signature dishes reimagined with bold flavour, modern Japanese technique and the restaurant’s celebrated attention to detail.

Highlights on the menu include the delightfully delectable Kingfish Miso Ceviche, Eggplant & Shiitake Mushroom, Grass-fed Beef, Fried Brussel Sprouts and the irresistible Caramel Macchiato to end your experience on a totally indulgent high.

For an additional $10, you can get a Chef’s Selection of Nigiri (3 pcs) and there are plenty of other extras you can add to enhance your experience. Our top pick is the always outstanding Sashimi Platter ($90) – a 24-piece selection of the finest sashimi you will ever try. Fresh, delicious and meticulously prepared to create a truly memorable dining experience. If you’re looking to dine on Christmas Day, Sokyo will be hosting ‘A Refined Japanese Christmas’ – a premium, modern twist on Christmas lunch (from $175pp).

For those drawn to richer, more dramatic flavours, BLACK Bar & Grill is celebrating the season with a flame-driven menu built around premium cuts, pristine seafood and expert grill craftsmanship. It’s the kind of experience that invites lingering – long conversations, a great bottle of wine, and that unmistakable BLACK atmosphere. They will also be hosting ‘A Luxe Christmas Lunch’ on Christmas Day with champagne oysters, woodfired king prawns, Rangers Valley wagyu and Valrhona chocolate crèmeux with cherry (from $220pp).

Meanwhile, Cucina Porto is leaning into the warmth and generosity of an Italian Christmas. Its festive two-course menu begins at $39.90 and offers comforting classics and nostalgic flavours designed to be shared. On Christmas Day, they will host ‘Italian Christmas Comfort’ – a 3 course family-friendly menu (from $95pp).

Harvest Buffet are also taking bookings for ‘A Classic Festive Spread’ on Christmas Day. Featuring a generous all-you-can-enjoy selection with roast turkey, glazed ham, fresh prawns, seafood and Christmas pudding, it’s ideal for families and big groups ($140 adults / $55 kids).

The festive spirit continues beyond the dining rooms. Cherry Bar transforms into a glittering Christmas-themed cocktail lounge throughout December, complete with shimmering décor, seasonal cocktails and live piano sing-alongs every Saturday – the perfect backdrop for pre-dinner drinks or spirited end-of-year celebrations.

As the season reaches its crescendo, The Star’s entertainment offering takes centre stage. On New Year’s Eve, Sports Bar at The Star will host one of Sydney’s biggest countdowns, headlined by international DJ and producer Joel Corry. Expect a high-energy live set, club-style production, multiple bars and broadcasts of the city’s fireworks.

Bookings are essential across the festive program, with all dining and NYE experiences available now via The Star website.

Guests can also enjoy The Star Club Member discounts, as well as 25% off group bookings of 8+ at BLACK Bar & Grill, Sokyo, Cucina Porto and Harvest Buffet until 31 January 2026. Booking essential; not available for walk-ins.

The Star is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering late-night dining, bars, entertainment and the perfect continuation to any festive gathering.

The Star Sydney
20-80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont
Open 24 hours daily