Join the party on the Newcastle foreshore for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration, proudly produced by local creatives Fingers Crossed Creative and Canvas Events.
This inclusive, family-friendly event invites the Newcastle community to come together to farewell 2025 and welcome 2026 with joy, imagination and connection.
The event is designed with distinct zones to suit every kind of celebration style – from energetic play spaces for kids to relaxed picnic areas and vibrant entertainment hubs. Whether you’re looking to dance, dine, create, or simply unwind, there’s a space for you.
City of Newcastle NYE celebrations runs from 5pm to 9:15pm on the Harbour Foreshore on Wednesday 31 December 2025.
The Wish Exchange
At the centre of the event is the Wish Exchange, a whimsical and immersive installation that invites attendees to share their hopes and resolutions for the year ahead.
Step into a colourful Wish Call Center and Post Office, flanked by two vibrant photo-op phone booths. Pick up the receiver and leave your wish or resolution after the tone. Your message will be transformed into text and displayed on a glowing LED wall behind the DJ stage creating a shared wallpaper of dreams for 2026.
Kids Zone
The NYE Kids Zone is a summer-holiday-inspired wonderland bursting with colour, movement and imagination, designed to delight children and families alike.
Free for all attendees, this vibrant space offers a playful mix of activities that spark creativity and encourage participation. Kids can partake in interactive workshops and small performances on a dedicated stage to showcase their new skills.
The Kids Zone is a free carnival-style space with:
- Sideshow games
- Hula hooping, juggling, percussion workshops
- Face painting & temporary tattoos
- Toddler jumping castle
- Kids stage for performances
- NYE sunglasses craft station
Built with sustainability in mind, the Kids Zone is an eco-conscious playground that’s as fun as it is thoughtful.
Live Music
Enjoy a stellar lineup of homegrown music, comedy and fringe cabaret on the Live Stage at The Station, showcasing Newcastle’s vibrant creative community. Across the site, three DJ stations, including a kids disco with a “Step Up & Shoot” selfie camera, will keep the energy high and the beats flowing.
Spaces to Relax & Recharge
Amid the excitement of New Year’s Eve, the event offers thoughtfully designed spaces for guests to unwind, connect and enjoy the evening at their own pace. Two open Picnic Zones provide grassy areas perfect for lounging with friends and family over a shared meal.
Eat Streets will be spread across three zones to reduce congestion and wait times, with The Station Eat Street featuring tables and chairs on a hard stand, making it easier for people with mobility needs to enjoy a delicious meal in comfort.
For those seeking a quieter experience, the Quiet Zone offers a calm, seated space ideal for those who may need a break from the large crowds and stimulation.
An Accessible Viewing Platform ensures that everyone can comfortably take part in the festivities, with inclusive design at the forefront. Designated spots for accessible parking and additional public transport options will also be available.
NYE Fireworks
The night ends with a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm which will light up Newcastle Harbour. The spectacular 12-minute fireworks display will launch from a barge in the middle of the harbour to provide incredible uninterrupted views, from every point along the foreshore, Queens Wharf to Camp Shortland.
For more information about the event, visit the City of Newcastle website.
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