Nine ways to celebrate New Year's Eve 2024 in the Illawarra

Christmas is done and dusted and now it’s time to farewell 2024 and welcome in the new year.

Whether you’re looking for an elegant soiree, family-friendly entertainment or to party hard into the wee hours, there’s something for you throughout the Illawarra.

Here are nine picks for New Year’s Eve celebrations in our region.

NYE in Wollongong

When: 5 – 9:10 pm
Where: Wollongong Harbour, Osborne Park and Lang Park
Cost: Free

This fun, family-friendly and alcohol-free community event is filled with music, entertainment, food trucks and the iconic 9 pm harbour fireworks. Road closures allow the council to transform the harbour into one big celebration zone. At Lang Park, visitors can expect rides for all ages and carnival elements, while Osborne Park will be packed with food trucks and roaming entertainment, and activities will be dotted all around the harbour.

NYE All That Glitters and NYE Glow Fest – The Shellharbour Club

When: Doors open from 5 pm, with food and glow festivities from 5:30 pm; all that glitters from 6 pm (over 18s)
Where: Precinct/The Lounge, The Shellharbour Club, Cnr Wattle and Shellharbour roads, Shellharbour
Cost: Free

Get ready to shine, sparkle and glow into 2025 at The Shellharbour Club’s New Year’s Eve Glow Fest for all the family. The night will be bursting with bright lights and exciting activities, including a glow face painter and hairstylist, balloon bender, juggler, food and drink specials and a 9 pm balloon drop. Dress up in your brightest neon outfits and accessories – it’s time to light up the dance floor. For the grown-ups, live entertainment from Keith Zehr will be in The Lounge from 6 to 9 pm, followed by Shirley’s Temple from 9 pm to 1 am to keep the vibes sparkling into the new year. Glitter-themed cocktails will be served from a pop-up bar in The Lounge, and the Sydney Harbour fireworks countdown to midnight will be live on the big screen.

NYE in Kiama

When: 4 – 9:30 pm
Where: Kiama Harbour/Black Beach, Hindmarsh Park
Cost: Free

The main event precinct is centred on Kiama Harbour. Eat Street and Sweet Street will open at 4 pm, and after the official welcome there’ll be live performances and roving bush clowns. The newly refurbished Hindmarsh Park will be open, complemented by the Little Big Stage. Performances will run on the stage between 4:45 and 8:45 pm. There is one epic fireworks show at 9 pm. The fireworks soundtrack will be amplified around the foreshore and simulcast on 96.5 WAVE FM. Tune in from home or your vantage point and join in.

Market Street Block Party

When: 5 pm – 3 am
Where: The Illawarra Hotel, Market Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free entry before 6 pm; VIP tickets $50

The Illawarra Hotel will host its NYE Market Street Block Party for a third year, promising it will be bigger and better than ever. You can grab a VIP ticket and secure express entry so you can dance the night away under the stars at the region’s biggest Silent Disco party, or at the Loud & Live Stage in the courtyard, without having to wait in a queue.

Fraternity Club NYE Ball

When: 7 – 10 pm
Where: Fraternity Club, Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: $130 for adult; $90 13-17yrs; $55 5-12yrs; $25 under 5 years

If you’re looking for an elegant night of celebrations to ring in 2025 with all the family, book now for the Frat’s New Year’s Eve Ball. Ticket price includes a glass of champagne on arrival, a two-course banquet meal and a five-hour beverage package, with entertainment by Catch Fraze. Bookings are essential.

Sea You Into 2025 @ the Imperial

When: 7:30 pm – 12:30 am
Where: The Imperial at Clifton
Cost: $99 per person; $89 per person for bookings of four or more

Eskies, umbies and retro summer party vibes are on the menu for New Year’s Eve at The Imperial at Clifton. We Play Records will have you up dancing while you enjoy all the best beach eats, fun competitions and even a free ride home. Tickets include bubbly on arrival, a grazing station, canapes, desserts and competitions/prizes for best dressed. The free Imperial Express + Co will be making stops along the Imperial Express trail from Helensburgh to Bulli, including train stations along the way – but make sure you book.

New Year’s Eve Beach Party @ Beaches Hotel

When: Doors open 7 pm, show starts 9 pm
Where: Beaches Hotel, 272 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: Pre-booked $25+BF; $30 at the door

Ring in the new year with the ultimate Beach Party Rock Show, featuring The Brazen Lyres, Gloss, and special guest Kate Young. Kicking off the night with an intimate solo set, Young brings her unique blend of soulful melodies and raw acoustic energy to the stage.

NYE at Novotel Wollongong

When: From 7 pm
Where: Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, Cliff Road, North Wollongong
Cost: $239 for adult ($216 Accor Plus member); $119 13-17 years; $65 5-12 years, child up to four years, free

The Novotel is hosting a night of glamour and elegance with fresh oyster shucking and canapes, followed by a two-course menu in Palisade Kitchen & Bar. Guests can head up to The Deck to enjoy the fireworks and a scrumptious dessert grazing table. There’ll be live music in both Palisade Kitchen & Bar and The Deck.

NYE @ the North Gong

When: From 2:30 pm
Where: North Gong Hotel, Flinders Street, North Wollongong
Cost: $99.90 general admission; $149.40 VIP

North Gong Hotel & Yours and Owls have a great lineup planned for New Year’s Eve, kicking off at 2:30 pm. A mix of DJs and live artists – a combination of festival mainstays, hot commodities, and local favourites – will entertain across three outdoor stages.