Sunset drinks, DJs, local spirits and all-white glamour — Yves Social rings in 2026 by the water! Photo: Envato/Igor_Tichonow.
It’s time to send 2025 off, and the Illawarra has a celebration to suit every age, taste and energy level.
From glitter-covered kids’ discos and family-friendly balloon drops to all-night dance parties, ABBA sing-alongs and sparkling coastal soirees, there’s something for everyone looking to start 2026 with a bang.
Wrangle tiny party animals at Tradies Helensburgh, soak up fireworks at Wollongong Harbour or sip sunset cocktails in Kiama, and expect great tunes, dazzling lights, epic food and maybe a little glitter in places you didn’t expect.
So grab your tickets, rally the crew and get ready to dance, toast, cheer and count down in style.
Little legs, big moves — let the countdown begin. Image: The Frat.
Kids NYE Disco in Helensburgh
When: Wednesday 31 December, 6 to 8 pm
Where: Tradies Helensburgh, 30 Boomerang Street, Helensburgh
Cost: $30 | Book via Humanitix.
Looking for a fun, fuss-free way for kids to welcome the new year? Kick off the night with glitter, giggles and great tunes at the Tradies Helensburgh Kids Disco. This high-energy two-hour party is packed with dancing, party games and karaoke sing-alongs, giving kids aged four to 12 the chance to celebrate in true disco style. Tickets include a kids’ meal from the bistro plus a drink. Parents and guardians must stay on-site.
Family fun, food trucks, rides and fireworks — Wollongong Harbour is the place to be this NYE. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
New Year’s Eve in Wollongong
When: Wednesday 31 December, 5 to 9:10 pm
Where: Wollongong Harbour, Osborne Park and Lang Park
Cost: Free.
Say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026 in sparkling style at Wollongong Harbour’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. From 5 pm, enjoy live music, roving entertainment and a mouthwatering line-up of food trucks, all in a relaxed, alcohol-free setting perfect for all ages. The night’s highlight? Wollongong’s iconic 9 pm harbour fireworks light up the sky.
Adding to the fun, Lang Park will transform into the Wollongong Summer Carnival, with rides and attractions for kids and grown-ups alike. Festivities wrap up just after the fireworks at 9:10 pm. Bring the family, soak up the atmosphere and start 2026 with a bang.
One last night, one last countdown — celebrate Lagoon’s final NYE in style. Image: Lagoon.
Lagoon’s Final Countdown in Wollongong
When: Wednesday 31 December, 7 pm to 2 am
Where: Lagoon Restaurant, Stuart Park, Grand Pacific Drive, Wollongong
Cost: Adults $210 | Teens $130 | 5–12 Years $65 | Book via NowBookIt.
Raise a glass to one last unforgettable night at Lagoon Restaurant. Groove to live 70s and 80s tunes from Grooveworks, dance the night away with our DJ and indulge in a deluxe four-course feast with drinks flowing until midnight. After decades of unforgettable celebrations, celebrate Lagoon’s Final Countdown in style and toast to 2027 against Wollongong’s stunning coastal backdrop.
Drinks, tunes, and a $100 bar tab for the best dressed — NYE at Dicey’s is where the party’s at. Image: Dicey Riley’s.
Spooks n Specks NYE Party
When: Wednesday 31 December, 7 pm to 2 am
Where: Dicey Riley’s Hotel, 329-333 Crown Street, Wollongong
Cost: $30| Book via TryBooking.
Get ready to welcome 2027 in epic style at Dicey’s, where there’s all the fun and the music you need to kick off the new year with a bang. Dance the night away with live beats from Rumfire and Sons of Mercury, sip a complimentary drink on arrival and show off your flair — the best spooky or sparkling outfit could win a $100 bar tab. This is the NYE party everyone will be talking about, so grab your tickets fast before it sells out.
Style, sparkle and live music — ring in 2026 in the Grand Ballroom. Image: The Fraternity Club.
All That Glitters New Year’s Eve Ball in Fairy Meadow
When: Wednesday 31 December, 7 pm
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Adults $120 | Teens $60 | Kids $24 | Book via The Fraternity Club.
Step into an eve of glamour this NYE and count down to 2026 in the Fraternity Club’s stunning Grand Ballroom. From 7:30 pm, groove to live music by Control, be mesmerised by roaming performers and indulge in a premium dining and drinks experience all night.
Your ticket includes a signature cocktail on arrival, a three‑course alternate-drop menu, and a five-hour premium beverage package — everything you need for a night of style, sound and sparkle. Cocktail or black‑tie attire encouraged, and glitter always welcome. Seats are allocated — book now and celebrate NYE in unforgettable style.
Dinner, The Beatnix and a DJ til 2 am — NYE at Oak Flats is a night to remember. Image: Oak Flats Bowlo.
NYE Party with The Beatnix in Oak Flats
When: Wednesday 31 December, 5 pm
Where: Oak Flats Bowling Club, corner Kingston Street and David Avenue, Oak Flats
Cost: $70 | Book via BookIt.
Get ready to twist and shout this NYE at Oak Flats Bowling Club. Australia’s longest-running Beatles tribute band, The Beatnix, are taking the stage to send 2025 off in style. Enjoy a delicious dinner, sing and dance along to iconic hits, and keep the party going with a live DJ spinning tracks until 2 am. With only 100 tickets available, this is a night Beatles fans and party lovers alike won’t want to miss. Mark your calendar for 31 Dec and stay tuned for ticket release — it’s going to be legendary.
Silent disco, UV glow, balloon drop and more — ring in 2026 at Precinct’s ultimate NYE family bash. Image: Shellharbour Club.
Balloon Bash in Shellharbour
When: Wednesday 31 December, 5 pm
Where: The Shellharbour Club, Wattle Road, Shellharbour
Cost: Free | Book via NowBookIt.
Get ready for a balloon bash like no other this NYE at Precinct, The Shellharbour Club. Celebrate 2026 with a colourful, family-friendly explosion of fun — from a silent disco and UV glow zone to delicious street eats, balloon-themed photo booths and free face painting. Cap off the night with the spectacular 9 pm balloon drop and pop into the new year in style. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s bursting with excitement for all ages — don’t miss it.
Seaside sips, ABBA hits and dancing til 2 am — ring in 2026 at Waterfront Tavern. Image: Waterfront Tavern.
All Day NYE Celebration in Shell Cove
When: Wednesday 31 December, 11 am to 2 am
Where: Waterfront Tavern, 11 Marina Drive, Shell Cove
Cost: $38 | NowBookIt.
Celebrate NYE from day to night, starting with relaxed all-day dining from 11 am to 9 pm, then dance into 2026 with FABBA — the ultimate ABBA tribute show from 9 pm to midnight, followed by a DJ set until 2 am. Sing along to all the hits, sip seaside cocktails, and let your inner Dancing Queen shine. Reserved dining is available, but book fast for the perfect way to welcome 2026 in style, music and marina magic.
Glamour, live music and a sparkling countdown — welcome 2026 in style at Club Jamberoo. Image: Club Jamberoo.
Midnight in Silver & Black Party in Jamberoo
When: Wednesday 31 December, 8 pm to 12:30 am
Where: Club Jamberoo, 1 Allowrie Street, Jamberoo
Cost: Free | Book via (02) 4236 0770.
Step into Midnight in Silver & Black this NYE at Club Jamberoo. Celebrate 2025 in style as the venue transforms into a dazzling world of black and silver. Dress to impress and dance the night away to Backlash live from 8 pm to 12:30 am, then count down to 2026 in sparkling fashion. Don’t miss Jamberoo’s most glamorous NYE celebration — bookings are essential.
Sunset drinks, DJs and all-white vibes — ring in 2026 at Yves Social. Image: Sebel Kiama.
NYE25 White Party in Kiama
When: Wednesday 31 December, 7 pm
Where: Yves Social, 31 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama
Cost: $99 (18+) | Book via TryBooking.
Yves Social invites guests to step into the new year in style at its NYE White Party, a chic coastal celebration overlooking Kiama Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. The event features an exclusive cocktail menu in collaboration with Jervis Bay Distilling Co., cold brews from Young Henrys, sunset drinks, live DJ and Yves’ signature canapes. Guests in all white will light up the deck as they count down to 2026 by the water.
With local spirits, great tunes and stunning views, it’s the ultimate way to welcome the new year.
