From May 23 to June 14, 2025, Sydney will once again transform into a luminous playground as Vivid Sydney returns for its 15th year. This year’s theme, ‘Dream’, invites attendees to explore the boundaries between reality and imagination through captivating light installations, performances, and experiences.
Immersive Light Installations: The Star of the Show
Light remains at the heart of the Vivid experience. In 2025, Sydney’s iconic landmarks, including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Customs House, and Barangaroo, will serve as living canvases for state-of-the-art projections and interactive installations. Spectacles like “Ripple Effect”, which highlights environmental awareness through fluid motion and lighting, and “House of Romance” at Customs House will mesmerise audiences. Technology, including AI and real-time data, will further elevate the experience, allowing some installations to respond to human movement and emotion, making each interaction unique.
Vivid Food 2025: Nigella Lawson’s Exclusive Dinner
Nigella Lawson’s Vivid Sydney 2025 dinners are set to be a highlight of the festival, offering an exclusive culinary experience in the newly unveiled Muru Giligu Tunnel beneath Martin Place Metro Station. Over three nights, from June 6 to 8, guests will be treated to a sumptuous three-course feast curated by Lawson herself, showcasing the finest seasonal produce from New South Wales paired with premium local wines.
The event begins with an arrival canapé and unfolds in a setting transformed by immersive light and sound installations, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that aligns with this year’s festival theme, “Dream.” This marks the first time the Muru Giligu Tunnel, meaning “Path of Light” in the Sydney language, has hosted such an event, making it a unique addition to Vivid Sydney’s culinary program. Tickets for these exclusive dinners are priced at $340 and have garnered significant attention, reflecting both the unique setting and Lawson’s international acclaim as a food writer and television cook.
Vivid Sydney Dinner Cruise: Cruise Through the Beauty of Sydney on Water
One of the most unforgettable ways to experience the festival is aboard a Vivid Sydney Dinner Cruise. These specially curated cruises offer panoramic views of the harbour as the city’s light installations shimmer across the water. Guests can enjoy a multi-course dinner featuring Australian seafood and premium wines while gliding past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, both glowing in animated light. Many cruises include live music or DJs, creating an intimate and luxurious setting to enjoy the festival from a truly unique perspective. It’s a perfect experience for couples, tourists, or anyone looking to celebrate Vivid in style.
One standout dinner cruise to experience during Vivid Sydney 2025 is the Vivid Sydney Showboat Dinner Cruise. This 3-hour evening cruise offers a unique vantage point to witness the festival’s iconic light displays, including the ‘Lighting of the Sails’ on the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge projections. Guests are treated to a three-course dinner featuring an entrée platter, mains, and dessert, all served with reserved seating and attentive waiter service. A highlight of the evening is the onboard cabaret show, ‘Voyage of Love’, which showcases a vibrant performance exploring the concept of love across the world, culminating in a nostalgic finale with classic Aussie hits.
Written By: Mia Quisumbing
Published On: 21st May 2025