White Night

Every year, Sydney hosts its famous VIVID Festival, in which landmarks like the Opera House are lit up with bright colors for the duration of the 18-day event. White Night is Melbourne’s smaller, one-night version that takes place every January. Lights are cast on most of the Central Business District’s main buildings (the library looks particularly amazing and is illuminated inside as well) while barges float down the Yarra, shooting colored water and lasers into the air.

There is a lot of participation from locals and visitors, and the streets fill with young revelers and families. The lights stay on until the sun comes up, and many visitors celebrate until dawn.