Sydney’s winter festivals continue with the return of Christmas in July this Friday, July 11 until Sunday, July 20. Here’s everything you need to know.

A must-see free event for anyone looking for the magic of European festivities, Christmas in July is Sydney’s answer to those magical markets that France, Germany, Austria and England are so skilled at. Attracting millions of visitors from across the world, the first Christmas market was held in Europe in the 17th century.

Christmas Down Under doesn’t have quite the same effect as a white Christmas — in fact, half of Australians think a white Christmas is more “magical”, according to Travel Weekly. December is of course the peak of summer here in the Harbour City, but we’ve come up with a clever solution: Christmas in July.

This annual festival will bring snow, melted cheese and thousands of sparkling fairy lights to the cobblestone streets of The Rocks and Cadmans Cottage. Step away from the beach, embrace the chill and head to Circular Quay to experience a different side to Sydney.

When and where does it take place?

This year, Christmas in July festival will return to The Rocks from Friday, July 11 until Sunday, July 20.

Christmas in July market — Wooden chalets will line the streets, selling homemade crafts, souvenirs, woollens and other gifts. (Image supplied).

Christmas in July Festival Events 2025

Festive atmosphere and experiences

Lined with Christmas trees and sparkling fairy lights, Snow Lane is where you’ll find your ultimate Instagram-worthy moment. Flakes float down from above as you wander the laneway, stop to admire the lights, trees and snap a pic or two with your friends and family.

Christmas in July Snow Lane — Snow Lane: Christmas trees, fairy lights and nutcrackers lead the way down the cobblestone street. (Image supplied).

Food and drink pop-ups

Food lovers will be spoiled for choice, as more than 20 pop-ups are expected to serve classic winter comfort dishes to hungry visitors. There will be melted raclette, traditional choucroute, bratwursts, schnitzels, lobster rolls and sugar-dusted crêpes. Drinks will be flowing too, with hot chocolate stations and mulled wine bars providing the perfect winter warmers. Every bite and sip is designed to transport visitors to the snowy streets of Strasbourg or Salzburg.

Christmas in July food — Pick up European festive foods including macarons at Christmas in July. (Image supplied).

Markets and artisan stalls

In true European style, wooden chalets will line the streets in The Rocks, with vendors selling homemade gifts, crafts, woollens and festive souvenirs.

Fire Pit Cinema at Christmas in July in The Rocks — Australia’s first Fire Pit Cinema will pop-up at The Rocks for Christmas in July festival. (Image supplied).

Live music and pop-up cinema

Though not technically a part of the festival, the Jazz Sessions in The Rocks will play as normal on Thursday, July 17. The Truffle Boils is an exciting group who explore some lesser-known gems from the works of jazz masters including Monk, Mingus, Sun Ra and Marion Brown. It’s free to enjoy in The Rocks Square.

As part of this year’s Christmas in July festival, Australia’s first Fire Pit Cinema will pitch up against the backdrop of Cadmans Cottage. Guests can book their own private fire pit for two to six people, settle under a blanket, roast marshmallows, sip on steaming hot chocolate or mulled wine and enjoy timeless Christmas flicks. Watch Home Alone (1 or 2), The Holiday, Elf, The Holiday and Love Actually, among others. Hurry though, tickets are selling fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and times?

Christmas in July will be open from Friday, July 11 until Sunday, July 20. Opening times are:

Friday, July 11 4pm–11pm
Saturday, July 12 10am–11pm
Sunday, July 13 10am–10pm
Monday, July 14 4pm–10pm
Tuesday, July 15 4pm–10pm
Wednesday, July 16 4pm–10pm
Thursday, July 17 12pm–10pm
Friday, July 18 10am–11pm
Saturday, July 19 10am–11pm
Sunday, July 20 10am–8pm

Is there an entry fee?

Entry to the Christmas in July festival is totally free. Some experiences and treats do require paid tickets or purchases, but the festive spirit is on the house.

What activities are free vs paid?

Entry to the festival and Jazz Sessions in The Rocks are completely free. You’ll have to pay for any food, drink or gifts bought from the market stalls, and the Fire Pit Cinema ranges from $35 per person (includes film and marshmallows), $47 per person (including marshmallows, mulled wine and popcorn) to $60 for a family pass (two adults two children, with extra kids costing $10 each).

Is it suitable for families?

Absolutely! There are no age restrictions and you can even bring your dogs — just make sure they’re on a leash.

How do I get there?

Public transport: Take the train to Circular Quay, and you’re only a stroll away. If you’re coming from Wynyard station, walk north down George Street towards the harbour and you’ll be here in 10 minutes. For buses travelling through the CBD along Elizabeth Street, get off the bus at Bridge Street and head north to The Rocks.

By bus: Bus stops are also located along Alfred Street.

By ferry: Catch a ferry to Circular Quay and you’re only a short stroll away.

By light rail: The L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford light rail services run between Circular Quay and Randwick and Circular Quay and Kingsford. Both lines travel via George Street, Central Station and along Devonshire Street in Surry Hills up to Moore Park.

By car: There is no on-site parking, but nearby Wilson Car Parks are available: Clocktower (55 Harrington St), 155 George St, Quay West (111 Harrington St). Prices start from $15 per hour. Pre-book online to save time.

Is it accessible when it rains?

The festival remains open come rain or shine. A good thing about winter in Sydney though, is that it stays fairly dry — fingers crossed it holds out for 10 days.

For more information visit christmasinjuly.com.au

Christmas in July Sydney 2025: dates, snow lane and festive fun

When and where does it take place?