This annual winter festival brings snow, melted cheese and mugfuls of mulled wine to the cobblestone streets of The Rocks. Here’s everything you need to know about Christmas in July 2026.
There’s something quite romantic about a cosy, white Christmas, and even though we love seeing Santa ride a jet ski, why not celebrate the holiday twice in one year?
Granting our wishes, this year the Christmas in July festival will return to The Rocks from Friday, July 10, until Sunday, July 19.
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. Launched in 2017 in The Rocks, the Christmas in July Festival now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, thanks to its stacked program of live entertainment, cinema, food and wine.
Skip the beach, wrap up warm and head down to Circular Quay. Here are all the best things to do at the Christmas in July Festival 2026.
Festive films and toasted marshmallows
Last year, the Fire Pit Cinema debuted at Sydney’s Christmas in July Festival, and its popularity secured its return in 2026.
As you snuggle up next to a fire pit in front of Cadman’s Cottage, gooey marshmallows in hand, your favourite festive films will play on a big screen in front of you.
Grab a “Watch and Roast Pass” for $38 per person, which includes a shared bucket of marshmallows, deckchairs, headsets and blankets, or opt for a “Christmas Magic Pass” which gets you unlimited marshmallows, a glass of mulled wine and deckchairs, headsets and blankets.
They’ll be screening a top-tier lineup of iconic Christmas favourites, including Home Alone, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Ratatouille, Die Hard and Elf. You can view the full schedule here.
Snap a selfie in Snow Lane
What’s more magical than an alley lined with illuminated Christmas trees, falling snow and fairy lights?
Snow Lane is back, meaning you can stroll through drizzling flakes and snap selfies to your heart’s content. In fact, now is a great time to get a photo for your Christmas cards – you’ll be way ahead of the curve.
Melted cheese and mulled wine
Obviously, we love the festive movies and the snow, but at the end of the day, the best part of Christmas in July is that it gives us a reason to stuff our faces with unhealthy amounts of melted cheese.
This year, food lovers will be spoiled for choice, as a variety of pop-ups are expected to serve classic winter comfort dishes to hungry visitors.
Confirmed exhibitors at the Sydney Festival include German foodies Das Kranky Haus, Cheeky Crumbles and Petersons Wines and Savannah Estate. The Christmas in July festival has also said there will be “melting cheese stations everywhere”. We’re sold.
However, the festival has also promised that there will be Italian pasta in a cheese wheel, Belgian waffles, torched crème brûlée and sugar-dusted crêpes.
Drinks will be flowing too, with a whole garden dedicated to sipping spiced mulled wine. If that’s not your tipple of choice, you can grab a craft beer from the bar, or maybe even a boozy hot chocolate.
Free live music
Every year, Christmas in July hosts free live gigs in The Rocks. Although they haven’t yet revealed their lineup for this year’s performances, last year revolved around groovy jazz artists, which perfectly complemented the festive energy of the event. You can keep updated with program announcements here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and times?
Christmas in July will be open from Friday, July 10, until Sunday, July 19. Opening times are:
- Friday, July 10 4pm–11pm
- Saturday, July 11 10am–11pm
- Sunday, July 12 10am–10pm
- Monday, July 13 4pm–10pm
- Tuesday, July 14 4pm–10pm
- Wednesday, July 15 4pm–10pm
- Thursday, July 16 12pm–10pm
- Friday, July 17 10am–11pm
- Saturday, July 18 10am–11pm
- Sunday, July 29 10am–9pm
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.
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.
For more information, visit christmasinjuly.com.au
