CHRISTMAS IN JULY: SYDNEY GETS ITS VERY OWN WINTER WONDERLAND (WITH MELTED CHEESE ON TOP)

If you’ve ever dreamt of doing Christmas the European way — with cobblestones underfoot, snowflakes in the air, raclette on your plate, and mulled wine in hand — then cancel your July plans. Sydney’s Christmas in July Festival is back at The Rocks, and it’s more magical, merry, and marshmallow-stuffed than ever.

Running from 11–20 July, this mid-year festive takeover transforms the historic precinct into a chilly slice of Strasbourg, complete with over 80 real Christmas trees, dreamy fairy lights, and the kind of faux snow that’ll have your kids believing Santa made a detour.

Let’s be honest: Aussie Decembers are fun, but it’s hard to get fully into the Christmas spirit when you’re sweating through prawns and fending off flies. This winter, however? We finally get to channel our inner Hallmark movie energy – coats, cocoa, and all.

SO, WHAT’S ON THE NICE LIST?

1. The World’s First Fire Pit Cinema
   You heard right. This year’s biggest attraction is theFire Pit Cinema, where you and your crew (kids, friends, or partner – choose your chaos) can snuggle around your own private fire pit, under the stars, while watching holiday classics likeElf, Love Actually, and Home Alone. Think camping meets Christmas movie night, but with blankets, marshmallows, and absolutely zero mozzies.
2. Comfort Food Galore
   Bring your stretchy pants. The Christmas in July food market is not playing around — expectbubbling raclette,cheese-wheel gnocchi, lobster rolls, crêpes, bratwursts, and enough hot chocolate and mulled wine to keep everyone warm from the inside out. There are more than 20 food stalls, all serving European-style street eats that taste like a holiday hug.
3. Festive Artisan Market
   Need a break from plastic toys and supermarket gingerbread? The curated artisan market has snow globes, hand-knit scarves, French candles, gourmet gifts, and things you didn’t know you needed (but will absolutely buy). Early gift shopping or just a treat for yourself – we don’t judge.
4. Free Music, Roaming Entertainment & Dancing Santas
   Yes, you read that right.15+ live performancesthroughout the week will keep things merry. Think jazz quartets, roving carolers, and spontaneous dance breaks with Santa himself (possibly the most cardio he does all year). Your kids will be enchanted – and you might be too, after your third vin chaud.
5. Snow Lane & Cosy Euro Vibes
   Follow the fairy-lit path toSnow Lane, where the cobblestones crunch underfoot and every corner feels like a Christmas postcard. Don’t be surprised if your kids demand hot chocolate refills and photo ops every three minutes. It’s aesthetic overload – and we are here for it.

FAMILY FRIENDLY? ABSOLUTELY.

From tots to teens, everyone’s catered for. You don’t need to spend a cent (unless you want to), and entry is completely free. Whether you’re ducking in for a date night by the fire pit or making a full day of it with the family, this is a school holiday event that feels both wholesome and unforgettable.

QUICK INFO
The Rocks, Sydney
11–20 July 2025
Free entry
Hot drinks, raclette, crêpes & live music
Fire Pit Cinema: Book via christmasinjuly.com.au

PARENTHOOD360 HOT TIP:
Go early, wear layers, bring a pram blanket for the littlies, and don’t leave without a Nutella crêpe. Oh, and definitely book your Fire Pit Cinema spot early – they’re guaranteed to sell out faster than Santa on Christmas Eve.