Looking for something special to do in Sydney this winter? Christmas in July celebrations are back, and this year they’re bigger than ever. The Rocks is hosting a 10-day festival featuring Australia’s first Fire Pit Cinema, where you can watch Christmas classics while toasting marshmallows under the stars.
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Whether you fancy sipping mulled wine at an open-air cinema, browsing European-style market stalls, or enjoying a festive feast, Sydney’s winter celebrations offer plenty of ways to get into the Christmas spirit. Here’s everything you need to know about Christmas in July events across Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
The Rocks Christmas in July Festival
For ten days this July, The Rocks transforms into a European-style winter village complete with wooden market chalets, twinkling fairy lights, and over 80 real Christmas trees.
This free festival runs from July 11-20, bringing winter magic to Sydney’s historic streets.
Fire Pit Cinema at Cadmans Cottage
Australia’s first Fire Pit Cinema brings winter movie nights to The Rocks this July. Each private fire pit seats 2-6 people and comes equipped with blankets and marshmallows for toasting. Your booking includes everything you need for a cosy winter evening under the stars.
Your ticket include private fire pit seating, warm blankets and marshmallows for toasting.
Movie Schedule
- July 11-12: Home Alone
- July 13-14: Elf
- July 15-16: Love Actually
- July 17-18: The Holiday
- July 19-20: Last Christmas
When: July 11-20, 2025
Where: Cadmans Cottage, The Rocks
Cost: Prices start from $89 per fire pit (2-6 people)
Bookings: Essential via christmasinjuly.com.au
What else is on offer?
The festival’s four other highlights:
- Snow Lane: Experience falling snow and perfect photo opportunities
- Market Village: Over 40 wooden chalets selling artisan gifts and treats
- Food Quarter: 20+ food vendors offering European winter specialties
- Entertainment Zone: Live performances and roving entertainers
The Food Quarter will feature over 20 vendors serving European winter dishes including raclette, choucroute, bratwurst and fresh crêpes. You’ll find hot chocolate stations and mulled wine bars throughout the festival area – perfect for cold winter evenings.
Best time to visit: Evenings for the best atmosphere and lighting
When: July 11-20, 2025
Where: The Rocks, Sydney l Cost: Free
Sheraton Grand Hyde Park Seafood Brunch
The Sheraton Grand’s famous Sunday seafood buffet gets a festive makeover this July. Santa makes an appearance while you enjoy fresh Australian seafood, international dishes, and special Christmas treats at the live cooking stations. The buffet is particularly known for its extensive selection of local seafood and shellfish.
The dessert bar is a highlight, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
When: Every Sunday in July
Where: Level 1 Restaurant, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Cost: $145 with beverages, $125 without beverages and $65 children (4-12 years)
The Nag’s Head Hotel Festive Feasts
The historic Glebe pub is hosting traditional British-style Christmas lunches every Saturday in July. Your $65 ticket includes mulled wine or cider on arrival, followed by a hearty roast with all the trimmings – think minted lamb shoulder or chestnut-stuffed chicken complete with Yorkshire puddings. All meat is locally sourced and slow-cooked for maximum flavour.
Save room for Chef Nelly Robinson’s family recipe sticky toffee pudding.
When: Saturdays (July 5, 12, 19, 26), 12pm-3pm
Where: The Nag’s Head Hotel, Glebe
Cost: $65 per person
Three Blue Ducks Christmas Feast
Enjoy a one-off festive lunch at Three Blue Ducks featuring traditional favourites from smoked trout blinis to roast turkey with all the trimmings. The restaurant’s farm-to-table philosophy means all produce is seasonal and sourced from local suppliers.
Round off your meal with Christmas pudding while sipping mulled wine or the specially selected Mountadam 550 Cabernet Sauvignon.
When: Sunday July 20, 12pm-3pm
Where: Three Blue Ducks
Cost: $79 per person
Chiswick Retro Sunday Christmas Feast
For one special Sunday, Chiswick’s popular Retro series takes on a festive twist. Head chef Samuel Rozsnyoi’s menu features LP’s maple honey-glazed ham with all the trimmings, plus pavlova for dessert. Many of the vegetables served come direct from Chiswick’s kitchen garden.
Enjoy classic cocktails and vinyl tunes that’ll transport you back in time.
When: Sunday July 27
Where: Chiswick, 65 Ocean Street, Woollahra
Cost: $60
YuleFest in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains has been celebrating Christmas in July since the 1980s. With its crisp winter air, occasional snowfall, and cosy fireplaces, it’s the closest you’ll get to a traditional winter Christmas experience near Sydney. At 1000m above sea level, temperatures regularly drop below 5°C, creating the perfect atmosphere for mulled wine and roast dinners.
Mountain Heritage Hotel’s 6-course dinners
Experience the magic of Yulefest at Hotel Mountain Heritage — the home of the original Yulefest, with festive feasts, twinkling lights, carols, and a surprise visit from Santa, it’s definitely worth the trip!
The evening includes complimentary sparkling wine on arrival, followed by dishes like sugar-cured salmon, lobster and avocado salad, roast pork belly with spiced apple, and traditional Christmas cake. Vegan menu available on request.
When: Saturdays (July 5, 12, 19, 26), from 6pm
Where: Mountain Heritage Hotel, Cnr Apex & Lovel Streets, Katoomba
Cost: Adults $180, Children (5-12 years) $79
Bookings: Essential – call (02) 4782 2155
Hotel Etico Christmas Feast
Traditional holiday favourites served in this historic Mount Victoria venue. Hotel Etico is Australia’s first social enterprise hotel, providing hospitality training and employment for people with disabilities.
When: Saturdays (July 5, 12, 19, 26), from 5pm
Where: Hotel Etico, 11 Montgomery Street, Mount Victoria
Cost: Adults $99, Children $45
Bookings: Online via hotel website
Blue Mountains Yulefest at Fairmont Resort
The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains celebrates Yulefest with two distinct dining experiences this July. Both events include festive decorations, live entertainment and visits from Santa.
Embers Restaurant Yulefest Dinner
A three-course festive dinner by the fireplace with live music.
When: Saturday July 5, 5pm-8:30pm
Where: Embers Restaurant, Fairmont Resort
Cost: al la carte l Bookings: Essential
Grand Ballroom Festive Buffet
A three-hour evening including buffet dinner, drinks package and entertainment and a visit from santa.
When: Saturdays (July 12, 19, 26), 6:30pm-9:30pm
Where: Grand Ballroom, Fairmont Resort
Cost: $229 adults, teens $169, $99 kids 5-12 years l Bookings: Essential
Don’t forget to Make a Booking
Most Christmas in July events require advance bookings, with popular sessions like the Fire Pit Cinema and Blue Mountains dinners often selling out weeks ahead. Check venue websites for the latest availability and book early to avoid disappointment.
