Christmas in July: Sydney’s Yulefest celebrations & Dinners 2025

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.

Sydney Christmas Festival in The Rocks

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.

Artist’s impression of the Fire Pit

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
Hot chocolate and marshmallows will keep you warm

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.

Snowlane is part of Sydney’s Christmas in July

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.

Sheraton Christmas in July Buffet
Sheraton Christmas in July Buffet

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.

Just part of the spread on offer at Nags Head

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.

A Christmas feast at 3 Blue Ducks
A Christmas feast at 3 Blue Ducks

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.

Roast ham on a red tablecloth
Retro Sundays at Chiswick

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!

Meet Santa at Hotel Mountain Heritage’s Yulefest dinners

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.

Paula Morgan

About the author: Paula Morgan, a born-and-bred Sydney resident, has been sharing this city and its secret spots for over 15 years. While she appreciates Sydney's famous landmarks, her true passion lies in uncovering the city's lesser-known treasures—from vibrant street art tucked away in hidden laneways to charming neighborhood cafés and exceptional local restaurants that tourists rarely discover. As the editor of Sydney Expert, an accredited member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW), and a founding member of Sydney Greeters, Paula's intimate knowledge of her hometown shines through in every recommendation, offering visitors and locals alike a genuine insider's perspective.