Christmas in July: Sydney’s Yulefest celebrations
Christmas in July is one of Sydney’s best winter traditions — and 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet. The Rocks transforms into a European-style market village for ten nights, restaurants across the city put on festive menus, and the Blue Mountains go all in on Yulefest with dinners that regularly sell out by June.
This guide covers confirmed events for 2026, from free festivals to multi-course dinners with Santa. Prices and dates are confirmed where available. For venues still finalising their programs, we’ve linked directly to their booking pages so you can check for updates.
This page contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure page for full details.
Christmas in July at The Rocks
The Rocks Christmas in July Festival is back for 2026, running for ten nights across the heart of Sydney’s most historic precinct. Entry is free and the festival is designed for all ages.
What’s on at the festival
The market village is built around traditional European-style wooden chalets lining the laneways and historic streets of The Rocks. More than 30 vendors cover artisan gifts, handmade creations and festive food and drink.
Food and drink highlights include:
- Mulled wine bars throughout the festival area
- Melted raclette and fondue experiences
- Hot chocolate
- Fire pits
Snow Lane returns in Kendall Lane, where snow falls beneath fairy lights — it’s the most photographed spot at the festival. Live music and entertainment run across the ten nights.
Best time to visit: evenings for atmosphere and lighting. Note that the Bastille Day festival runs at Circular Quay from 16–19 July, which overlaps with the final weekend. That’s the busiest period — factor it in if you’re planning dinner reservations nearby.
When: Friday 10 July – Sunday 19 July 2026
Where: The Rocks, Sydney
Cost: Free
Christmas in July Restaurants and Dining in Sydney
Sheraton Grand Hyde Park Seafood Brunch
The Sheraton Grand’s famous Sunday seafood buffet gets a festive makeover this July. The Level 1 restaurant’s annual festive buffet returns for one Sunday in July. Expect fresh Australian seafood, live cooking stations, a chocolate fountain and a visit from Santa.
The dessert bar is a highlight, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
When: Sunday 19 July 2026
Where: Level 1 Restaurant, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Cost: $145 with beverages | $65 children (4–12)
Strangers’ Restaurant, NSW Parliament House
Strangers’ Restaurant sits inside NSW Parliament House overlooking the Domain, and opens to the public every July for a Christmas-themed lunch built around NSW regional produce. One entree, main and dessert from the a la carte menu, followed by tea and coffee. Last seating is 1pm. Every Friday in July the lunch switches to a Christmas-themed High Tea.
When: Monday to Thursday throughout July, 12pm–3pm | Fridays: Christmas High Tea
Where: 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney (NSW Parliament House)
Cost: $95 per person (lunch) | High Tea pricing: check the website
YuleFest in the Blue Mountains
Christmas in July has been a Blue Mountains tradition since the 1980s. At around 1000m above sea level, temperatures regularly drop below 5°C in July, and occasional snowfall is more likely this month than any other. It’s the closest thing to a traditional northern hemisphere winter you’ll find near Sydney.
Most venues run their dinners on Saturday nights and book out well in advance. If you’re making a weekend of it, several hotels offer Yulefest accommodation packages.
Mountain Heritage Hotel’s 6-course dinners
Mountain Heritage claims the title of the original Yulefest venue in the Blue Mountains, and the 2026 dinner lives up to that history. Five courses, sparkling wine on arrival, live music and a visit from Santa. Seats are limited and these evenings book out early.
When: Saturdays 4, 11, 18 and 25 July 2026, from 6pm
Where: Hotel Mountain Heritage, Cnr Apex & Lovel Streets, Katoomba
Cost: Adults $189pp | Children (3–12) $79 | Under 3 free
Bookings: Essential – call (02) 4782 2155
Blue Mountains Yulefest at Fairmont Resort
Fairmont Resort hosts four Yulefest Buffet Celebrations across the four Saturdays in July, open to both in-house guests and visitors. The Grand Ballroom is set up for the occasion with festive decorations, live entertainment and a visit from Santa.
The buffet covers all the classics: roast turkey, honey glazed ham, prawns, oysters, beef, lamb, salmon, salads, Christmas pudding and yule log. A three-hour drinks package covering alcoholic and non-alcoholic options is included in the price. Note that seating is at shared tables of 10, with families seated together with other guests.
These dinners sell out early — each Saturday has its own booking link via the Fairmont Resort website.
When: Saturdays 4, 11, 18 and 25 July 2026, 6.30pm–9.30pm
Where: Grand Ballroom, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains
Cost: Adults $235 | Accor+ Explorer Members $211 | Teens (13–17) $169 | Children (5–12) $99 | Toddlers free
Bygone Beautys Tearooms, Leura
Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum and Tearooms in Leura runs a traditional Christmas feast luncheon daily from 20–31 July. Tables are decorated with bon bons and Santa visits during the meal. Guests can bring a wrapped gift (max 1kg, clearly labelled) for Santa to distribute.
Bookings are essential with a minimum of four people per booking. BYO is welcome with a $4.40 corkage fee per person.
When: Daily 20–31 July 2026, sitting at 12.30pm
Where: Bygone Beautys Tearooms, Leura
Cost: $99pp (4–8 people) | $88pp (9–18 people) | $85pp (19+) | Children under 12 $45
The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
The Carrington has been part of Blue Mountains hospitality since 1883, and its heritage dining rooms make it one of the most atmospheric spots for a Yulefest dinner. Crackling fireplaces, candlelit dining and traditional Christmas menus draw a loyal crowd every July, with many dates booking out well in advance.
Dates and pricing for 2026 have not yet been announced. Sign up on The Carrington website to be notified when presale bookings open.
When: Saturdays in July 2026 (dates TBC)
Where: The Carrington Hotel, 47 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
Palais Royale Boutique Hotel, Katoomba
Gazelles Restaurant at the Palais Royale runs a four-course Yulefest dinner every Saturday in July. The chef-curated menu covers traditional Christmas flavours with live entertainment included.
When: Saturdays 4, 11, 18 and 25 July 2026
Where: Gazelles Restaurant, Palais Royale Boutique Hotel, Katoomba
Cost: Adults $179 | Children (3–12) $129 | Infants (under 3) $69
Victoria & Albert Guesthouse, Mount Victoria
The historic V&A in Mount Victoria runs Christmas in July dinners across four Saturdays in July, plus a Sunday lunch on 12 July.
The four-course menu includes a welcome champagne and is served in the main dining room. Seating is strictly limited.
When: Saturday dinners 4, 11, 18 and 25 July | Sunday lunch 12 July 2026
Where: Victoria & Albert Guesthouse, Mount Victoria
Cost: Adults $155 | Teens $99 | Children (4–11) $39
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.
